• Reducing and normalising high blood pressure
• Normalizing low blood pressure
• Elimination of oedema and reduced swelling in feet and ankles
• Prevention of heartburn
• Improved sleep quality
• Clearing headaches
• Relieving varicose veins
• Clearing pelvic congestion
• Improved lymphatic drainage
• Helping to aid digestion by boosting the pancreatic secretion of
digestive hormones, the pancreas can become sluggish during
pregnancy due to the effect of the placental hormones.
• Oxygenating the baby by improving the blood flow within the whole body, helping the uterus and the baby's placenta.
• Helping to carry the baby to term
• Can be used to initiate labour if you are overdue, thereby reducing the need for medical induction at hospital
• Intensifying contractions during labour and shortening labour as a result

Expectant Mothers Helped by Reflexology

Reflexology during pregnancy
And as if all of those wasn't a good enough reason to try this extremely relaxing and calming therapy, a further study has also shown that it can reduce labour time by over 60%. The study conducted in London by Dr Gowri Motha showed that women having regular reflexology treatments (10 reflexology sessions from 20 weeks) had an average first stage labour of 5-6 hours, compared to textbook expectations of 16-24 hours. It also found that Stage 2 and 3 of labour combined was less than 25 mins for those having had reflexology, compared to more typical experiences of 1-2 hours. In addition, 89.0% of the women experienced a normal delivery.

 

Maternity Reflexology

There has been several studies on reflexology in pregnancy, on issues important to expectant mothers.

Research shows that women given
reflexology during pregnancy or
labour experienced shorter labour
times and less analgesia use.

In addition, reflexology aided with
the problems of retention of the placenta
and primary inertia during labour as
well as helping the women avoid surgery or medication.
(See the Expectant mothers helped by reflexology information below). The Gentle Birth Method book by Dr Gowri Motha has quickly grown in popularity, with the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Gabby Logan, Kate Moss, Stella McCartney and Elle MacPherson helping to promote the benefits of following it, to thousands of pregnant women across the UK. Dr Gowri Motha writes in her book, that Reflexology is one of the most powerful tools in her programme, and describes how it could benefit throughout the pregnancy with:

Free Post-Natal Treatments!

Receive a free post-natal reflexology treatment for you & your baby, when you commit to 6 or more reflexology treatments.