REFLEXOLOGY AND PREGNANCY
IS REFLEXOLOGY SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?Generally the answer to this is yes. I often treat clients before they become pregnant and most of them choose to continue with sessions as soon as they have conceived. Some people are under the misconception that reflexology can be harmful during the early stages of pregnancy in case it causes a miscarriage. This is not the case. A miscarriage is generally a sign that there has been a problem with the baby's development or the mother's health and cannot be caused by a reflexology treatment.
Early pregnancy can be stressful, especially if the client has taken a long time to conceive, so gentle treatments for relaxation can be a wonderful help to reduce anxiety during this time. However if there is any doubt whatsoever by either the client or the therapist that reflexology is not appropriate during this time then treatments should be postponed.
CAN REFLEXOLOGY HELP ME TO BECOME PREGNANT?
Reflexology seems to be becoming a popular treatment to have during the 'preconceptual' period and some clients who have had difficulty in conceiving find that after regular sessions they become pregnant. This is usually in cases where there is no obvious cause to low fertility. The relaxing effects of the treatment may contribute to balancing the hormones and this could be a reason for the good results. Also, having regular treaments helps the client to feel they are doing something 'positive' in their efforts to increase their chances of becoming pregnant.
It is always important during these sessions that lifestyle issues are also addressed such as nutrition and stress reduction, and ideally both partners are seen.
CAN I HAVE REFLEXOLOGY DURING IVF TREATMENT?
There is no medical reason why reflexology cannot be continued during assisted fertility treatments. Undergoing IVF can be a very stressful experience for couples so a natural way of relaxing can only be beneficial during this time. In fact some fertility centres actively encourage reflexology for this purpose.
WILL REFLEXOLOGY INDUCE LABOUR?
Reflexology cannot really 'bring on' labour unless the time is right but many clients choose to continue with their treatments even if they have passed their official due date. I will also see new clients who are full term or beyond for a 'one off' treatment although ideally I will have seen them for a few sessions during pregnancy. Treatments at the final stage of pregnancy are often shorter to ensure the client is comfortable throughout. Probably over half of clients who are ready to give birth will go into labour spontaneously within twenty four hours of a treatment but reflexology will only encourage the birthing process if both mother and baby are ready. It is also important that the client is as relaxed as possible before labour begins and again reflexology will encourage this.
OTHER TREATMENTS
I also offer relaxation and guided visualisation sessions which clients may choose to have with their reflexology during the preconceptual period, during pregnancy or whilst undergoing IVF. Some of my clients who are trying for a baby also benefit from acupuncture. I am happy to recommend Mandy Laing (www.acupuncture-cheshire.co.uk) who has a special interest in fertility issues and works from clinics in Chester, Tattenhall and Manchester.
