Reiki can bring positive benefits to both the expectant mother and her unborn child through all stages of pregnancy. A Reiki Master-Teacher initiates the treatment by meditating on crystal grinds and symbols using various hand positions to channel these energies for healing and promotion of general good health.
 
For expectant mothers the three chakras used are the third eye, solar plexus, and the sacral chakra. These three correspond to the head and abdomen, and help to relieve stress and morning sickness during the first trimester, and also bring the mother's aura back into balance.

Reiki, beyond the first four months of pregnancy, is used to relieve some of the physical and emotional stress associated with the rapidly changing body and hormone fluctuations. Better sleep patterns and reduced discomfort have been recorded with regular Reiki sessions and have been shown to assist with labor pain and the shortening of delivery time. Women who have had to undergo cesarean sections for their first child have been able to deliver via natural childbirth methods if Reiki treatments were used during subsequent pregnancies.

After the baby is born, continued Reiki sessions have proven to be very beneficial in reducing the effects of post-partum depression and the transition of mother-child bonding. Babies seem to be calmer, sleep better, have reduced instances of colic, and enhanced motor activity.

"Prosperity and abundance are my Divine birthright." These words are the foundation of all Reiki practitioners. Usui Sensei, the founder of the Usui System of Reiki, recognized the power of our thoughts and our words and for this reason used them in the Reiki principles.
To create anything in our life, first we must manifest it in our thoughts. For this reason we are to be aware and cautious of what we are thinking at all times. We must eliminate the thoughts of fear and worry, and replace them with positive and constructive projections of what we envision our lives to be.
For true prosperity and abundance to enter our lives, we must first define what these mean. Is it money and power that we want to manifest, or is it the things that will truly provide peace and happiness-- like loving relationships, meaningful work, and spiritual freedom?
You can begin your journey to prosperity and abundance by sitting and writing down what this means to you. Use the Reiki distant symbol to help you connect with the true meaning and consciousness of your words, and the mental/emotional power symbols for clarity. Trust that everyone possesses the answers, skills, and talents needed to create unlimited prosperity on all levels of being.
Now with the help of the distant and mental symbols, create a list of the things that you feel will enhance the quality of your life and support the highest good of all. Be mindful of how you feel when you think about the things on your list.
Once you have completed these exercises, you can use Reiki in a 21-day cycle to bring these things into your life. Each day, use the distant, mental/emotional, and power symbols by drawing them, visualizing them, or invoking their names, and then taking time to verbally acknowledge all the blessings in your life.

The Throat Chakra is believed to rule the faculty of speech and the ability to accept change in one's life easily, and with clarity. It is also associated with the ability to hear spiritual voices and sounds, spoken word and music, as well as the sense of taste. Another function associated with this chakra is taking in and assimilating physical and emotional nourishment. 

When the Throat Chakra is open with a strong flow of Chi, the ability to express oneself with clear and smooth speech comes easily; however, when it is blocked, speaking - or the ability to choose and articulate the right words - is difficult. Another symptom of a blocked Throat Chakra is an unwillingness to change.

When there is an insufficient flow of love or emotional nourishment to the Heart Chakra, the person may try to compensate by desire for physical nourishment through the Throat Chakra.  Problems with gluttony or compulsive eating would then result.  When there is also a negative functioning in the base-of-the-neck chakra (negative self-image), the result could be something in the form of an eating disorder, such as bulimia or anorexia.
 

Good news - Reiki can be used for self-healing. By adjusting the hand positions for work on your own body, these methods can be useful in the treatment of emotional, spiritual and physical ailments like depression, stress-related heart disease, and muscle tension.

First, you must take some time to reflect on the ailments you want to heal. Next, identify the specific Reiki positions and symbols you will need that are related to your ailment(s). Once you have identified the hand positions and symbols, you may begin. It is important to note that you only need to touch the body lightly - it is the energy transfer that is the healing mechanism.
Before you start your self-Reiki treatments, it would be prudent to seek the advice or council of a traditionally certified Reiki Master-Teacher. They are trained to evaluate your specific needs and will be able to offer you sound and sensible direction on your road to better health. After evaluation, they may also be able to suggest references for more insight and information.
 
Also, many conventional health care providers now recognize the benefits and efficacy of alternative medicine; therefore, you may want to consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. And always keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.
 
Be aware of your current state of health before, during, and after a treatment. If you have a severe headache, body aches, fever or chills, nausea, trouble breathing, or have an unexplained rash, it would be best to visit your doctor or an emergency facility immediately.