Myth 7: Reflexology Is Not Safe for Pregnant Women
- Tanya
- 23 minutes ago
- 2 min read
One of the most persistent myths about reflexology is that it’s unsafe for women during pregnancy. In reality, reflexology can be a calming and supportive therapy for expectant mothers, helping to nurture balance and harmony for both mum and baby.
Reflexology in Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of huge physical, emotional, and hormonal change. Reflexology offers a gentle, non-invasive way to support the body and mind throughout this journey. Many women find it deeply relaxing, grounding, and restorative.
The aim of reflexology during pregnancy is not to diagnose or treat medical conditions, but rather to support the body’s natural balance, reduce stress, and encourage a sense of calm.
Safety Considerations
Some practitioners prefer not to offer reflexology in the first trimester, when the risk of miscarriage is naturally higher. This is more a precaution than a proven risk. What’s most important is that your reflexologist is appropriately trained, insured, and registered to work with pregnancy, and that you feel comfortable discussing your needs and concerns with them.
What the Research Says
Increasingly, studies are highlighting the benefits of reflexology in pregnancy:
A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis found that foot reflexology can significantly reduce anxiety and pain, shorten the duration of labour, increase birth satisfaction, and help stabilise vital signs (Yang et al., 2024).
A 2018 randomised controlled trial compared reflexology with foot baths and usual care. The results showed that reflexology significantly reduced pregnancy-related stress, lowered cortisol and beta-endorphin levels, and eased lower back pain (McCullough et al., 2018).
Together, these studies suggest that reflexology may provide safe, meaningful support for women during pregnancy and childbirth.
A Calming, Nurturing Support
Pregnancy is often described as a time of joy, but it can also bring fatigue, aches, and worries. Reflexology offers a gentle moment of calm – a chance for mum-to-be to pause, rest, and reconnect with her body as it prepares for new life.
✨ In short: reflexology can be a safe and nurturing support during pregnancy when provided by a trained practitioner.
