Reflexology and pregnancy

As much as you want your baby, it’s likely that there will be some times during your pregnancy when you feel overwhelmed by the physical and emotional symptoms. This can cause you a great deal of stress, which will just give you something else to deal with on top of morning sickness, pregnancy aches and pains and worries about how you’re going to cope after your baby arrives.

What is reflexology?

Complementary practitioners theorize that stress can actually block energy pathways in the body, robbing us of the ability to heal ourselves. In reflexology, an ancient form of healing, specific areas of the body (in the ears and hands, as well as the feet) are associated with these energy channels. A reflexologist uses gentle pressure and stretching to break up these blockages, thereby restoring balance to the body and alleviating tension and anxiety.

Is reflexology safe in pregnancy?

Reflexology is generally considered safe in pregnancy as long as you inform your therapist that you are pregnant. Many will not give reflexology treatments in the first trimester (weeks 0-12) however, as it’s thought that the treatment could cause miscarriage. Strictly speaking there is little evidence that it does – and it is true that miscarriage is more common in the first trimester in any case. Therefore, many general reflexologists refuse to treat pregnant women at this stage in case they are blamed if miscarriage occurs.

If you are considering using reflexology in your first trimester, contact a practitioner who specializes in treating pregnant women for the best advice on how to proceed. There are few contraindications to using reflexology but it is best to stick with a qualified therapist. It should be avoided in any case where you have experienced contractions prior to 37 weeks, or if you have previously had a pre-term labor. Also avoid it if you have still have placenta previa after 32 weeks of pregnancy, since it could be potentially risky. It’s also advisable not to have it if you are at risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) – for example, if you have a personal or family history of blood clotting disorders or are overweight or obese – or if you are at risk of pre-eclampsia – for example, if you have high blood pressure, are carrying more than one baby, are overweight or obese, or have a personal or family history of the condition.

How can it help in pregnancy?

Many women use reflexology to help them conceive if they have fertility problems that can be attributed to stress and anxiety – it’s thought that stimulating an area of the foot that corresponds to the reproductive and hormonal system can help stimulate egg production and regulate irregular periods. If you decide to try reflexology when you already are being treated for fertility problems, let your doctor and your reflexologist know. You may be advised to avoid the therapy if you are being treated with fertility drugs such as Clomid.

Once you’re pregnant, reflexology can help provide relief from common pregnancy ailments such as morning sickness, lack of energy, pregnancy fatigue, pregnancy heartburn, painful breasts, backache and swelling in your hands and feet. It also can help you after your baby is born, when it comes to dealing with the stress that comes with 24-7 babycare. There is some evidence it may help boost your supply of breast milk, as well as helping with general relaxation and both the baby blues and postpartum depression. A reflexology session also is very much ‘me-time’ for a new mom, when you can feel pampered and get some time away from your newborn.

Reflexology and labor

Many women use reflexology to bring on their labor, although you shouldn’t attempt this unless you are overdue. Pressure can be applied to a point on the foot that corresponds with the pituitary gland, stimulating it to produce hormones that are associated with labor as well as feel-good hormones that can help relieve the pain of contractions. In one UK study, first-time moms-to-be who received reflexology had an average labor time of just five to six hours (with some labors only lasting two to three hours). Many of them also coped well without epidural anesthesia and the delivery of the placenta was speeded up after their baby’s birth.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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Last Modified: 30/08/2009

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