Maternity Reflexology (Pregnancy Reflexology)

Maternity Reflexology or Reflexology for Pregnancy may help offer some relief from the symptoms of pregnancy as well as allow you to have some time out for yourself.

Pregnancy can be a tiring and stressful time especially if you’ve got a very busy life too.

Sometimes what your body needs the most is to have an hour or so off where all you have to do is relax! As a mum myself I can empathise with this. 

What may Maternity Reflexology be helpful for?

Benefits of Maternity Reflexology may include*

• Helping to ease morning sickness
• Helping reduce heartburn
• Reducing Anxiety
• Lifting low mood
• Reducing back tension
• Improving sense of wellbeing
• Improving sleep patterns
• Giving you a little time for yourself
• Reducing stress
• Helping relieve constipation

*There is a plethora of anecdotal evidence to suggest that Reflexology may be helpful in pregnancy for a range of things. This is what clients, other reflexologists and their clients have noticed and reported rather than specific scientific testing.

Results cannot be guaranteed as we are all different and respond differently to reflexology. Generally people find reflexology to be supportive and relaxing and this in turn can help everything else work more effectively.

When can I have Maternity Reflexology? Do I need to wait until 13+ weeks?

I have taken a Maternity Reflexology course as well as a Reflexology for Pregnancy and Birth course and am insured to offer Reflexology throughout pregnancy.

However I do understand that you might wish to wait until 13+ weeks before having your first session.

Some pregnancies naturally come to an end especially during the first 12 weeks of Pregnancy, so this would need to be a consideration.

Miscarriage normally occurs due to either physical, genetic or hormonal reasons or due to infection. To the best of my knowledge there is no known link between reflexology and miscarriage.

You can read more about the main causes of miscarriage by clicking here

So the answer is you don’t have to wait until 13+ weeks but you may choose to do so!

Is Reflexology safe in pregnancy?

Generally speaking, it is thought that Reflexology is fairly safe in pregnancy especially in a low-risk pregnancy without complications. 

But of course you will need to consider your own approach to the risks/benefits.

If your pregnancy is progressing well then there should be minimal risk from having reflexology during pregnancy.

How often should I have Maternity Reflexology?

Initially once every 1-4 weeks. 

From 37 weeks it would be useful to have reflexology once or twice a week.

But it is entirely up to you, this is just a guide and will depend on your pregnancy, your schedule and your budget.

Having regular reflexology can help you feel calmer and less stressed and thus more able to cope with everything else.

They also have a cumulative effect so having regular sessions works better than having  just one as a one-off .

Will I need a note from my Midwife or Obstetrician?

If your pregnancy is progressing well with little or no complications then mentioning the fact you’re having Reflexology to your midwife will be enough.

If your pregnancy is classed as high risk or you have had bleeding during pregnancy or have any complications I will you need to get a note from your Obstetrician or Midwife to say that they are happy for me to proceed. 

In some circumstances, it may not be possible to offer you a reflexology session. 

When you would NOT be able to have reflexology in pregnancy

• If you are having any vaginal bleeding or pain that starts suddenly. Always contact your medical team if bleeding or have sudden onset of pain
• If you have a DVT
• If you have any conditions or illnesses that would prevent you from having Reflexology

Can Reflexology help me turn a breech baby?

The simple answer is that reflexology can help you to relax and being relaxed can help provide the pelvic girdle and the muscles that support it the right environment to allow the baby be able to turn him/herself.

However there are no guarantees with this. 

Here is an interesting article on turning breeched babies Click Here

Disclaimer: Please note anything you do needs to be something you do because you think it’s right. I am not responsible for any external content.

Can Reflexology start labour?

Reflexology may help you to create a calm and relaxed environment and babies seem to like to be born into a relaxed environment. Having a relaxed environment is beneficial to both mum and baby.

However, babies tend to be a bit like buses, they will come along when they are ready!

Reflexology Priming for labour Sequence

There are specific acupressure points on the feet and ankles that are thought to help spark off labour.

This however is an oversimplification. If the baby is ready to be born, using the priming for labour sequence may be helpful, but it will not work unless the baby is ready to be born.

I do not include any of the priming for labour sequence techniques until at least your second post-37 weeks reflexology session with me. 

Reflexology may help calm any birthing anxiety you may have, may help you feel nurtured, soothed and supported in the run up to the birth.

If possible, have reflexology every week (once or twice a week) from week 37 onwards. 

I’ve had a Caesarean, when can I have a Reflexology treatment?

Normally you can have a reflexology treatment once you have been signed back to the care of your GP, unless you have written consent from your consultant.

Normally this ‘signing back to the GP’ happens when you’re discharged from hospital after your operation.

If you are still  in hospital, you will need permission from your consultant 

Postnatal Reflexology treatments

After you have given birth you may find Reflexology helpful to help you relax and recover from the birth.