Pregnancy My Pregnant Body Is It Safe? Reflexology Massage During Pregnancy So what exactly is reflexology? Find out, and learn whether this form of massage is it safe when you're pregnant. By Parents Editors Parents Editors The Parents Editors byline means there is an experienced group of editors and journalists behind the scenes of the article. Learn more about the Parents team, our core values, and editorial guidelines. our editorial guidelines Published on January 29, 2019 Share Tweet Pin Email Reflexology is a form of massage practiced on areas of the hands and feet. The idea behind the practice is that pressing specific energy points can stimulate organs and help boost energy flow. Opinions vary on whether reflexology is helpful during pregnancy. "As far as I know, there is no potential pregnancy benefit or risk," says Peter Bernstein, M.D., M.P.H., an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology and women's health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center in New York. Many midwives and doulas disagree, however. "During pregnancy, reflexology can be very helpful to women who have morning sickness or heartburn," says Jada Shapiro, a birth doula and co-founder of Birth Day Presence, a birth and postpartum doula service in the New York City area. "Later on, it can be used during labor to help stimulate contractions." RELATED: How to Induce Labor at Home Because reflexology can bring on uterine contractions, it's very important to find a therapist who is specifically trained in treating pregnant women. "If nothing else, the massage aspect is extremely relaxing, and that's useful at any point during pregnancy," adds Shapiro. RELATED: Swollen Feet and Pregnancy: Your Feet Before and After Baby Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit