Swelling in the ankles in pregnancy

6 Techniques for Reducing Swelling in your Ankles during Pregnancy.

Unfortunately due to the heat in the Summer the heat can cause increased swelling in pregnancy especially around the ankles. This is usually more common in the later stages of pregnancy but is also common throughout. I have listed some techniques that can help alleviate some of this but you should always tell a your doctor or consultant as there may be other health implications.

1. You must raise your feet above hip level
2. Rotate your ankle clock wise and anti clock wise
3. Flex up and down your ankles
4. Lie on the floor either on a mat or blanket and rest your feet on an exercise ball and move your feet and ankles (do not do this if feeling dizzy or unwell)
5. Massage your feet to pump the fluid back towards your heart (either getting your partner to help or treat yourself to a massage or reflexology)
6. Drink lots of water to keep flushing out the fluid.

Pregnancy Reflexology.

Is Reflexology a good idea in pregnancy?

When I started to train as a reflexologist in 2001 I knew very little on the subject of pregnancy reflexology but the more I studied and the more I practised it became clear to me that reflexology is so suited to pregnancy (after the first trimester). There are just so many reasons why I came to this conclusion number 1. it is a non invasive treatment 2. non drug dependant 3. the benefits to the baby are huge while also leaving the mother feeling relaxed yet completely re-energized.

The reason I went for pregnancy reflexology when I was expecting was the boundless energy I experienced after a session it was almost as if I had plugged myself in and recharged my battery in the 1 hour session!

As a Reflexologist of over 10 years experience I know everybody's experience of pregnancy reflexology is different and the reason for coming to me are varied but this is a short list of the main reasons expectant mothers choose to come to me to have pregnancy reflexology.

1. Helps to relieve digestive problems such as bloating and constipation (a lot more common than you think)
2. There a so many stresses that go on within family and work life that expectant mothers are afraid it will effect their unborn baby, reflexology can restore calm to the body.
3. Swelling especially to the ankles and feet.
4. Time out for the mother to unwind and escape for an hour (especially if it is not her first pregnancy!)
5. Help alleviate headaches and other minor complaints with out the need for drugs.
6. Hospitals and doctors generally refer expectant mothers who have reached or are past their due date and feel reflexology could stimulate labour.
7. A lot of the time a friend will have had a good experience with pregnancy reflexology and they will want to try it for themselves.

So to conclude my question of whether reflexology is a good idea in pregnancy I would have to say yes from my experience and the fact that it is growing in popularity all the time.
If you would like to learn more on the subject please have a look at my website www.lodgeroadtherapy.ie or https://www.facebook.com/LodgeRoadTherapyRoom?ref=hl 

5 Reasons Why Reflexology Might Benefit You.

1. Reflexology releases blocked up energy, clearing the paths and restoring balance and strength to your body.
2. Reflexology will help you to relax and unwind, while enjoying some me time in a tranquil and peacefull setting.
3. Reflexology is very good for so many different conditions it is hard to list them all and in my 10 years plus experience it is the person who might come in and I think I can do very little for and reflexology can have the most benefit! so here are a list of the top conditions that come to me generally; headache, migraine, constipation, sinus problems, back complaints, stress, anxiety and depression etc.
4. Refleoxology involves using specific pressure on each part of the foot that represents a part of the body, so while giving a reflexology session you are treating the whole body holistically while not being intrusive.
5. Reflexology treats the endocrine system which is the part of the body that controls the glands and hormone secretion.  Sometimes the glands in the body are not in balance and reflexology is particularly good for restoring balance to this system. Just a few examples of how reflexolgy might be of benefit are givng some balance to an under active or over active thyroid, menopause and pre menopause, pregnancy related problems and trouble trying to conceive.

Please Contact Angela on 086 3019519 if you are interested some Reflexology or check out my website http://www.lodgeroadtherapy.ie/Reflxology.htm

6 ways to feel your best during pregnancy.

6 Ways To Feel Your Best During Pregnancy!!

1. Drink lots of water - Your body needs a lot more water to stay hydrated during pregnancy and to avoid feeling sluggish and getting headaches.
2. Exercise - You must try to get some form of exercise a day and the easiest thing to do is go for a short walk every day, keeping the pelvis loose and keep rich healthy blood going to your baby.
3. Deep Breathing - This will help keep you calm and stop you passing on your stresses to the baby and is good practice for the labour!
4. Eat a balanced diet - The diet should include lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, carbohydrates and good quality protein.
5. Stretch and lengthen your muscles - This will alleviate a lot of aches and pains associated withv pregnancy, so when your doctor tells you that "this is a normal part of pregnancy" you can stretch and release the pain!
6. Treat yourself! - Take time out to have a massage, reflexology or any holistic treatment that is safe during pregnacy, your baby and body will thank you for it.

For more information please check out my website http://www.lodgeroadtherapy.ie/Antenatal%20Care.htm 

Exercise/Birthing Ball

I was talking to a new mom one day a couple of years ago and our conversation went like this;

Expectant Mom: "I was in labour and the midwife came into me with a big ball and do you know where I told her to go with her bloody ball!!!"

Me: "Really"

And we both had a good laugh!

This always stayed with me and I go to great lengths to tell expectant mothers the benefits of the birthing ball and how you can get the most  from it.

The birthing ball is beneficial in the later stages of pregnancy as something else to sit on instead of the sofa which can be difficult to get out of  and quite uncomfortable after a while and (we've all been there!)

In labour it is good for a resting position, you can rotate your hips and eases the pain of contraction, moving gently from side to side.

In labour you can stay on the birthing ball until you are ready to give birth and it really can be a saving grace before your new bundle of joy arrives :0))

So with a little guidance that lady might have had a different opinion of the "bloody"  ball!!

Pregancy Yoga - Breathing

Breathing
When you are expecting one of the first things you should focus on is breathing, in through the nose and right into the belly opening up the diaphragm and then out through the mouth in a long exhalation.

I the labour this will take the focus away from the pain with out trying to escape the labour! Being in control

Closing eyes and shutting off the rest of the world each time you have a contraction.

This can be achieved through practice and practising pregnancy yoga where you will learn how to relax from head to toe and use visialization techniques

Breathing techniques like exhaling "aahh" can make you aware of your body relaxing and letting go!

the beauty of Lodge Road Therapy Room

I own and run Lodge Road Therapy Room situated in Co. Wexford in the most idyllic of settings not a house can be seen yet just 2 miles from the main N25 New Ross to Wexford road, there a range of treatments available here as well as pregnancy yoga, ante natal classes and baby massage classes. The treatments are suited to both young and old, male or female and a competitively priced. The list of treatments include, Reflexlogy, Therapeutic Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Indian Head Massage, Facials, Hand and Foot Treatment.