Is it safe to have reflexology in my first trimester?
It is important that your reflexologist has undertaken maternity reflexology training and knows that you are pregnant so that your treatment can be adapted accordingly. Joanne has trained in reflexology for maternity care and is therefore able to treat Clients at any stage of their pregnancy, including the first trimester.
You may find that some reflexologists will not treat Clients during their first trimester. This is because miscarriages are more common in the first term of pregnancy, and consequently some reflexologists are not prepared to take the risk that the client may blame them should a miscarriage occur.
There is no evidence that reflexology can cause miscarriages, reflexology is a gentle therapy that works in harmony with your body - it does not make your body do something that it wouldn't naturally do. However if you are at all worried about having reflexology during your first trimester then Joanne recommends that you go with your gut feeling - it's fine to wait until you have had your 12 week scan and then start your reflexology treatments - there's still lots of time to benefit from regular reflexology sessions throughout the later stages of your pregnancy.
Over due baby? How reflexology may help
The good news is there are a number of reflexes that can be worked to help encourage the onset of labour but please note that reflexology will not induce labour before your baby is ready to come.
This reflexology treatment to help encourage labour is quite different to a typical reflexology session - very specific points will be worked with a firm pressure. The treatment is intended to stimulate the reflex points and you may feel some points are a bit tender, however Clients still find the session very enjoyable and relaxing. Clients often find that their baby starts to wriggle and move around alot during the treatment too.
Joanne will be happy to show you how to use some hand reflexology techniques so you can stimulate the reflex points at home after your session.
*Joanne is unable to offer this treatment if you have not passed your due date or if you have any of the contraindications listed below. Please let your midwife know that you are going to have a reflexology session to induce labour before you come for your appointment.
Contraindications to reflexology during pregnancy
There are very few contraindications to reflexology, however during pregnancy reflexology should be undertaken by a qualified practitioner with maternity reflexology training.
If you have any of the following then reflexology can not be given:
- Pre-term labour - at any time before 37 weeks gestation
- Placenta previa - if Grade II or III after 32 weeks gestation
- Hydroamnios - if there is too much amniotic fluid around the baby after 32 weeks gestation
- A risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- A risk of pre-eclampsia
Other precautions: if you are diabetic then please check your blood sugar levels before and after treatments as reflexology helps to balance the endocrine system and insulin production.
Maternity Reflexology Testimonials
"Having had reflexology at other places, I was pleased to find Joanne at Calma last year. Her treatments helped me reach new levels of relaxation & health generally. Later on it also helped me prepare physically, mentally & spiritually for fertility treatment, which as it transpired worked first time! The reflexology had a really positive influence on the outcome to my IVF/ICSI coupled with acupuncture taken up just prior to & during the IVF/ICSI itself. Joanne recommended a properly trained practioner. During my 2nd trimester of pregnancy in the depths of winter, I continued being treated by Joanne, as I was determined to not have the swine flu vaccination (too many reports about 2nd trimester miscarriages). I survived winter & all the stresses of moving house too without catching swine flu or any other nasty winter bugs. I continued to enjoy 3rd trimester treatments which I found very relaxing. My husband has also enjoyed several treatments this year, which he found super relaxing - much to his surprise as he was somewhat sceptical about the merits of reflexology before he visited Joanne. It has made Christmas & Birthdays much easier now when choosing gifts for the male members of my family! I purchased courses of treatments to make it as cost efficient as possible, and also there is a loyalty scheme, so you can achieve some great discounts from time to time as well as several other offers that are circulated, so that I have enjoyed Joanne's other forte, Indian head massage. I cannot recommend Joanne & Calma reflexology highly enough; it is a very professional service. I look forward to some energising treatments ASAP now I'm a tired mother of an 8 week old baby!!" Anon, 2010
"Although I had never received a reflexology treatment in the past, I was determined not to be induced at the hospital and reflexology seemed to be the most suitable alternative. I had nothing to lose! Joanne came across as very professional and welcoming and the treatment was very effective. I gave birth to a healthy baby girl within 48 hours and I'd like to think that reflexology played a major part."
Anon, 2011