Pregnancy Massage: Visit Everett Massage to Induce Labor!

The birth of a child is an astounding miracle – unless you’re 2 week overdue and have tried everything to induce labor! It seems that every pregnancy is regaled with the claims of how best to ‘get that baby out!’. Everything from hot chili peppers and castor oil to orgasms and driving over railroad tracks – each region is rich with its own solution to this age old dilemma.

There is at least 1 tried and true method to help induce labor – massage! Even midwives and prenatal nurses have acknowledged the benefits of reflexology massage. Some prenatal programs have even begun including this method as part of the training for their nurses.

re·flex·ol·o·gy/ˌrēˌflekˈsäləjē/Noun

1. A form of therapy practiced as a treatment in alternative medicine in which the soles of the feet are massaged:  designed to stimulate the blood supply and nerves and thus relieve tension

2. Massage of feet or hands based on the belief that pressure applied to specific points on these extremities benefits other parts of the body

3. A method of massage that relieves nervous tension through the application of finger pressure, especially to the feet

This is the general definition of the practice of reflexology; specifically, it has been proven throughout history that various ailments definitely benefit from this technique.

INDUCTION OF LABOR

Always putting the baby’s safety first, never practice the labor inducing massage before your 38th week of pregnancy; even better, wait until the 41st week! The following points have proven to be the most effective in starting contractions:

• Inside Heel – apply firm but gentle pressure to the inside of each heel – this spot is very sensitive! As the diagram shows, this point is the reflexive point for the uterus – and can cause the uterus to contract.
• Arch of Foot – just in front of the heel, this extremely sensitive region is reflexive to the bladder, which is connected to the uterus. Apply pressure to this point on either foot during labor to relieve contraction pains.
• First & Second Toes – about 1 finger width below the base of you big toe and the one next to it, although extremely tender provides a degree of comfort during labor as it affects the thyroid. Prior to labor, you may feel your uterus contract while applying pressure to this spot.

The most effective reflexology point for inducing labor is the ‘Thumb Point’. To induce labor (after 38 weeks gestation), firmly press the center of  1 of your thumbs for a minimum of 3 minutes; release and repeat with other thumb.

This area is connected to the pituitary gland, which produces oxytocin. Uterine contractions are induced by the release of this naturally occurring hormone.

As you reach – and surpass –  your due date, be certain to add reflexology massage to your labor inducing repertoire. Everett massage is the ideal setting for a relaxing maternity massage as well as lessons for your labor coach during the birthing process. While you can attempt reflexology yourself, it is always best to be guided by a professional.