Acupuncture for Recurrent Miscarriage

Miscarriage is one of the most common infertility conditions that we see. 25% of pregnancies do not make it within the first 12 weeks. This is due to chromosomal abnormalities (explained further down). Miscarriages can also occur due to:

• Systemic disorders
• Uterine irregularity
• Cervical inefficiency

Acupuncture for recurrent miscarriage plays an important role in the first trimester. But it begins much earlier than the first trimester.
When we are looking at these types of pregnancy problems, we must look over all the elements of health. We start with improving both partners’ health before conception. What this means is optimising the sperm, the egg and uterine environment. To create the most beneficial environment for a healthy pregnancy⁽¹⁾.

Acupuncture for Recurrent Miscarriage:

The 7 Prerequisites For a Successful Pregnancy

A number of things then need to happen for a successful pregnancy to produce a healthy baby:

1. good quality sperm
2. fertilisation of the ovum
3. egg implantation
4. active prevention of miscarriage
5. a healthy first trimester
6. healthy second and third trimesters
7. and labour support

And so acupuncture for recurrent miscarriage begins in preconception and supports all the way through to delivery.

Sperm quality

Sperm that is robust is an essential prerequisite for successful fertilisation. Robust sperm can reach the egg to develop a strong embryo. But subnormal sperm morphology, count or motility is common in many males.

Both genetics and environmental factors influence male sperm quality. The sperm can have the ability to improve by altering lifestyle habits. Acupuncture for recurrent miscarriage includes improving the sperm motility, count and morphology. To give a better chance of enhanced fertilisation rates and embryo quality. ^{[2, 3, 4, 5]}

Fertilisation of the ovum

We must consider the uterine environment and the lifestyle and genetic impacts. The uterine environment plays a key factor in promoting successful fertilisation. Uterine pH levels and mucosal thickness are important. What it is important for is the survival and transport of sperm to the ovum. ^[6]

And so acupuncture for recurrent miscarriage looks to improve your uterine health. Which involves reducing stress levels and correcting any hormonal imbalances. This helps to ensure a successful fertilisation journey.

Successful egg implantation

After ovulation, the fallopian tube picks up the egg and transfers it to the uterus. It’s important to avoid or reduce stress because it can cause fallopian tube spasms. These spasms can come from conditions such as PCOS and PID. Any tissue damage can hinder egg transport and implantation.
During this part of your cycle, acupuncture for recurrent miscarriage can help implantation. Promoting successful implantation by relaxing tubal spasms, promoting movement of the egg and encouraging healing. This is particularly beneficial for women suffering from PCOS and PID. ^[7,8,9]

Active prevention of miscarriage

Both partners should maintain healthy lifestyle habits. Not only before pregnancy, but also during and after conception. This helps to ensure a successful pregnancy. Healthy habits include:

• moderate exercise
• high folic acid/iodine/iron intake
• alcohol and tobacco avoidance
• and maintaining a positive mental state

It is important that both your mind and body remain calm and balanced. Adopting positive daily behaviours helps to develop a healthy baby. As well as reduce your risk of complications in future pregnancies.
Healthy lifestyle changes should begin at least 3-12 months before trying to conceive. This includes incorporating acupuncture for recurrent miscarriage into your routine. Preconception care is especially important for those who:

• are over 40 years old
• have a history of miscarriage
• PCOS
• PID
• endometriosis
• or a high stress lifestyle ^[10,11,12]

A healthy first trimester

The first trimester can be a mix of excitement and worry. It is important to only source pregnancy information from credible sources. As there is an overabundance of information at our fingertips online.
As the embryo develops changes start to occur in the body. Such as nausea, vomiting, increased urination, fatigue, food aversions, constipation and mood swings. A few daily life adjustments can make all the difference during these first three months. For example:

• having small, frequent warm meals can prevent nausea, vomiting and anxiety. Also foods that contain less spice, red meat, processed-sugar and chocolate. Accompanied by an increase in fruit and vegetables. You should also increase your intake of fluids (except coffee
• mindful thinking, acupuncture, and herbs can also ease nausea, vomiting and anxiety symptoms
• moderate daily exercise will also enhance your mental and physical wellbeing. Particularly if sun exposure is possible
• regular acupuncture for recurrent miscarriage support in the first trimester. Especially for stress and anxiety that is often experienced at this time

