Fertility Acupuncture
Congratulations! For those of you who are just beginning the effort to start a family or have been trying for some time, the fertility process is an incredible journey. Acupuncture is a safe and effective tool to support you during each phase of the fertility, pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience. For more information, please read the following sections:
About Teresa
My husband and I spent two years trying various methods to conceive, so I know how challenging the process can be. After three unsuccessful IVF and several IUI attempts, I was very fortunate to have a spontaneous pregnancy and gave birth to a healthy beautiful boy in 2012. I am passionate about the role of acupuncture, nutrition and herbs, because I believe they all played a very important role in the arrival of my son.
Acupuncture and Fertility/Conception
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Help Improve Fertility
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are wonderful tools to support pregnancy efforts. When there is difficulty conceiving, acupuncture and herbs can identify the root of the fertility issue and treat it in a safe and effective manner. Recent studies indicate that acupuncture on its own or in conjunction with other assisted reproductive efforts such as Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) increase the success rate.
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help:
- Increase conception to occur more quickly in healthy couples
- Assist couples to conceive who have been diagnosed with infertility issues
- Increase the rate of success with IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies
- Prepare the body for a health pregnancy by increasing body flow to the reproductive organs
Acupuncture Helps Prepare for Pregnancy
Acupuncture is a safe and natural way to help prepare the body for pregnancy. Receiving regular acupuncture treatments prior to pregnancy can help increase the blood flow to the uterus and ovaries thereby improving egg quality and creating a healthy uterine lining for implantation to take place. Acupuncture can also help regulate the menstrual cycle which makes it easier to predict your fertile period and increasing the chances of conception taking place.
There are a number of other benefits of receiving acupuncture to prepare for pregnancy including:
- Improve cervical mucus quality
- Regulate hormones and menstrual cycle
- Improve sleep and reduce fatigue
- Reduce stress, regulating mood & promoting relaxation
- Strengthening the digestion & immune system
Treatment Approach
Acupuncture takes a holistic treatment approach by addressing the root of each person's fertility needs. Acupuncture is most effective at preparing the body for pregnancy when it is received once per week for at least 3 months. Women who are taking birth control pills or other hormone-based birth control may require a longer treatment duration prior to attempting conception.
Acupuncture and Infertility
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can be very effective tool for those who have been diagnosed with the following types of infertility:
- Advanced maternal age
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Hormonal imbalance
- Luteal Phase Defect (LPD)
- Ovulatory dysfunction
- Polycystic ovaries (PCOS)
- Premature ovarian failure
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Unexplained infertility
- Uterine fibroids
Acupuncture and IVF
A study published in 2002 shows that acupuncture administered in conjunction with IVF increased pregnancy success rates by 15%. Acupuncture is being used in a growing number of fertility clinics across the U.S. with great results.
Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with the following reproductive procedures:
- Improves the success rates of IVF and artificial insemination
- Promotes recovery from egg-retrieval surgery
- Reduces the chance of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
- Reduces the undesirable side effects of fertility medications
Acupuncture and Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a very unique time emotionally and physically. It is more important than ever to ensure your body is being nurtured to meet the changing demands. Here are some examples of how acupuncture can support the pregnancy during the first trimester.
- Prevent miscarriage
- Stop bleeding or spotting
- Reduce nausea & vomiting
- Reduce GI upset such as heartburn & constipation
- Reduce headaches
- Increase energy
- Decrease the need for medications such as cold, flu or pain medications
- Relieve back aches & pains
Second Trimester
Acupuncture can help with some of the following symptoms that can occur in the second trimester:
- Dizziness
- Edema & Swelling
- Hypertension
- Gestational diabetes
- Headaches
- Aches & Pains
- Carpal Tunnel
- GI upset
- Hemorrhoids
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Leg cramps
- Nasal congestion
Third Trimester
Beginning week 36 or 37, weekly treatments are recommended in order to help the body prepare for the birthing process. These treatments help to:
- Ripen the cervix
- Reduce the time between the due date and the delivery date
- Reduce the incidence of induction or cesarean
- Decrease time spent in labor
Acupuncture and Postpartum
The birthing process can deplete the body. Acupuncture & moxibustion can help support new moms with:
- Insufficient lactation
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Hormone imbalance
- Insomia
- Perineal discomfort
- Cesarean recovery
- Urinary Problems
- Depression & Anxiety