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Pregnancy and Reflexology

A significant reduction in the women's symptom mean measurements in all groups was apparent. A perceived wellbeing score revealed the lymphatic technique group significantly increased their wellbeing the most, followed closely by relaxing techniques and then the control rest group. Lymphatic reflexology techniques, relaxing reflexology techniques and a period of rest had a non-significant oedema-relieving effect. From the women's viewpoint, lymphatic reflexology was the preferred therapy with significant increase in symptom relief.

-- Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery. 2003 Nov;9(4):203-8. -- Single-blind trial addressing the differential effects of two reflexology techniques versus rest, on ankle and foot oedema in late pregnancy. Mollart L.

These findings replicate previous research indicating that vibratory stimulation to the mother's abdomen does not elicit fetal activity until later in gestation. Furthermore, our findings indicate that stimulating the mothers' feet, but not the hands, can evoke fetal activity in midgestation.

-- Dev Psychobiol. 2002 Dec;41(4):396-406. -- Fetal activity following stimulation of the mother's abdomen, feet, and hands. Diego MA, Dieter JN, Field T, Lecanuet JP, Hernandez-Reif M, Beutler J, Largie S, Redzepi M, Salman FA.

Acupressure would appear to be effective in symptom control, and alleviation and placebo effects in reducing the symptoms of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

-- Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2008 Feb;14(1):46-52. Epub 2007 Sep 20. Effect of acupressure on nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.Can Gürkan O, Arslan H. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Marmara University School of Nursing, Istanbul, Turkey.

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last update: April 2009

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