Effect of Foot Reflexology on Preeclampsia

the aim of this study to investigate the effect of foot reflexology on mild preeclampsia during pregnancy

Preeclampsia is defined as arterial hypertension identified for the first time after the 20th week associated with proteinuria. It affects 5% to 7% of all pregnant women. It is more common in primigravida women, women with previous early onset preeclampsia, in age greater than 40 years, previous history of preeclampsia, pre-pregnancy obesity, women who become pregnant with donor eggs, embryo donation and donor insemination. It is responsible for over 70 000 maternal deaths and 500 000 fetal deaths worldwide every year. There are many risk factors for it as: Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, proteinuria, obesity, family history, null parity, multiple pregnancies, use of contraception, older women conception (> 40) and thrombotic vascular disease,edema, renal failure, liver failure and hellp syndrome.Complementary therapies such as massage and foot reflexology are used with patients of preeclampsia, it is to normalize the body's function, break down tension, alleviate stress, improve nerve function and blood supply throughout the body. this trial has two groups; one will receive anti-hypertensive drugs and the second will receive anti-hypertensive drugs+foot reflexology sessions for 8 weeks (30 min, 2 session/ week).

Methyldopa tablets 250 mg and foot reflexology sessions for 8 weeks ( 30 min 2 times per week) will be used to reduce hypertension

patients will be taken methyldopa tablets 250mg in the morning orally with a lot of water after breakfast daily and this medication continues for 8 weeks

patients will receive methyldopa tablets 250mg in oral way once daily per 8 weeks and patients will receive foot reflexology two sessions per week, every session will last for 30 minutes and sessions will last for 8 weeks.

the scale that will be used; the Mercury Pressure and Stethoscope; each patient will measured blood pressure before and after treatment

World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire will be used to determine quality of life before and after treatment for all patients

Urine reagent strip devices (dipsticks) will be used to discover it in urine before and after treatment

Inclusion Criteria: Their ages were ranged between 20-36 years old. Their body mass index was not exceeding 35 kg/m2. All women were diagnosed as mild preeclampsia. All women were primipara and multipara. Exclusion Criteria: Any fractures in foot. Foot ulcer & infection. Open skin wound in foot. History of stroke. Women less than 20 years and more than 36 years. BMI more than 35 Kg\m2. Severe preeclampsia.