During pregnancy, massage and reflexology may both be beneficial treatments for you and your growing baby.
Reflexology in pregnancy
Nearly everyone can benefit from having Reflexology during pregnancy. There are some studies which suggest that Reflexology helps to reduce complications during pregnancy and can make for an easier and shorter birth.
Generally Reflexology is not carried out in the first trimester, 12 weeks, due to your body settling into ‘being pregnant’. Many changes occur in those first 12 weeks and your body needs time to adjust. After the first trimester Reflexology is possible and generally very beneficial to you and your baby, relaxing you and helping you both stay healthy through the following 6 months of growth.
Reflexology is very relaxing and can help with stress related symptoms. Most women sleep well following a treatment and many report a sense of wellbeing. Although relaxing many people also feel energised. Other benefits include help with headaches, constipation, backache and symphasis pubis pain.
In the later stage of pregnancy, subject to doctor’s approval, Reflexology may be applied to induce labour. Applying pressure to certain points on the feet can stimulate contractions and may therefore be an option to avoid induction if you go over your due date.
Following the birth the relaxing effects of Reflexology can provide you with some quality time-out and promote a sense of wellbeing. Reflexology is known to be accumulative and has shown to help prevent postnatal depression.
Massage during Pregnancy (from 12 weeks onwards)
A relaxing massage which helps stimulate circulation and maintain joint flexibility. Reduces many of the common physical discomforts associated with pregnancy: backaches, leg cramps, constipation, swelling, fatigue etc. Martin has worked with the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) in the Guildford area promoting the benefits of massage in pregnancy.
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