HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM & MATERNITY REFLEXOLOGY

70-80% of women experience some time of morning sickness with pregnancy. But Hyperemesis Gravidarum is an extreme case of morning sickness whose symptoms are listed as severe nausea & vomiting, weight loss of 5% or more of pre-pregnancy weight, food aversions, decrease in urination, dehydration, headaches, confusion, fainting, jaundice, extreme fatigue, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, loss of skin elasticity, secondary anxiety/depression and electrolyte imbalance. In some cases, Hyperemesis Gravidarum may be so severe that hospitalization is required.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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MATERNITY REFLEXOLOGY protocols help manage, and sometimes remove entirely, the symptoms of Hyperemesis Gravidarum.

Red Raspberry Leaf

Red Raspberry Leaf, sometimes referred to as a “woman’s herb” is an especially popular herb due to it’s possible benefits for pregnant women. There is also anecdotal evidence that suggests Red Raspberry Leaf helps relieve PMS symptoms such as cramping, nausea, and diarrhea.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Red Raspberry Leaf increases Fertility in both men and women, and is an excellent Fertility Herb when mixed with Red Clover.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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While Red Raspberry Leaf is generally a herb recommended for 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy to tone the uterus, it is also used by many women in the 1st trimester to help ward off nausea.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Other known benefits of Red Rasberry Leaf:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– very high in vitamins & minerals, supplying much needed nourishment to the partaker⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– helps to prevent Loss of Pregnancy and hemorrhage⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– reduces pain during labour and after birth⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– assists in breast milk production⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– provides a safe and speedy birth all the while not increasing the intensity of the contractions but rather the efficiency of the uterus⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– boosts immune system⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– protects the heart⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– decreases inflammation⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– supports a faster metabolism⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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While Red Raspberry Leaf appears to be safe for everyone, there are some side effects to note:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– laxative properties could cause increased bowel movements and bladder voiding in some people⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– increased Braxton Hicks contractions⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Sources: http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Pregnancy_Problems.htmhttps://www.healthline.com/nutrition/red-raspberry-leaf-tea#pregnancyhttps://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/raspberry-leaf-tea.html

PICA & MATERNITY REFLEXOLOGY

Pica is an eating disorder that involves eating items that are not typically thought of as food and that do not contain significant nutritional value, such as hair, dirt, and paint chips.
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Pica cravings are most commonly seen in children and occur in approximately 25-30% of all children; pica cravings in pregnant women are even less common.
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The reason for Pica is not proven, but theories persist it is the body’s way of getting vitamins and minerals missing in the current diet.
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Sometimes pica cravings may be related to an underlying physical or mental illness.
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Maternity Reflexology protocols allow us to check in with the mental, physical, & spiritual to see what the real needs are and help alleviate Pica in Pregnancy.

PRECIPITOUS BIRTH & MATERNITY REFLEXOLOGY

Precipitous labor is defined as expulsion of the fetus within less than 3 hours of commencement of regular contractions.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It has been supposed to result from an abnormally low resistance of the soft pass of birth canal, from abnormally strong uterine and abdominal contractions, or rarely from the absence of painful sensations.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The women with precipitate deliveries were more likely to be younger, at lower gestational age of delivery, without oxytocin use, lower birth weight of infant, and hypertensive disorders as compared to those without precipitate deliveries.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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In an earlier study by Sheiner et al [3], precipitous labor was associated with some maternal complications including perineal lacerations, postpartum hemorrhage, retained placenta, hemotransfusion and prolonged hospitalization.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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In this study, at last, precipitous labor was not associated with maternal or neonatal outcomes. The current result supports the previous observations.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Regular Maternity Reflexology treatment throughout pregnancy brings balance to all systems of the body, dramatically reducing the risk of Precipitous Birth. In instances of multi-parous women who have previously experienced Precipitous Birth, specific protocols are available to help the body stabilize for the Birth process to avoid re-occurrence.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Source: PubMed: PMID: 25584099

