Women have relied on acupuncture for over 6,000 years to help them get pregnant. It has been extremely helpful and effective that couples who find themselves having a hard time conceiving always have family and friends suggest that they give acupuncture a try. If you’re clueless as to how acupuncture can help when it comes to fertility and pregnancy, this article is perfect for you. We asked experts to answer the most frequently asked questions when it comes to acupuncture and pregnancy. Read on and learn. After finishing this article, we’re certain that you’d be able to confidently answer if acupuncture is for you and if it can help you in your pregnancy journey.
FAQ #1: Can acupuncture improve a woman’s fertility and help to get her pregnant?
Researchers are still finding definite answers to this question. But the future is bright a study shows that women who undergo acupuncture before and after undertaking an in vitro fertilization transfer are more likely to get pregnant than those who did not undergo acupuncture. Over 20 studies also showed that acupuncture positively helps in improving women’s chance to conceive as they undergo IVF.
FAQ #2: Is it safe for women to undergo acupuncture if they’ve been trying to conceive?
Yes. Acupuncture is extremely safe. But to further secure one’s safety, it should be one’s priority to only engage with certified and licensed acupuncturists with a specialty infertility care. To ensure that you have access to one, you should consult with your endocrinologist.
During the process itself, it would also be best if you could ask to check the needles before your acupuncturist begins. This is to allow you to check if all are individually packaged and are set for single use. Also, take note that a certified and licensed acupuncturist would always put alcohol on your skin before every needle insertion.
FAQ #3: What are the expected benefits that women with fertility concerns will experience after undergoing acupuncture?
You will experience the following benefits if you will undergo acupuncture to aid in your pregnancy journey:
- Better mental health
- Reduced anxiety
- Reduced stress – acupuncture has been shown to decrease a person’s high levels of cortisol (stress hormones). A woman with high levels of cortisol is more at risk when it comes to miscarriage.
FAQ #4: What can you expect in an acupuncture appointment?
Expect an in-depth consultation and discussion during your first visit. You will be asked questions that won’t seem related to your fertility issue but such questions will be used to help your acupuncturist determine the best therapy for you.
Upon finishing the consultation, your acupuncturist will then activate different points in your body to enhance blood flow to essential organs with the use of needles. This is the very action that will help you in improving your fertility. Needles will be left in your body for at least 20 to 25 minutes as you relax. Your next visits will be shorter and will no longer involve in-depth consultation.
FAQ #5: What are the acupuncture pressure points that can help in improving one’s fertility?
The following pressure points will be activated by acupuncturists to help you in your pregnancy journey:
- Pressure points on the headache for relaxation
- Pressure points around the stomach to open up ovaries to a fresh blood supply
- Pressure points on the lower legs to promote blood flow
FAQ #6: How much will acupuncture cost?
Pricing will depend on where you live. On average though, you can expect to only be spending around $125 – $300. Follow-up visits cost less at around $75 – $150. AtBaolin Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, the leading acupuncture centre in Perth, an initial acupuncture session with consultation will only cost you $85 while subsequent sessions will only cost $70.
FAQ #7: Does insurance cover acupuncture?
Insurance does not normally cover acupuncture sessions. You can still check with your provider though as some insurance policies in Australia already cover therapy sessions with Traditional Chinese Medicine specialists.
FAQ #8: Can you undergo acupuncture while pregnant?
Yes. Women also highly get the benefit when they undergo acupuncture during their pregnancy. Acupuncture paired with regular massage is extremely beneficial to pregnant women. Acupuncture has been shown to decrease most pregnancy symptoms such as depression, fatigue, and morning sickness. A study even showed that acupuncture can decrease depression in pregnant women by 63%. Before undergoing it though, you should first consult with your OB/GYN.
FAQ #9: What is the current success rate of undergoing acupuncture when TTC?
Research results vary. One study showed that it can only increase one’s chance of getting pregnant by 1% while other research showed that when paired with other fertility treatments, acupuncture can help one get pregnant by 50%.
There are varying results as most research involves small pilot studies. A large controlled study on acupuncture has yet to be done to come up with a definite answer to this question.
FAQ #10: Does it hurt?
Not at all. Acupuncturists use very special needles for the session. Such needles are extremely thin unlike regular needles that one uses for sewing. Most people report that they feel very little pain to no pain at all whenever needles are inserted. You need to take note though that you could expect temporary soreness on parts of your body where needles were inserted after your session. This will be almost unnoticeable though as you would feel extremely relaxed and energized after an acupuncture session.
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