Maternity/Pregnancy Reflexology

 

The benefits of reflexology during pregnancy are numerous. Reflexology is beneficial at any stage during pregnancy, as it can provide relief from many of the discomforts that are associated with it; discomforts such as fatigue, nausea, backache, headaches, pubis symphysis dysfunction (pelvic girdle pain), blood pressure, oedema, heartburn, constipation, and haemorrhoids. 

 

The link between the health of the mother and that of the unborn child is increasingly recognised, and reflexology can help the mother achieve her best potential health and consequently, the health of her baby.

 

There have been extensive health research studies that have shown that women, who have regular reflexology sessions during pregnancy, have better pregnancies and shorter labours that require no intervention for pain relief.

 

As the body’s ‘systems’ and hormones become balanced, the benefits of reflexology continue into the postnatal stage, which can help with ‘baby blues’, potential postnatal depression and also with lactation and the avoidance of mastitis. Babies born to mothers who have had regular reflexology are often calmer; they suckle better and are less prone to colic.

 

A study by Gowri Motha and Dr Jane McGrath of Forest Gate, London, found that when pregnant women were given a series of reflexology treatments, the labour times were drastically reduced (the first stage of birth was reduced to five hours, compared to the textbook’s sixteen to twenty-four hour first stage).

 

Aside from all of this, reflexology itself eases stress and tension, which can lead to a sense of relaxation, a boost in energy levels and an amazing sense of wellbeing.