Pregnancy and Maternity Reflexology
Pregnancy is one of the most amazing experiences, but can literally be super tough on the body. Even if you are the healthiest, fittest lady going 40 weeks + your post partum period of developing, growing and nurturing a new human takes its toll.
Pregnancy Reflexology was literally life changing for me. I went from being moody, anxious with alot of joint pain to having a third pregnancy with the most amazing spring in my step.
Reflexology benefits by Trimester
There are a huge unending amount of benefits with maternity and pregnancy reflexology but I will divide them out by trimester to give you an idea of what reflexology can help with.
Trimester 1: Unless being treated by an advanced fertility reflexologist it is recommended to wait until past your scan day 15/16 weeks before having your first session. In the first trimester it can help with nausea, energy levels, UTI's, reducing stress levels and anxiety,
Trimester 2: Trimester two brings up a host of different issues for some ladies and reflexology can help with them all ; Constipation, Indigestion, Sciatica, SPD & Back Ache, UTI's, Sinusitis, headcolds and headaches as the hormones change. Help to restore good sleep patterns and decrease stress and anxiety. At this stage we would recommended treatments every two to three weeks.
Trimester 3: At this stage the body is preparing for labour and the toll of 29+ weeks of pregnancy can start taking its toll on joints. Common issues we can help with at this stage include sleep, odema and water retention, UTI's, aching back, joints and hips. Digestion and heartburn. At this stage we also start to prepare the body for the labour process. Aiding baby in positioning for a natural delivery. Babies whos Mums have had reflexology are said to be calmer, have less colic, suckle better and are know as "reflex babies". At this stage of pregnancy we would recommend treatment every two weeks to every week.
When is reflexology not appropriate in pregnancy?
Even though Reflexology is mostly a safe therapy, some conditions are totally unsuitable to Reflexology during Pregnancy and they require immediate medical intervention:
- Placenta praevia - placenta low lying or coming first
- Bleeding
- Toxaemia: Pre-Eclampsia & Eclampsia
- DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
*Always make sure to let your reflexologist know about any new conditions or issues in pregnancy
Reflexology and Labour
Reflexology can be used pre and during Labour with the following results:
Inducing labour naturally
Reflexology can help to induce labour naturally. It prepares the body for labour by balancing the body's systems, especially the endocrine system which is responsible for the secretion of many important hormones.
- The length of labour can be very much reduced by having regular treatments in the weeks prior to your expectant delivery date
- Reflexology can be used during labour to help boost energy levels and aid muscle relaxation between contractions
- It can stimulate the production of natural endorphins during labour
- After birth Reflexology babies are very calm, suckle better and are less prone to colic.
Post Labour
After the birth of your baby you may be feeling tired and a little over whelmed with the responsibility of this new little bundle! You may benefit from a reflexology treatment at this very special but busy time. It can help with the following:
- Replace Energy Loss
- Aid Mother’s Milk Flow
- Post Natal Depression
- New Stresses & Anxieties
- Re-Energises the Body
- Helps Uterus Return to Original State
Contact Niamh by text on 0876121744 for apts or if you have any questions about Pregnancy Reflexology.