The Berkley Center’s Miscarriage Prevention Protocol

One 2003 study found that women who underwent IVF and got pregnant with a single child miscarried almost 22% of the time.

The week after your transfer, we start providing anti-miscarriage acupuncture treatment twice weekly for 13 weeks to help reduce the chance of miscarriage.

90% of miscarriages occur within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

What Happens When the Placenta Doesn’t Get Enough Blood?

The placenta is like a lifeline for the baby during pregnancy. It relies on a good supply of blood to do its job correctly. If it doesn’t get enough blood, here’s what can occur:

Slower Growth: When the placenta doesn’t develop properly or has difficulties with blood flow, the baby doesn’t receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients for proper growth. This can result in the baby being smaller than expected when born.

Early Birth: Problems with the placenta can sometimes prompt the baby to want to be born too soon, even before they are fully prepared. This is known as premature birth, and it can be challenging for the baby because it may not be ready for life outside the womb.

Birth Defects: If the placenta isn’t functioning correctly, it might not provide all the essential elements the baby needs. This can lead to birth defects.

Causes of Placental Insufficiency

During pregnancy, the baby relies on the umbilical cord to receive everything they need from the placenta. However, if the placenta isn’t operating correctly, it can result in these problems.

A Potential Life Saver

Acupuncture during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy has been suggested as a therapy to potentially help reduce the chances of Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), a condition in which a fetus fails to grow at a normal rate inside the womb and miscarriage often ensues.

While acupuncture is not a guaranteed prevention or treatment for IUGR, studies suggest that it may positively impact maternal and fetal health during early pregnancy.

Here are some ways in which acupuncture during early pregnancy may potentially reduce the risk of IUGR:

Improved Blood Flow: Acupuncture promotes better circulation by stimulating specific points in the body. This improved blood flow can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus, which is crucial for healthy growth.

Stress Reduction: Acupuncture has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety levels in pregnant women. High-stress levels can negatively impact pregnancy outcomes, so managing stress through acupuncture may indirectly contribute to a healthier pregnancy.

Hormone Regulation: Acupuncture may help regulate hormone levels related to pregnancy. Balanced hormone levels are essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy and optimal fetal development.

Enhanced Immune Function: Studies suggest that acupuncture may boost the immune system, helping the mother’s body defend against infections and illnesses that could affect fetal development.

Hypertension Control: High blood pressure during pregnancy can be a risk factor for IUGR. Acupuncture may help regulate blood pressure, reducing the likelihood of hypertension-related complications.

You’ve gone through so much to get pregnant. Now, let us help keep you that way!

References:

Smith CA, et al. (2018). Acupuncture to Improve Live Birth Rates for Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24(3), 268–274.

Betts D, & Smith CA. (2016). Acupuncture as a therapeutic treatment option for threatened miscarriage. Acupuncture in Medicine, 34(6), 494–499.

Wu J, Yeung AS, Schnyer R, et al. (2018). Acupuncture for Depression During Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 132(3), 509–517.