Acupuncture is a gentle, natural treatment that offers immense benefits during pregnancy, after birth, and even in conjunction with IVF. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture helps to harmonise the body, restore balance, and support both physical and emotional well-being throughout the unique stages of the fertility and motherhood journey. A recent meta-analysis demonstrated that acupuncture can significantly enhance in vitro fertilisation (IVF) success rates. Drawing on data from 25 high-quality randomised controlled trials with a total of 4,757 participants, the study found that acupuncture increases IVF live birth rates by an impressive 33.8%.

Acupuncture during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a transformative experience, but it’s not without its challenges. From morning sickness to fatigue, back pain, and anxiety, expectant mothers often encounter symptoms that can affect their overall well-being. Acupuncture provides a safe and effective way to alleviate these common discomforts while promoting a healthy pregnancy.

Acupuncture during pregnancy works by improving blood flow, regulating hormones, and addressing imbalances that may arise as the body adjusts to growing a new life. Regular sessions can help manage conditions such as:

• Morning sickness: Acupuncture is highly effective at reducing nausea and vomiting, especially in the first trimester.

• Back and pelvic pain: Targeting specific points can ease tension and improve circulation, relieving discomfort as your body adapts to the baby’s growth.

• Fatigue and insomnia: Treatments can restore energy levels and improve sleep quality, leaving you more refreshed and balanced.

• Stress and anxiety: Acupuncture helps calm the nervous system, supporting mental clarity and emotional well-being.

Additionally, acupuncture can help prepare the body for labour by encouraging optimal baby positioning, softening the cervix, and reducing the need for medical interventions.

Supporting your baby to turn

For babies in breech or transverse positions, acupuncture combined with moxibustion (a technique using a heated herb near specific acupuncture points) has been shown to be effective in encouraging the baby to turn into the correct position for delivery. This approach works by relaxing the uterine muscles and improving blood flow, creating an optimal environment for the baby to move. Many midwives and obstetricians recommend acupuncture and moxibustion as a safe, non-invasive method to assist with positioning.

Acupuncture for natural conception

Acupuncture can also play a vital role in supporting natural conception. By addressing underlying imbalances and promoting optimal reproductive health, it helps create the best possible conditions for conception. Benefits of acupuncture for natural conception include:

• Regulating menstrual cycles: Acupuncture helps establish regular, healthy cycles - which are crucial for identifying ovulation and timing conception.

• Balancing hormones: Treatments can correct hormonal imbalances that may hinder fertility, such as irregular ovulation or luteal phase defects.

• Improving egg quality: By enhancing blood flow to the ovaries, acupuncture supports the development of healthier eggs.

• Reducing stress: Stress can interfere with reproductive hormones; acupuncture promotes relaxation and lowers cortisol levels, improving the likelihood of conception.

• Enhancing uterine lining: Improved blood flow to the uterus helps create a nourishing environment for implantation.

Whether you’re just starting your journey or have been trying to conceive for some time, acupuncture offers a natural, supportive approach to boost fertility and overall reproductive health.

Postpartum Recovery

The postpartum period is a time of immense change and recovery. Acupuncture supports new mothers by helping the body heal after childbirth, restoring energy levels, and addressing emotional shifts. Common postpartum conditions acupuncture can assist with include:

• Hormonal imbalances: Treatments can regulate hormones to support lactation, mood stability, and overall recovery.

• Postnatal depression and anxiety: Acupuncture has a calming effect on the nervous system, offering relief from emotional challenges.

• Fatigue: Restorative treatments replenish energy and promote better sleep.

• Post-birth pain: Acupuncture helps reduce discomfort from labour or C-section recovery.

Acupuncture alongside IVF

When navigating the complexities of IVF, acupuncture is an excellent complementary therapy. It can improve outcomes by enhancing the body’s response to IVF protocols. Research has shown that acupuncture:

• Regulates hormones to improve follicle development and egg quality.

• Increases blood flow to the uterus, improving the endometrial lining for implantation.

• Reduces stress and cortisol levels, creating a more receptive environment for conception.

• Addresses side effects of fertility medications, such as bloating and mood swings.

Pre- and post-transfer acupuncture is particularly beneficial, as it helps create optimal conditions for embryo implantation and reduces the risk of miscarriage. A 2023 meta-analysis showed Acupuncture can improve ovarian reserves (AMH), hormone balance (FSH/LH) and Antral Follicle Count.