Clare Minter Reflexology
specialising in
Fertility and Maternity Reflexology

Maternity reflexology for pregnancy and labour

Maternity reflexology will help support you throughout your pregnancy and prepare you, both physically and emotionally, for the birth of your baby.

Research carried out in London by Dr Gowri Motha in 1988 showed that 37 first time mums who received ten maternity reflexology treatments during their pregnancies, had an average labour time of 5-6 hours. Quite a difference from the text book average of 16-24 hours! They also required significantly less pain relief than those in the study group who did not have reflexology.

Maternity reflexology will help prepare you for the birth

When you find out that you are expecting a baby, nothing will have prepared you for the huge changes that are happening as your body prepares for birth. Trying to relax during this time can seem hard to do, especially if you have a busy work schedule or already have young children to look after.

Putting time aside for regular reflexology treatments during your pregnancy will ensure that you invest in the new life growing within you. The effects of reflexology will calm and soothe you, helping you cope better at this time with the ups and downs of daily life.

Did you know that after your 25th week of pregnancy, you may qualify for a Health in Pregnancy Grant - a one-off tax free payment of £190? This is being provided to help you in the later stages of your pregnancy and a few maternity reflexology treatments from 32 weeks onwards are a great way of ensuring you stay well and healthy leading up to the birth of your baby.

Maternity reflexology to ease pregnancy discomforts

Perhaps you are experiencing one of the discomforts of pregnancy, such as morning sickness or backache or are just feeling very tired. Maternity reflexology may help ease many common conditions of pregnancy including:

Nausea and morning sickness

Constipation

Fatigue

Heartburn and acid reflux

Emotional disturbances and mood swings

Insomnia

Fluid retention

Back pain

Anxiety

Sciatica

Hyperemesis Gravidarum is thought to affect up to as many as 1 in 50 pregnant women. If you are suffering from this distressing condition you may have nausea and sickness throughout the day, and in severe cases may find it hard to keep any food or fluids down at all. This can be potentially dangerous, especially if dehydration occurs as a result of constant vomiting. Specific reflexology techniques can be used in the treatment of this condition, helping to bring relief. The ability to relax during the treatment sessions will also be very beneficial for you.

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP), also known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)), is a very debilitating complaint that, from my experience, responds well to reflexology. Specialised techniques carried out on a regular basis can provide pain relief, and will support you with this condition throughout your pregnancy.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is another condition that may affect expectant mums - usually in the later stages of pregnancy. It is caused by pressure upon the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel in your wrist. You may experience pain and tingling in your hands, which can travel up your arms and into your back. Regular reflexology treatments will encourage the elimination of excess fluid, helping to alleviate symptoms.

As an experienced maternity reflexologist I work in a complementary way alongside the skilled work of your midwife, and I will always ask you to obtain permission before reflexology treatments commence.

Maternity reflexology after your 'due date'

Many women do not have their babies until after their 'due date', but at about 10 days post-term a medical induction may be suggested to start and accelerate labour. If you are still waiting for your baby to make an appearance don't panic!

A maternity reflexology treatment in the very late stages of pregnancy will help your body to become deeply relaxed. With your midwife's permission, I can use specialised techniques using accupressure points to help promote labour and encourage the birthing process to start. This may result in the spontaneous onset of labour a few hours after the treatment, making medical induction unnecessary.

Maternity reflexology during labour

Whilst working on a voluntary basis in the delivery suite of a large hospital, I have treated many mums during labour and seen the wonderful effect that reflexology can have. Specialised labour reflexology techniques may help:

regulate and lessen the intensity of contractions

provide natural pain relief

relax and calm body and mind

Birthing partners can also be shown simple techniques that enable them to become an integral part of the whole experience.

Post-natal reflexology

Post-natal reflexology is a natural therapy that will gently help you to recover from the extraordinary changes that your body has been through over the last nine months. Treatments will give you a much needed opportunity to relax and recharge your batteries and may also:

encourage your menstrual cycle to return to normal

assist recovery following an epidural

aid recovery following a Caesarean section

ease breastfeeding discomfort and encourage lactation

alleviate anxiety and the "baby blues"

ease digestive problems

reduce the pain and discomfort of haemorrhoids

And finally...

Whilst the time leading up to the birth of your baby can seem very daunting, just try to relax and enjoy the whole experience. Remember that pregnancy and birth are wonderful, but natural, events and maternity reflexology will support you and enhance this very special time of your life!