A Retrospective Cohort Study Exploring The Relationship Between Antenatal Reflexology And Intranatal Outcomes.
Moderate EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology for pregnancy, explained
| This study of 150 low risk (no medical or obstetric complications) women in their first pregnancy was divided into two groups. Fifty received reflexology, and the rest were in a control group that received no reflexology. The number of reflexology sessions differed from one to 4 or more, and the women had been referred for reflexology for backache, constipation, pelvic arthropy or were women who wished to avoid interventions during labor. There was no difference in the primary outcome of interest in the study—onset of labor—between the two groups. Conclusion: | Further research is needed in this area in which reflexology is applied for more sessions and in a more uniform matter.
Key Findings: what this cohort study found about pregnancy
- ✓Antenatal reflexology did not significantly affect the onset of labor in low-risk first-time pregnant women compared to the control group.
- ✓The study was limited by inconsistent reflexology application, with participants receiving between one and four or more sessions in a non-standardized manner.
- ✓Further research with more uniform and frequent reflexology sessions is needed to establish any potential benefits for antenatal outcomes.
What This Means for You
This study found no evidence that reflexology helps trigger labor in healthy first pregnancies, though the researchers note more consistent and frequent treatments may be needed to draw firm conclusions.
What This Means for Practitioners
While this study showed no effect on labor onset, the inconsistent number of sessions (1-4+) and lack of standardization suggests reflexology protocols need to be more uniform and frequent to properly evaluate effectiveness.
Study Design: how this cohort study was run
Reflexology for pregnancy: common questions
Does reflexology help with pregnancy?
This study found no evidence that reflexology helps trigger labor in healthy first pregnancies, though the researchers note more consistent and frequent treatments may be needed to draw firm conclusions.
What did this study find?
Antenatal reflexology did not significantly affect the onset of labor in low-risk first-time pregnant women compared to the control group. The study was limited by inconsistent reflexology application, with participants receiving between one and four or more sessions in a non-standardized manner. Further research with more uniform and frequent reflexology sessions is needed to establish any potential benefits for antenatal outcomes.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a cohort study and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 150 participants. It was published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
Related Research
Effectiveness of non-pharmacological treatments in lowering blood pressure in pregnant women with hypertension: A systematic review.
Comparative effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions on postpartum maternal sleep quality: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
The effect of prenatal yoga and reflexology in reducing labor duration and perceived pain; a systematic review and meta-analysis
Effect of acupressure and reflexology on pregnancy constipation: a quasi-experimental study
The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Postpartum Comfort and Breastfeeding Outcomes in Postpartum Women: A Meta-Analysis Study
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