(O)EDEMA & MATERNITY REFLEXOLOGY

During normal pregnancy total body water increases by 6 to 8 liters, 4 to 6 liters of which are extracellular, of which at least 2 to 3 liters are interstitial (1 : situated within but not restricted to or characteristic of a particular organ or tissue —used especially of fibrous tissue). At some stage in pregnancy 8 out of 10 women have demonstrable clinical edema.
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Signs of edema include:
– Swelling or puffiness of the tissue directly under your skin, especially in your legs or arms
– Stretched or shiny skin
– Skin that retains a dimple (pits), after being pressed for several seconds
– Increased abdominal size
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Complications
If left untreated, edema can cause:
– Increasingly painful swelling
– Difficulty walking
– Stiffness
– Stretched skin, which can become itchy and uncomfortable
– Increased risk of infection in the swollen area
– Scarring between layers of tissue
– Decreased blood circulation
– Decreased elasticity of arteries, veins, joints and muscles
– Increased risk of skin ulcers
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Specific Reflexology protocols taught by the Maternity Reflexology Consortium allow for symptom free adaptations of regular gains during pregnancy, management of gain levels throughout pregnancy, and management and reduction of high level gains to reduce symptoms and discomfort in pregnancy related to Edema.
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Sources: PMID 9185112, Mayo Clinic

EFFECTS OF REFLEXOLOGY ON PAIN & OUTCOMES FOR PRIMAPAROUS WOMEN:⠀(a scientific study)⠀⠀

Pregnancy is a very exciting and ever changing time in a woman’s life, as well as the life of her partner. But with that excitement come many inconveniences, and in some cases, health concerns. And unfortunately, sometimes pregnancy ends in a loss which is devastating to both mother and partner and can have emotional and physical ramifications for mother that need to be addressed.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The pregnant woman can be supported and nurtured SAFELY through all 4 trimesters by a properly educated Maternity Reflexology Therapist.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Studies have shown that Reflexology in pregnancy :⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– Significantly reduced pain during labour (1, 2)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– Reduced the length of first stage labour (1, 2)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– Improved quality of sleep in post-natal women (3)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– Reduces the physical or psychological stressors in pregnancy which reduces complications such as pre-eclampsia, intra-uterine growth retardation, gestational diabetes, or pre-term labour (4)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Maternity Reflexology targets specific issues that can arise in Pregnancy with specialised protocols that are proven to help.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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References:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
(1) VALIANI M ET ALL (2010) Reviewing the effect of Reflexology on pain and outcomes of the labour and primiparous women. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research. 15(Dec) p302-310⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
(2) Dolation M ET AL (2011) The effects of Reflexology on Pain Intensity and Duration of Labour on Primiparas. Iran Red Crescent Medical Journal. 13(7) p478-479⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
(3) LI C-Y ET ALL (2011) Randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of using foot reflexology to improve quality of sleep amongst post partum women, Midwifery. 27. p181-186⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
(4) TIRAN D, CHUMMUN H (2004) Complementary therapies to reduce physiological stress in Pregnancy. Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery, 10. P162-167 Available online at www(dot)sciencedirect(dot)com

Cystitis and UTI & Maternity Reflexology

Cystits and UTI in pregnancy can be very uncomfortable, but more importantly, Cystitis can be very dangerous in pregnancy. Cystitis, or inflammation or infection of the bladder, may be a maternal cause of early miscarriage in pregnancy [Maternity Reflexology Consortium] and should be checked by your care provider immediately if you have any suspicions of having one.
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At least 5% of women can expect to develop at least one UTI during pregnancy; those who develop one have a 1 in 3 chance of an encore later. While bladder infections are more common among non-pregnant women, kidney infections are about twice as common in expecting women as bladder infections (or 2.5% of pregnant women can expect to develop Cystitis during pregnancy). [what to expect dot com]
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While your first stop should always be with your medical provider in seeking diagnosis and medication for these types of infection while pregnant, MATERNITY REFLEXOLOGY PROTOCOLS help in encouraging natural immunity and promote the elimination of toxins to aid in the healing of UTI or Cystitis.

