If you are pregnant and thinking about booking reflexology, it is completely natural to have questions. Will it be safe for you and your baby? Could it trigger anything you don't want during pregnancy? These are questions I hear often, and I always want you to feel fully informed before you book your first session.
I'm Clare, and I have been a qualified maternity reflexologist for over twenty two years. In that time I have supported hundreds of expectant mums through their pregnancies, and safety is always at the heart of how I work. Here is everything you need to know.
Yes, Maternity Reflexology Is Safe When It's Done Properly
Reflexology carried out by a qualified maternity reflexologist is completely safe to receive throughout pregnancy. It is a wonderful way to relieve stress, and it may also help manage common pregnancy discomforts such as:
- Morning sickness and nausea
- Constipation
- Back or pelvic pain
- Anxiety and general unease
The key word here is qualified. Maternity reflexology is a specialism in its own right, and it should always be carried out by someone trained specifically in working with pregnant clients.
When I Would Check With Your Midwife First
There are a few conditions where reflexology is contra-indicated during pregnancy, so getting to know a bit about you and your pregnancy before we begin is an essential part of how I work.
What I Ask Before Your First Session
Before your first appointment, I will ask about:
- Whether this is your first pregnancy
- How many weeks pregnant you are
- Any health concerns, and whether you have seen a consultant about them
- Your previous pregnancy and labour history
- Whether you have had assisted conception
You will also be sent an online health questionnaire to complete ahead of your visit, so I have a full picture of your health before we meet. I will also ask you to confirm that you have made your midwife aware you will be having reflexology. In my experience, midwives tend to be pleased about this, because a more relaxed mum usually leads to a more straightforward pregnancy and labour.
Your First Appointment Consultation
At your first session, we begin with a consultation lasting thirty to forty minutes. We will explore your pregnancy so far, talk through your health history, and discuss any concerns you may have. It is completely normal to feel anxious about labour, and this is your chance to talk it through. I will also offer wellbeing advice and adapt your treatment to suit your specific needs.
My Training and Experience
I trained in advanced maternity reflexology with Suzanne Enzer, a reflexologist and midwife, back in 2004. I had two really positive birth experiences of my own, and that is what sparked my passion for helping other women have that same experience.
Since then, I have assisted on maternity reflexology training courses around the UK, and I have worked on a voluntary basis within a hospital maternity unit, including carrying out reflexology on women in early stage labour. I have seen first hand the incredible way it helps women relax and can help relieve pain.
This training matters because pregnancy changes how reflexology should be practised. Some areas on the feet need to be avoided during pregnancy, and treatments need to be modified throughout.
There are also specialised techniques that can help relieve specific discomforts, and others that may be used later in pregnancy to help promote natural labour. There are never any guarantees, but the more relaxed a mum is, the more likely this becomes.
What I've Seen in Practice
Most of the clients I see have already had their safety questions answered before they book, because trust is such an important part of this process. Once that trust is there, you can simply relax and let the treatment work.
That said, I can think of a couple of occasions where a doctor or midwife referred a patient to me because of high blood pressure during pregnancy. In both cases, blood pressure readings came down significantly after regular reflexology sessions. This meant their baby's gestation period could be safely prolonged, getting much closer to their due date.
The One Thing I Wish Every Pregnant Woman Knew
Maternity reflexology is valuable at every single stage of pregnancy. As well as promoting deep relaxation and calming discomfort, your sessions give you dedicated time in a peaceful space to properly unwind and connect with your baby.
Nurturing yourself during pregnancy matters, and my aim in every session is to help build your confidence about giving birth and help you feel truly prepared for the experience ahead.
Ready to Feel Supported Through Your Pregnancy?
If you have questions about whether maternity reflexology is right for you, I would love to hear from you. Get in touch to book your first session or to ask anything before you commit.