Midwives frequently argue that time constraints
preclude them from providing massage, reflexology
and other touch therapies, even when they are
appropriately qualified to do so, but an evaluation
and adaptation of the process of traditional
antenatal care may facilitate a more successful
outcome. The overall holistic aim of antenatal care
is to help the expectant mother through as safe and
satisfying an experience of pregnancy and childbirth
as possible and to prepare her for parenthood.
The time taken to monitor the woman’s physiopathological
state is minimal compared to that
required to attend to their psycho-emotional and
educational needs. Better utilisation of the time
spent with pregnant women, incorporating touch or
relaxation therapies into normal antenatal care,
may be more productive, resulting in women who
enter labour in a more relaxed state, consequently
normalising the childbearing experience. Relief of
physiological disorders of pregnancy, easing of pain
in labour, successful breastfeeding and prevention
or alleviation of postnatal depression may all be
possible, through the use of complementary therapies
known to affect stress hormones. Reduction of
stress in pregnancy contributes to improved fetal as
well as maternal well-being and has ongoing
implications for the health of the mother, her
infant and family