Reflexology before 12 weeks of pregnancy

[ixia]

Hi need some advice. I have been taught not to do reflexology before mum has reached 12 weeks of pregnancy. But my sister-inlaw is pregnant not yet 12 weeks and was told by midwife to try reflexology for her morning sickness. When reflexology has been recommended by a midwife would you do the treatment or play it safe and wait until the 12 week mark?

 

[Jenga da kitty]

I have treated clients who have been with me for infertility treatments from conception to birth, and have felt happy to do so.

But there are a few things to consider - Especially if the mum to be has not had reflexology prior to conceiving.
Is the pregnancy a precious one, long awaited. Might be best to leave it until 12 weeks, for your own peace of mind.

Is the pregnancy completely stable, no bleeding or cramping. No problem, if not dont treat.

Reflexology will not cause a miscarriage, but people always look for a reason if a miscarriage occurs and you may be blamed.

During early pregnancy avoid working the reproductive areas completely, I often just hold them and visualise a healthy baby and hormones. Concentrate on the digestive system, spine, and lots of relaxing moves.Treat lightly to gauge her reaction to start with.

Go with your instincts, if you are too worried dont do it. You should show her the stomach reflex on her hand which she can gently treat herself at any time, and may be very helpful.

Nausea, altho a nuisance is a good sign in pregnancy as it shows the hormones are a good level. (often worse when baby is a girl).

Jan x

 

[Starry]

Hi Jan Thank you thats really helpfull i will consider everything you have said. I'll probably leave it untill she is 12 weeks as she has had some bleeding already during this pregnancy and she only has two weeks until she reaches the 12. If her last pregnancy is anything to go by she'll feel sick through the whole 9 months and will really benefit from reflexology. Thanks again.
Rachel x

 

[Jimmy Dean]

Hi Rachel

How long is it since she had any bleeding. It might be best to leave it until at least 4 clear weeks, even if after the 12 week mark. Once the placenta takes over and is functioning well all should be more stable.

Jan

 

[xvlevlze]

Hi Jan,

Not sure when she last had bleeding, I will check with her and take your advice to leave it 4 weeks. Better to be safe than sorry.

Thanks for the advice

Rachel

 

[Other Girl]

Reflexology during pregnancy etc.

If there was any danger using reflexology during pregnancy the womans doctor would also recommend that walking on the beach could/would be harmful because it might over stimulate the reflexes, either directly or indirectly!!!!!!

Reflexology is, after all, NON-medical and pregnancy is also NOT a disease!

Furthermore, avoiding treating ANY reflex is not doing reflexology properly! Reflexology is holistic, therefore, all reflexes should be treated.

The one real contraindication (apart from not wanting to treat someone) is where there is un-diagnosed internal bleeding! Other so-called reasons for not treating an area are of course - injured areas (recent), gangerene, infected areas etc.

It grieves me to see some of the answers offered to questions posed - I wonder where these people trained and who trained their tutors.

Eunice Ingham must be doing summersalts in heaven in frustration over the way reflexology is being diluted and misinterpreted.

Anthony Larkin
European Institute of Classical Reflexology

 

[anarieLam]

hello anthony,[/align][/align]harsh words! mind you, i totally agree... if i am treating pregnant ladies, and yes i do, from pre conception through (well obviously they arent pregnant at the beginning bit ), i'll treat all reflexes... particularly the endocrine ones, as thats the bit which is more often needing a bit of balance and attention.[/align][/align]BUT, its as well to use caution IF IN ANY DOUBT! in fact, the contraindications i was taught are, if i dont want to do it or my client doesnt want it.[/align][/align]i also truly believe that we can do no harm, but as jan pointed out, in these times of litigation, fault is always going to be looked for and the buck could stop at the therapists door. [/align][/align]mind you, i have said on these boards before, if reflexology or aromatherapy were that good at causing miscarriage, i know what i'd have if i needed to terminate an unwanted pregnancy, and i am sure the majority of women would feel the same... clinical abortions would be a thing of the past. [/align][/align]i do think that advanced training should be undertaken to deal with the whole physiological and emotional change occurring in a womans body at this time, to gain more knowledge and understanding. [/align]

 

[mtwaites]

Hi Anthony and welcome to HP.

As the reflexologist who gave advice to Rachell, I assume its me you are referrring to

Quote 'It grieves me to see some of the answers offered to questions posed - I wonder where these people trained and who trained their tutors. '

So you are attacking me in a very personal manner which I findamusing but also offensive. I was trained by the Association of Reflexologists and very well too. I've also got a lot of practical post grad experience and training.As statedI treat women at all stages of pregnancy but use my own discretion and feel the reprosneed to be worked lightly, that is my method.

Quote 'The one real contraindication (apart from not wanting to treat someone) is where there is un-diagnosed internal bleeding'
Doesn't pregnancy bleeding count?

I completely stand by my advice to Rachell. One of the main duties of a therapist is to first, do no harm and then to treat within their training and confidence.


What you are also stating infersthat reflexology cannot produce any physical effects. From my experience when treating women whilst they are menstuating, the flow of blood can increase considerably. This can be very beneficial, but not always desirable.


Why do we treat women at term in pregnancy? Lena Chandler an eminent fertility and pregnancy tutor whose course I attended, says that in 80% of cases there is a physical response, (ie a show or contractions,) to a reflexology treatment working the pituitary, hypothalamus and uterus, and I have found this to be true, although I never make a claim to this effect and emphasize the relaxing effect.

With my personal experience and knowledge I would err on the side of caution and not treat an unstable pregnancy for my own peace of mind.

You do what you like, but where there is much at stake an inflated ego should not overcome what may be best for the patient.