Starting a family is a journey. Every couple has a unique experience, but let’s face it, becoming a parent is not for the faint of heart! Some moments of the journey may seem exciting and easy, while other moments bring heartbreak and confusion. “It can be all-encompassing, most of the time.” I’m also a mom who struggled with a difficult pregnancy and have a passion for working with new and hopeful parents.

“I’ve been in it. I know how out of control it can feel at times. Trying to conceive, ovulation tests, temperature tests, pregnancy tests, genetic tests, and the ups and downs of creating a human being in your body. It’s all very wild, yet completely ordinary.”

Acupuncture for Fertility

Modern healthcare has expanded the array of options available - fertility drugs, surgery, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and donor eggs and embryos.

Unfortunately, these solutions do not always work. In the search for effective health care, acupuncture and herbal medicine are gaining wider popularity among the general public. Today, acupuncture is valued for pain management and stress relief, but also as a component of fertility treatments.

A recent study from Tel Aviv University reports, when combining IUI with acupuncture and herbal medicine 65.5% of the test group were able to conceive.

The Science

Acupuncture increases fertility by reducing stress, increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs and balancing the endocrine (hormonal) system. Stress is capable of preventing a woman from ovulating entirely or can create spasms in the reproductive organs which interfere with implantation of a fertilized egg. In men, stress can alter sperm counts, motility, and cause impotence.

“The goal of our fertility program and from a Chinese Medical perspective is to guide the body in becoming pregnant, staying pregnant and ultimately having a happy, healthy baby and mama,” says Thierfelder. Among other benefits, acupuncture can provide better blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, creating a stronger chance for an egg to be nourished and carried to term.

For the millions of hopeful parents who experience fertility struggles each year, acupuncture may be just what the doctor ordered.

Benefits of Acupuncture During Pregnancy

When it comes to banishing both common and uncommon pregnancy woes, many moms-to-be sing the praises of acupuncture. It is credited for easing a wide range of pregnancy symptoms including heartburn, swollen ankles, constipation, carpal tunnel symptoms, sciatica and more.

Some pregnancy symptoms acupuncture can relieve that science has studied are:

• Morning sickness

• Lower back and pelvic pain

• Depression 

• Headaches

• Sleep Problems 

• Breach baby

In addition to treating common pregnancy symptoms, there are other benefits to receiving acupuncture that can greatly improve the health of both mom and baby.

“Acu-baby is a term we lovingly use for a baby whose mom receives acupuncture regularly while pregnant. The babies exude noticeable health and vitality.”

Blood Flow

A study in Ultrasound Obstetrics Gynecology showed acupuncture can improve blood flow to the umbilical artery, improving circulation to the baby resulting in more nourishment and immunological support.

Labor Pain

Acupuncture can ease labor pains during delivery. Patients often seek acupuncture to trigger labor, but regular acupuncture throughout pregnancy can reduce overall labor pains and decrease labor time. A large study conducted on over 600 women showed that moms who received acupuncture had a reduced need for intervention methods compared to those who did not. Additionally, the mean AGPAR score, which measures the physical health of your baby at birth, was significantly higher in the acupuncture group.

Mom and Baby’s Immunity

Moms worry about getting sick while pregnant and many medications are prohibited in pregnancy. According to a 2015 study in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, acupuncture strengthens both mom and baby’s immunity by increasing the components of white blood cells that protect our body.

These are just some of the ways acupuncture can improve a mom’s gestational health and benefit the baby.  In the hands of a well-trained practitioner, acupuncture can make the long nine months less difficult and more enjoyable for moms, babies and the rest of the family.

We’re here to provide a safe and healing space for all patients and we encourage couples to come in and find out about acupuncture for fertility, pregnancy and postpartum support.

Call us at (406) 863-6001 to schedule your new patient consultation today.