Pregnancy Reflexology
A study of 593 women giving birth at a Danish
hospital found that 89.7% of those who chose
reflexology with no anaelgesic drugs, felt
it reduced pain, with only 4 of them requiring
additional pain medication.(Easier Births
Using Reflexology." by Gabriella Bering
Liisberg, "Tidsskrift for Jordemodre,"
No. 3, 1989)
This study also showed that not only can
it help reduce pain but it can also help
bring about labour, often without the need
for further intervention in about half the
cases. And as if that wasn’t a good
enough reason to try this extremely relaxing
and calming therapy, a further study has
also shown that it can reduce labour time
by over 60%. The study conducted in London
by Dr Gowri Motha showed that women having
regular reflexology treatments had an average
first stage labour of 5-6 hours, compared
to textbook expectations of 16-24 hours.
It also found that Stage 2 and 3 of labour
combined was less than 25 mins for those
having had reflexology, compared to more
typical experiences of 1-2 hours.
The Gentle Birth Method book by Dr Gowri
Motha has quickly grown in popularity, with
the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Moss,
and Elle MacPherson helping to promote the
benefits of following it to thousands of
pregnant women across the UK. Dr Gowri Motha
writes in her book, that Reflexology is one
of the most powerful tools in her programme,
and describes the benefits of Reflexology
treatments throughout pregnancy which include:
• Reducing and normalising high blood
pressure
• Normalizing low blood pressure
• Elimination of oedema and reduced
swelling in feet and ankles
• Prevention of heartburn
• Improved sleep quality
• Clearing headaches
• Relieving varicose veins
• Clearing pelvic congestion
• Improved lymphatic drainage
• Helping to aid digestion by boosting
the pancreatic secretion of digestive hormones,
the pancreas can become sluggish during pregnancy
due to the effect of the placental hormones.
• Oxygenating the baby by improving
the blood flow within the whole body, helping
the uterus and the baby’s placenta.
• Helping to carry the baby to term
• Can be used to initiate labour if
you are overdue, thereby reducing the need
for medical induction at hospital
• Intensifying contractions during labour
and shortening labour as a result
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