Pregnancy is a special and precious time in a women’s life, but it can also be extremely demanding on the mother, both physically and emotionally. Both reflexology and massage can help to support you during the coming months.
Throughout pregnancy, your body posture and centre of gravity adapt which puts additional strain on 
muscles, ligaments and joints and may cause aches and pains you’ve never experienced before.
In addition to the physical changes, hormone levels in the body change. It is well known that these changes in levels may make a woman feel more sensitive or out of control of their emotions at times, but hormones also cause physiological changes such as the release of relaxin which soften ligaments to help loosen the pelvis, but may also cause hypermobility in the joints and progesterone which soften muscles but may cause constipation, haemorrhoids and varicose veins.
There are also less obvious changes such as the additional strain on your circulatory and lymphatic systems. The volume of blood in a woman increases by up to 50% during pregnancy and can lead to symptoms such as changes in blood pressure, fatigue and swollen joints. The digestive and respiratory systems are also affected as the baby grows, which may cause indigestion, heartburn, shortness of breath and upper body muscle strain and tiredness as the body compensates the diaphragm in order to breath.
REFLEXOLOGY can be given from day one of your pregnancy until the day you give birth*. Relaxing, calming and balancing, it can support many of the changes and symptoms of pregnancy that you may encounter including:
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Hormonal changes
- Odema (swelling)
- Physical symptoms such as ligament pain, SPD and back pain
Preparing for labour
Many women enquire about having reflexology to prime for birth. There is no doubt that reflexology is a wonderful therapy, however there is no magic button to push unfortunately. However once at full term (37 weeks), we can use additional techniques within a relaxing and balancing reflexology treatment to help stimulate particular reflexes with the intention of priming for labour.
If you are interested in reflexology to prime for labour and beyond, it is advisable to have a some regular sessions during your last trimester. You may also be interested to know that research+ has shown that regular reflexology throughout the third trimester is likely to reduce anxiety and pain, shorten the three stages of labour and increase birth satisfaction.
It is always important to remember that your baby will only make an appearance without intervention when they are ready, not necessarily when you want them to and a reputable professional reflexologist should never promise that they can bring on labour.
+ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Effects of foot reflexology massage on pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies. 10 January 2024
PREGNANCY MASSAGE is suitable in your second and third trimesters*. It can help to alleviate many of the associated strains and stresses of pregnancy in addition to being a truly relaxing and calming experience at a time when you may be feeling emotionally delicate, stressed or just in need of some time for yourself.
Pregnancy Massage is a gentle and relaxing treatment, however it can still be targeted to problem areas. Treatment is adapted to different positions, depending on what stage of pregnancy or recovery you are at, but always with your comfort as the most important factor.
Benefits of massage during pregnancy
- Helps alleviate aches and pains due to postural changes
- Aids the circulatory and lymphatic systems to work more effectively, helping to detoxify the body, combat fatigue and improve energy levels
- Increased circulation eases the load on the mother’s heart and helps to keep blood pressure in check. It also increases oxygen and nutrients to the cells of both the mother and baby.
- Improves skin condition and may help to reduce stretchmarks
- Has a calming effect on the nervous system, aiding relaxation and mood and helping to increase the release of “feel good” hormones such as Oxytocin and reducing the stress hormone Adrenocorticotrphin. Happy mum = Happy baby!
- Gives you some all-important time for yourself where you can forget everything for an hour or so and be pampered!
DOUBLE THE BENEFITS
If you can’t decide between reflexology or massage, why not have both! I offer a 90 minute session which includes massage to the back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs and feet and a tailored reflexology treatment. My massage couch is fully adjustable and offers a high level of comfort and I use pregnancy safe oils and balms.
*GP consent MUST be obtained if you have a high-risk pregnancy.
