Maternity Reflexology

Reflexology is a wonderful therapy that can be safely used to help treat minor disorders during pregnancy, labour and post pregnancy.

During this beautiful and special time, as the baby develops and grows, the mother goes through physical, mental and emotional changes in a very short period of time.

Reflexology can help alleviate many of the common symptoms of pregnancy and it can provide many benefits for both the mother and baby. It is also a great tool to help the pregnancy to be as stress-free as possible, to optimise health and balance the body systems.

Reflexology can help the following conditions:

Fatigue, Nausea, Morning Sickness, Dizziness/Constipation
Anaemia
Heart Burn
Normal Oedema/Water retention
Anxiety, stress, insomnia
Skin rashes/itchy skin
Restless legs, Leg Cramps
Backache, Sciatica
Pregnancy Diabetes
Cystitis

When is the best time to start reflexology treatments?

It is recommended to start the treatments when you are 12 weeks pregnant or more and have had your first scan before you start. Reflexology is recommended by many maternity hospitals in Dublin for various symptoms during pregnancy. Even if you are just looking for a treatment to aim for relaxation you should always check with your doctor or midwife that they are happy for you to start the treatments.

When is reflexology not appropriate during pregnancy?

Even though reflexology is a very safe therapy there are some contraindications where treatment isn’t suitable and it is recommended that you should immediately seek medical intervention.

Threatened miscarriage/Bleeding
Toxaemia: Eclampsia, pre-eclampsia- severe headaches, severe oedema
Unstable Diabetes
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Placental Separation/Placenta Praevia
Recent Surgery in the foot area

Reflexology is a safe therapy and does not interfere with the viability of the pregnancy. However, it is recommended to wait until 12 weeks to start the treatment, when the pregnancy is well established

Benefits of reflexology during pregnancy and labour:

Reduce morning sickness
Helps relieve heartburn and indigestion, constipation and haemorrhoids, lower back pain and labour sciatica.
The length of labour can be reduced by having regular reflexology treatment in the weeks prior to the expected date of delivery.
Prepares the body for labour by balancing the body systems, especially the endocrine system which rules the labour process.
During labour, Reflexology can be used to boost energy and aid relaxation between contractions. It helps with pain control by stimulating the production of endorphins.
Babies born to mothers who had regular reflexology are very calm, suckle better and are less prone to colic.
Using reflexology after labour can help expel the retained placenta, promote healing of episiotomies, will encourage breast milk production and can help relieve urinary retention.