To help you through your first trimester we recommend being aware of changes in your body. As well as communicating them with a healthcare practitioner. ^[13,14,15]

Healthy second and third trimesters

As your body expands with your baby’s growth, discomfort and swelling may occur. You may experience symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath and poor sleep. All these symptoms can impose on your daily life. It’s important to visit your health care practitioner if the symptoms persist.

The number one priority is improving your quality of life and your embryo’s health. By ensuring you get enough deep sleep, maintaining a positive home and work environment. Acupuncture for recurrent miscarriage in this stage aims to support your body. So your body can continue to support your growing baby.

Labour assistance

High-quality labour support will help you to have a natural and smooth delivery of your baby.

During the last month of pregnancy is when the body starts preparing for birth. The cervix softens in preparation for contractions and delivery.

Acupuncture for recurrent miscarriage in the third trimester can assist in childbirth preparation.

By supporting cervical changes and natural labour induction.

The childbirth process releases the oxytocin hormone, which increases pain sensations. It is these sensations that help women find their own way of facilitating labour and birth.

The response to these contractions increases their strength and efficiency.

As labour progresses, more endorphins are released. This creates a feedback pathway to decrease the pain.

A healthy birth-weight of the baby will have long-lasting effects. Such as mental, intellectual, and physical effects on development. It can affect their lifelong cardiovascular health, cholesterol levels and mental state. ^{[16,17,18,19]}

How acupuncture for recurrent miscarriage can help

Exploring the Role of Acupuncture in Managing Recurrent Miscarriage Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may support implantation processes. This approach in Chinese medicine is often focused on addressing what is traditionally seen as a ‘deficiency’, potentially including:

• Low progesterone levels
• Short luteal phase
• Variations in immune response

Factors contributing to these conditions can range from lifestyle choices and stress to genetic predispositions. In Chinese medicine, we emphasize treating the individual holistically. This means considering the overall health of the person, rather than just the symptoms.

While acupuncture and Chinese medicine have a long history, dating back over 2000 years, in addressing various health concerns, their application today is tailored to each individual’s needs.

As an experienced practitioner in Chinese medicine, my goal is to offer insights and care that support your overall fertility and well-being, acknowledging that each person’s journey to pregnancy is unique.

Acupuncture for miscarriage recovery

Not only is acupuncture for recurrent miscarriage utilsed. But also following a miscarriage, acupuncture for miscarriage recovery helps restore your body. As your body’s rhythm is changing from a pregnant state to a non pregnant state.

It can help to set you up for future cycles. By addressing any bleeding, hormonal irregularities, anxiety, stress and depression. Acupuncture for recurrent miscarriage helps with the ability to cope with daily life. As well as regaining a sense of control to continue with their fertility journey.

This is a difficult time and support needs to be approached by each individual when they are ready.

Western medicine & acupuncture for recurrent miscarriage should work together

All Chinese medicine practitioners at Sustain Health are trained in modern biomedical science. They have a thorough understanding of how fertility pregnancy works. In both modern Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine.

We take all your blood tests, imaging and surgery report into consideration. This allows us to prepare your customised Chinese medicine treatment plan. As well as develop a personalised approach of acupuncture for recurrent miscarriage.

We can work collaboratively with your fertility specialist or gynaecologist. To ensure we achieve the best possible outcomes for you.

Western medicine & acupuncture for recurrent miscarriage should work together

A holistic approach to managing miscarriage is why our treatments can be effective. If you are experiencing recurring miscarriage issues. Or you would like extra support in creating a healthy pregnancy. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your needs with one of our practitioners. Our Chinese medicine practitioners are all experienced and trained in fertility support.

We will provide you with professional advice. As well as create a customised Chinese medicine treatment plan. Which involves acupuncture for recurrent miscarriage. To support you throughout your pregnancy.