Reflexology during pregnancy
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During pregnancy the body goes through enormous changes and these can cause worry, anxiety and stress. As the baby grows, the body is also put under physical stress. Reflexology may help support you with both emotional and physical symptoms during and after pregnancy.
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Two studies have shown that reflexology significantly reduces pain during labour*, reduces the length of labour* and improves sleep quality in the post-natal period**.
I suggest making regular appointments throughout pregnancy if possible.
Anxiety levels are naturally often high as labour approaches, and although reflexology isn't proven to induce labour, relaxation and reducing stress levels is of definite benefit.
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*Valiani M et al. (2010) Reviewing the effect of Reflexology on pain and outcomes of the labour of primiparous women. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research.
**Li C-Y et al. (2011) Randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of using foot reflexology to improve quality of sleep amongst post partum women. Midwifery.
Hypnobirthing
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I am also a qualified Hypnobirthing Practitoner. If you are pregnant and you'd like to know more about Hypnobirthing and how to help yourself achieve a more calm, peaceful birth, please visit my sister site, Bay Hypnobirthing.