Reflexology for Pregnancy and Labor

Are There Disadvantages?

As with any health treatment, it is important to be treated or taught by a licensed or certified practitioner. There are also some instances when a woman should not use reflexology. Please consider the following contraindications before seeking treatment:

• If you are taking fertility drugs, such as Clomid, you should avoid this treatment completely.
• If you have deep vein thrombosis.
• If you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure and risk for preeclampsia.
• If you are diabetic, blood sugar should be checked prior to and after treatments (reflexology treatment can effect insulin production).
• If you have recent or healing fractures, unhealed wounds, or active gout affecting the foot.

And an important note: some US states have instituted laws requiring reflexology practitioners to have a license or certification through oral, written, and practical testing.

If reflexology sounds like something you'd like to try, be sure to research doctors online or ask your primary care physician if he or she can help you find a practitioner who specializes in maternity reflexology. Then sit back and enjoy a foot massage—you now have an excuse for wanting your feet rubbed!