Odd reaction to reflexology: should I worry?

[thelady]

Background:
I'm 22 weeks pregnant, and a PhD student is using our maternity facilities to test the beneficial effects of foot massage vs. reflexology on stress/anxiety.

Yesterday was my first session - none of us know if we're getting one or the other - and I think I got reflexology based on past experience.

I felt much less frazzled afterwards, but my feet don't seem to have enjoyed it as much as I have. By last night they had swelled up from ankle-bone to toes and they still haven't fully recovered this morning.

Co-incidence, or should I be concerned?

Have you got any swelling anywhere else - hands, face?

Nothing noticable anyway. Hands are maybe a little bigger than usual - but it's v. hot here and I've just done breakfast for 12!

bump

sudden swelling should be checked out by a midwife.

It could just be due to the heat.

it could be due to the heat, and standing up. But in some cases swelling can be a sign of pre eclampsia

Was it the first time you've had reflexology? I don't know much about reflexology, but I don't think a pregnant woman should have reflexology if she's never had it before. It can cause a release of toxins, I think.

You should contact the phd student and let them know your experience.

At 22 weeks you are fine to have reflexology, its only in the first trimester you should avoid it. (I am a qualified reflexologist .

Swelling of feet after a reflexology treatment is very unusual. It normally has the opposite effect. Have you had any other ill effects? Did you drink plenty of water and get some rest? Any swelling in pregnancy should be checked out so I would call your mw to be sure. I would also speak to your reflexologist too.

How are they now?

I had reflexology for much of my pregnancy and didn't experience that (and found it massively relaxing). I suspect that it's general swelling (which I did get badly one day after spending the day sitting at a pc at work wearing tightly fitting trousers) - but keep an eye on it if it persists and speak to your midwife.

I've had reflexology before, and never had swelling. I'm wondering if it could be a reaction to the massage cream she used... It was a lot gentler than the reflexology I'm used to, but the same 'walking the thumbs' type of movement.

Feet are much less swollen right now, but I did spend 3h with them up this afternoon!

They're not sore, or red, or tight - just very puffy to the extent that I can't see my ankle-bones.

I'll toddle off and see the GP on Monday if they're still swollen - we have open surgery most mornings if you can bear to sit and wait for hours.

Thanks for the advice.