Benefits of Reflexology during pregnancy

[The Healing Tree]

Pregnancy is probably one of the biggest events to take place in a woman’s life. It is a sacred time to be cherished but it can come with its fair share ups and downs. Physical, emotional and mental changes must take place during this very short time and this can place a lot of pressure on the pregnant mother.

Many common pregnancy symptoms can be alleviated with reflexology. These include;

[list:33at133c]Oedema
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Headaches
Constipation
Haemorrhoids
High blood pressure (not suitable for pre eclampsia or eclampsia)
Tiredness
Morning sickness
Heartburn
Backache
Breathlessness
Sleeplessness [/list:u:33at133c]

Throughout pregnancy a maternity reflexologist can support the mother to maintain health.Prevention of some unpleasant pregnancy symptoms can be achieve through maternity reflexology
These can include;

[list:33at133c]Constipation
Haemorrhoids
High blood pressure
Gestational diabetes – prevention must commence at week 15, once symptoms occur it is irreversible.[/list:u:33at133c]

Reflexology given in pregnancy cannot only help improve the mothers overall health but can shorten the length of labour and promote a healthier outcome for the mother and baby.

Research Into The Effects Of Reflexology On Labour
‘Thirty-seven of 64 pregnant women, who were offered free reflexology, completed the set course of ten treatments. The effects of reflexology on labour outcomes were perceived as outstanding. Some had labour times of only 2 hours, some 3 hours. The 20 – 25 year olds had an average time of first stage labour of 5 or 6 hours. The 26 – 30 year olds seemed to have the longest labours. In total, the average first stage was 5 hours, second stage 16 minutes, and third stage 7 minutes. This is compared to textbook figures of 16 to 24 hours’ first stage, and, 1 to 2 hour’s second stage.’ (Dr. Gowri Motha and Dr. Jane McGrath)

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