Reflexology and Your Pregnancy
Use this Complementary Modality for a Quick Labor and Easier Birth
Apr 7, 2008
Women around the globe are using Reflexology to help conceive a child, maintain a healthy pregnancy and have shorter labors and easier births.
Why Reflexology?
Reflexology is a deeply relaxing modality that is easily administered to the expecting female as only the feet, hands and/or outer ears are worked on. Many Reflexologists that work with expecting clients use zero gravity recliners in their offices to allow the mother-to-be a chance to recline without lying flat on her back. Reflexology is known for its ability to promote relaxation, improve circulation and encourage balance in the body. Who wouldn’t want relief from tired, aching, swollen feet? Add the benefits of improving sleep, helping digestion and helping to prevent problems before they can start and you have a no-brainer for today’s expecting mother.
Reflexology in the First Trimester
Dr. Gowri Motha, in her book The Gentle Birth Method, recommends Reflexology for severe nausea and vomiting during the first trimester. A general session can be given to help the body maintain balance and prevent morning sickness and tiredness.
Reflexology in the Second Trimester
Those following the Gentle Birth Method will use Reflexology at the following weeks of their second trimester:
- week 13 or 14 for relaxation and regulation of thyroid function
- week 15 for pelvic and thoracic lymphatic drainage
- week 18 for sciatic nerve and pelvic area
- week 20 for general balancing and prevention
- week 24 for endocrine and pancreatic balancing to prevent or correct gestational diabetes
- week 26 for pancreas, intestine and thyroid balancing
Reflexology in the Third Trimester
Continuing Dr. Motha’s Gentle Birth Method, Reflexology is suggested at the following weeks of the third trimester:
- week 28 for lymphatic drainage, sciatic nerve and sacro-iliac joint
- week 30 for abdominal and thoracic lymphatics to improve gut tone, support for the spine and vena cava as well as addressing any needs related to constipation, pancreas, and heart for blood circulation
- week 35 for spine support, kidneys, heart, pancreas and pelvic lymphatic drainage
- week 37 for improved energy levels and addressing any specific complaints
- week 39 for lymphatic drainage of the pelvis as well as toning the uterus, working kidneys, and endocrine system to prepare for labor
- week 40 to prime for labor: relaxes the mother and prepares the endocrine system, baby and mother for labor
- week 40+ for adrenals, pituitary and uterus to encourage labor at postdates sessions
A Quick Labor and Birth
Reflexology Doulas are appearing in hospitals, birth centers and home births around the world offering Reflexology and labor support combined. The Reflexology Doula is trained as both a professional Reflexologist, and a Birth Doula. Women hire a Reflexology Doula for her special training in using Reflexology for pain management, to encourage a stalled labor and to facilitate a smooth release of the placenta.
In a 1992-1993 research project conducted by Doctors Gowri Motha, Jane McGrath and Ms. Zia Rowji, 64 pregnant women were offered complimentary (free) Reflexology sessions from 20 weeks gestation to term. Thirty-seven of the women completed the set course of 10 treatments and had outstanding results in labor and birth:
- The first time mothers and the 20-25 year olds averaged 5-6 hours in labor (textbook is 16-24 hrs)
- Second stage labor (pushing and birth), lasted an average of 16 minutes (textbook is 1-2 hours)
- Some had labor times of only 2 or 3 hours
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