REFLEXOLOGY FOR LOWER BACK AND PELVIC GIRDLE PAIN IN PREGNANCY: (a scientific study)

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is the umbrella term that describes pain anywhere between your belly button and your pubic bone and sometimes in your thighs, during and after pregnancy.
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PGP is a musculoskeletal condition that affects 20 per cent of pregnant women. More specifically, 14-22 per cent of all pregnant women have serious PGP with 5-8 per cent of these having problems with severe pain and disability.
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Reflexology is used for various pregnancy related complaints. A three-armed, pilot randomised controlled trial was conducted to test changes in physiological and biochemical stress parameters. Ninety primiparous volunteers experiencing low back and/or pelvic girdle pain (LBPGP) were recruited to receive either six reflexology or footbath treatments or usual care.
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Primary outcome data included pain intensity and frequency measured on a visual analog scale (VAS), and salivary beta-endorphin (pain relievers) and cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
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61 (68%) women completed the intervention.
• A clinically important reduction of 1.63 cm occurred for VAS pain frequency following reflexology
• Beta-endorphin levels decreased by 15.18% for the reflexology group as opposed to increasing by 8.8% and 10.10% in the footbath and usual care groups respectively.
• Cortisol increased by 18.82% in the reflexology group as opposed to 31.78% for footbath participants, 31.42% in usual care.
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Layman’s terms: pain down, pain relievers up, stress hormone lower
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Reflexology during pregnancy may help reduce LBPGP, and associated stress. However, antenatal reflexology is under researched and requires further investigation.
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Sources: pubmed 29705485 & netdoctor(dot)co(dot)uk

Hypotension & Maternity Reflexology

Hypotension is low blood pressure, especially in the arteries of the left sided systemic circulation.[1] Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps out blood. A systolic blood pressure of less than 90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or diastolic of less than 60 mm Hg is generally considered to be hypotension.[2][3] However, in practice, blood pressure is considered too low only if noticeable symptoms are present.[4]
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Hypotension is the opposite of hypertension, which is high blood pressure. It is best understood as a physiological state rather than a disease. Severely low blood pressure can deprive the brain and other vital organs of oxygen and nutrients, leading to a life-threatening condition called shock.
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Advanced Maternity Reflexology protocols allow us to address Hypotension by encouraging blood production and stimulating the circulatory system. If you’ve been diagnosed with Hypotension in Pregnancy, or you’re feeling faint and dizzy, Adv Maternity Reflexology can help 💞
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Source: Wikepedia/Hypotension, Susanne Enzer Advanced Maternity Reflexology Manual

Hypertension & Maternity Reflexology

Gestational hypertension or pregnancy-induced hypertension is the development of new hypertension in a pregnant woman after 20 weeks’ gestation without the presence of protein in the urine or other signs of pre-eclampsia. Gestational Hypertension is defined as having a blood pressure greater than 140/90 on two separate occasions at least 6 hours apart.
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No single diagnostic test currently exists to predict the likelihood of developing gestational hypertension. High blood pressure is the major sign in diagnosing gestational hypertension. Some women with gestational hypertension may present asymptomatic, but a number of symptoms are associated with the condition.
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Symptoms:
Edema
Sudden weight gain
Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
Nausea and vomiting
Persistent headaches
Increased blood pressure
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There is no specific [allopathic] treatment, but is monitored closely to rapidly identify pre-eclampsia and its life-threatening complications (HELLP syndrome and eclampsia).
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Receiving regular Advanced Maternity Reflexology protocols developed by Susanne Enzer, former Midwife and Reflexology Therapist, helps maintain stable blood pressure during pregnancy and deal with symptoms of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension.
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Sources: Wikipedia, Maternity Reflexology Consortium