Reflexology during pregnancy...!

[Highlandgirl]

I've read about Reflexology being used during pregnancy in order to help 'progress' labor i.e. get the baby out without having to wait an extra 10 days etc... At what stage should one start having reflexology during pregnancy?

I friend suggested not before 36 weeks (she was a day early) another said from 5 months onwards (and she was a week early) I've had reflexology before and really enjoy it just wondered what you all thought?

Really keen for baby to baby early as my brother is home from Afghan on R&R around my due date, and I'd hate for him to miss out.

Or is everything I've heard total rubbish...?

Thanks

I don't know about it helping to get baby out before due date? I think it may just be a coincidence.

I did have reflexology during labour which really helped. By chance the midwife who was with me was trained and every time I had a contraction she helped me through it. I would see if you have any trained midwives in your area first

Hope this helped

Ohhh that's sounds brilliant.Sharon how lucky for you..!

I know my acupuncturist used to swear on being able to get things going : )

Also, I used clary sage and a homeopathic remedy from a herbal shop (Neal's Yard) which seemed to work.

I imagine reflexology could work well. I know there is a place at the back of your heel which is supposed to bring on contractions when massaged. Good luck!

You need to find a practitioner who is trained in maternal reflexology. Alernatively, acupuncture can be very good but again you need to find someone who is experienced with using it to help start labour. I am also told that acupuncture is very effective as pain relief during labour.
How about asking for detail of local practitioners from you NCT?

This is all brilliant advice...! Yes i'd heard about acupuncture too. Not so keen on needles but it might be worth a 'hit for the team' so to speak..

Will look into it further, any suggestions on when I should start? Currently 28wks.

Gailforce haven't heard of maternal reflexology before.

Arizonagirl I do like those blue jars..thanks for the tip!

i had acupuncture at my hospital from 38 weeks and reflexology at 39 weeks. the reflexologist said she wouldn't have done anything earlier than 38-39 weeks. good luck!

I had just one reflexology session with DD1, on my due date. I had a show that evening and she was born the next day.

I would definitely recommend it and am planning a session on my EDD this time, if DD2 not out by then. Of course, it could just have been a coincidence, but I'll never know

Where are you based? I went to 'Me and My Baby, opposite Chelsea & Westminster Hospital in SW London.

My mum was 2 weeks overdue with me. Dr was a hippy (back in the 80s this) and so wanted to try acupuncture before chemical induction. 24 hours later I "rolled out" as mum puts it. Says it was the easiest and best birth ever.

Regarding reflexology they're obviously very big on it here and the foot massage places refuses to work on pregnant women until 38 weeks unless you sign a waiver. Even then they will strictly avoid certain places on the foot (especially the heal and around achilles tendon) and they are very gentle. Much more of a foot rub than massage.

Once I'm 40 weeks I'll definitly be going down the acpuncture and reflexology root. I certainly wouldn't before 38 weeks as baby isn't ready before then from what I understand.

I have found a lady who is qualified in Maternity Reflexology. Has done wonders for my swollen legs, achy hips and cramp. I has a session last night (I'm 28 wks) and its so relaxing even my little disco dancer stopped moving for a short while ( they never seem to stop).

She recommends about one a month up until last month and then one every ten days ish in the last 6 weeks. If you wanted you can even have it during labour, but I'm not sure about it for me

The earlier you start with it the more impact it will have (or so I'm told).

I would have been a sceptic but afte 1MC and ttc for 2 years,then 1 reflexology session later I was pregnant, it must have heled somewhere

Hi Cardomonginger, Notanothernewnappy and Beijingaling...brilliant, thank you.

Of course coincidence must play a part, however if nothing else seeing my feet and having then rub, would be lovely..

Based in SW London, haven't heard of 'Me and My Baby' will google now. Thanks.

Meeting a friend who had it today, so will find out where she went. It would appear from about 36+ weeks or so.

I had reflexsology sessions twice, wanted to progress with giving birth, but the baby arrived 7-8 days later at 40+4 days. So not much help although a great pampering.

And we all need pampering....!

HG, I am in SW London (and married to a Scot!), and had reflexology from about 38 weeks, the lady came to my house - I know she was hoping to move house (this was October) but I don't know if she has moved yet - may still travel to wherever you are, even if she has.

She was amazing! I went to the m/w one morning and she felt my bump and told me the baby had moved sides. Had reflexology with Carly that afternoon, and she said 'your baby has moved to the other side' - AMAZING!

She then came over the morning my contractions started, and I do think helped ease the pain a bit (wish I could have kept her for several hours, not just the one!).

Info here: www.carlygarrett.co.uk

Hi ladies,

I'm 38 weeks today, I'm booked in for an induction on the 9th August. My doctor tried a sweep on me today but I had to tell her to stop as it was extremely painful and uncomfortable.

Im considering reflexology as Iv here throw could help.

Has anybody got this done before in they pregnancy and any advice?