Reflexology for conception, pregnancy, and beyond

Have you ever considered calling on a specialised reflexologist for conception, pregnancy, labour, or postnatal care but were never too sure of how exactly it might help you, how many treatments you would have to book, and whether it would have beneficial effects... if any at all? This article is here to bring a bit more light on the matter.

Reflexology for pre-conception

Why? Preconception reflexology treatments will help in many ways those couples who are trying to conceive.

• Reflexology will help prepare a healthy, balanced environment for pregnancy.
• Reflexology will encourage ovulation.
• Reflexology will help reduce your and your partner's stress levels.
• Reflexology will contribute to the restoration of hormonal balance.
• Reflexology can encourage healthy sperm production and erectile functions.

When? It is usually advised to receive at least two treatments a month pre-ovulation and after the onset of the menstruation period (no reflexology should be offered if there is a chance conception might have already occurred).

Your reflexologist will not be able to predict the length of the treatment plan. Conception may occur within 6 weeks, 6 months, or even up to 18 months after the start of the treatment. Conception and a successful pregnancy involve many different factors and although reflexology has proven to be of great help to couples trying to conceive, in some cases, conception may not occur and you can ask your therapist to stop or interrupt the treatment plan whenever you see fit.

Reflexology for pregnancy

How early? Once conception has occurred, reflexology isn't usually recommended until the 14th week of your pregnancy (at the earliest). Indeed, it is better to allow your body to settle as well as the baby. The first trimester is a fragile period of changes and it would be wise not to disrupt this process.

How can it help? In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, however, reflexology treatments can help with most ailments and discomforts brought about by your pregnancy (sciatica, constipation, heartburn, back pain, anxiety etc). Regular reflexology treatments during pregnancy can bring you peace, and confidence, and prepare your body for labour and birth.

How often? Treatments are advised on an as-and-when basis, depending on your budget and how you are feeling. Weekly, monthly, bimonthly, or even more occasional, there is no rule at this point.

Reflexology for the natural onset of labour

What can it do? Research has been published that shows that women who have received regular reflexology treatments throughout their pregnancy will tend to:

• Have more natural, unassisted births.
• Comparatively shorter labour.
• Faster recovery and lesser risk of infections after surgery.

From 37 weeks on, specialised reflexology treatments are intensified little by little to encourage the production of hormones and the activation of labour processes and bring on the natural onset of labour.

How often? Please be aware that one isolated reflexology treatment might not help trigger labour. It is advised to plan to receive a series of specialised pre-labour treatments if you intend to induce natural labour. After week 39, two treatments a week might be needed. After 40 weeks, you may be advised to have a treatment every 2 or 3 days, even daily if you would like.

Reflexology for postnatal care

After the birth, reflexology can be an essential part of the new mum's aftercare and has many benefits:

• help restore Mum's fragile hormonal balance.
• help prevent postnatal depression and anxiety.
• help to improve sleep patterns.
• encourage the recovery of energies after labour.
• encourages quicker healing and lessens the risk of infection after surgical intervention or stitches, for example.
• be a valuable asset for breastfeeding, encouraging, for example, good lactation.

The miracles and wonders that are conception, pregnancy, and birth are fascinating. Supporting expectant parents and their families along this unique journey is a privilege for specially trained reflexologists. Reflexology can help a lot along the way. However, not knowing what to expect, it can be difficult to choose a therapist to help and support you, as well as your partner and your baby or babies.