Pregnancy Reflexology
Being pregnant can be incredibly exciting and joyous but there can also be times throughout the pregnancy where you might feel you need some additional support. Fluctuating hormone levels, worries about forthcoming scans, morning sickness, acid indigestion, pelvic or back pain, not to mention the additional strains of working whilst pregnant and/or looking after your other children, are all very good reasons to seek out additional support from complementary health therapies such as Reflexology.
My aim in providing pregnancy reflexology is to help reduce stress and anxiety and pain and discomfort. Having had reflexology throughout my pregnancies, and through treating many many mammas-to-be, I know first hand the benefits it can bring.
One often overlooked benefit of receiving reflexology during pregnancy is that it allows time away from everything else that's going on in your life to focus purely on yourself and your growing baby - so important at any time but particularly during the 9 months when your body is going through so many changes, and when emotionally you may feel euphoric one minute and then teary the next due to pregnancy hormones.
According to a 2024 meta analysis of 13 studies looking into the effects of foot reflexology on pregnant women, compared to the control group, foot reflexology massage reduced anxiety and pain in pregnant women, shortened the three stages of labour, and increased birth satisfaction https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38200035/.
Reflexology when you are 38+ weeks
Many women get to 38/39 weeks and understandably feel so fed up and exhausted that they just want the baby to come out. Reflexology cannot bring on, or cause labour to take place. However, it is still extremely beneficial to have reflexology at this time. The reason being- if you are feeling stressed and anxious your body will go into 'fight or flight' mode, meaning that all the hormones that help your body get ready for labour will be diverted around the body to fight a real or imaginary threat (e.g. a herd of prehistoric rampaging Mammoths).
What reflexology does is get the body back into a state of mind where it feels 'this is a safe time and place to give birth', and helps prepare your mind and body for labour so that you feel in the best physical and mental state going into labour, however you give birth.
How often should I have a reflexology treatment?
When you come for your first consultation I will take a medical history and discuss your reason for treatment. Then I will suggest a treatment plan that best meets your individual needs. If your stress and anxiety levels are relatively low I may recommend you come once a month: if your stress and discomfort levels are higher, then coming twice a month will be more beneficial.
Treatments and price list
£75 for the first 75 minute treatment in my Wood Street (E17) therapy room - Consultation includes taking a full medical history, discussing reasons for treatment and a tailored pregnancy reflexology treatment + demonstration of reflex points you can do yourself in between treatments to help with particular symptoms and issues.
£60 for subsequent 1 hour treatments
Home treatments also available - a small additional charge applies (depending on location)- available between 10am-2pm Tuesday-Friday.
Testimonials
"I had a much better amount of boob juice post your reflexology which was brilliant. Thank you so much!" Lynsey, 4th trimester new mum
"I've been meaning to get in touch to say that I went into labour on Sunday morning after our appointment which I'm very sure helped things!" Annie
"I went to see Anna after some local recommendations and being told induction of labour was imminent. Anna was reassuring & brilliant, explaining everything she was going to do and how it was going to prepare my body for labour...I left feeling incredibly relaxed and zen. No doubt, 12 hours late the contractions came on thick and fast and within 24 hours our daughter was here! Amazing!" Jen
"Just wanted to let you know that I gave birth last night! After our appointment I started experiencing contractions and then 12 hours later gave birth!" Nisha
" Baby M came last night:). Labour kicked off about three hours after I left you!" Kate
"My baby was born three days after our session! I had some mild cramps the evening after which then escalated a bit over the next few days. I think our lovely relaxing session helped!" Ali, 39 weeks pregnant
"Today I must say I feel the best I’ve felt the whole pregnancy! Woke up absolutely full of beans, no headache and so much energy I chose to walk 45 mins to work instead of driving! Even by the end of a long day I somehow still have loads of energy?!?! It’s very odd!! If it is the reflexology I officially am in love with you and please can I come every day!" CL
"In terms of my pregnancy symptoms these were alleviated and my mental state is always much improved after a session. I cannot recommend Anna highly enough!" Alex
