Self-Care

Did you know that prime conception time in the United States occurs in fall and winter, particularly from late September through December? Whether you are trying to get pregnant in the coming months or accidentally happen to conceive, there are several ways you can prepare your body to be in the best position for a healthy start to pregnancy. Acupuncture is an effective method to support your reproductive health and create the best possible environment for your future baby to flourish!

 

First things first: Is acupuncture safe to do if you’re trying to get pregnant?

Yes! Acupuncture is absolutely safe when you’re trying to get pregnant. In fact, in recent years, acupuncture has emerged as a promising complementary therapy to enhance the reproductive health of both women and men. It also helps to create conditions under which your baby can thrive.

• Balances hormones and regulates your menstrual cycle 

If you don’t know when you’re ovulating (or if you’re ovulating at all!), trying to have a baby becomes so much more difficult. Acupuncture balances hormone levels and supports regular ovulation, increasing your chances of conceiving.

• Increases blood flow to your reproductive organs

Better blood flow to your ovaries and uterus can lead to better egg quality and quantity, as well as a thickened, well-nourished uterine lining, increasing the likelihood of embryo implantation and successful pregnancy. 

• Decreases stress and anxiety

Trying to get pregnant can be incredibly stressful! Stress, in turn, can cause hormone imbalances and impact menstrual cycles, creating a vicious cycle for those trying to conceive. Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural mood enhancing hormones and helps regulate the body’s stress response.

A calm and balanced state can help set the stage for a healthy pregnancy. Lowering stress levels through acupuncture not only benefits mom’s health but can also positively influence your baby’s development once conception occur

 

When should i start acupuncture and how often should i come in?

If you’re dreaming of welcoming a little one, many acupuncturists suggest starting treatment a few months before you plan to conceive—whether naturally or with assistance like IVF (in vitro fertilization) or IUI (intrauterine insemination). This allows you to tune into your body and see how it responds over several menstrual cycles, setting a nurturing foundation for your journey to motherhood.

For those going through IVF, even just a few sessions around the time of embryo transfer can provide valuable physical and emotional support to help with implantation, making this special time as positive as possible for you and your future baby.

 

Eating For Fertility

When you’re trying to make a baby, what you eat can make a big difference. Here’s a simple guide to nourishing your body and boosting your fertility:

• Go for Yin Foods: Focus on cooling, moistening, and nourishing options like vibrant vegetables, fresh fruits, and hearty grains. Skip the raw veggies and salads, which can “dampen” your energy. Instead, think comforting sautés, warm soups, and cozy stews that keep your body fueled.

• Embrace Yang Foods: Don’t forget about warming and energizing choices like lean meats, fish, and whole grains. These foods can help build strength as you prepare for pregnancy. 

• Blood-Building Power: Make sure your diet is rich in iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12—essential nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. Think leafy greens, red meat, eggs, liver, and beans. And don’t forget a prenatal vitamin to cover all your bases while trying to conceive!

• Spice It Up: Incorporate anti-inflammatory herbs like ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric. These not only add flavor but also help improve circulation and support fertility.

• Choose Whole Grains: Swap out refined carbs and wheat for whole, gluten-free grains. Your body will thank you!

• Sweeten Naturally: Replace refined sugars and artificial sweeteners with natural, low-glycemic options for a healthier boost.

• Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Cut back on coffee and excess caffeine, and steer clear of alcohol, nicotine, and drugs. Your future baby will appreciate the healthy choices!

• Healthy Fats Matter: Include good sources of healthy fats, like avocados, nuts, and olive oil, to support your body’s needs.

By nourishing your body with these fertility-friendly foods, you’re not just fueling yourself; you’re also creating a welcoming environment for your future little one.

 

Can acupuncture help with male fertility too?

Absolutely! When it comes to starting a family, male fertility issues are often overlooked. In fact, more than 50% of infertility cases are linked to male factors like low sperm count and quality. Here’s how acupuncture can help you on your journey to fatherhood:

• Increases blood flow to male reproductive organs
  
  Improved circulation helps deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the testes and related areas, supporting proper functioning–crucial for creating healthy sperm.

• Regulates hormones

Acupuncture can help stimulate the production and regulation of hormones needed for effective sperm production and overall reproductive health.

• Improves sperm quality and quantity

Treatments can boost sperm count, enhance motility (the ability of sperm to move), and improve morphology (sperm shape), all of which are vital for conception. 

 

As a male Looking to Increase fertility, how often should i come in?

Since it takes about 75-90 days for sperm to fully develop, regular treatments over three months can help maximize your chances of contributing to a healthy pregnancy. 

 

Testimonials:

“I’m so grateful that I found Paola. I started my sessions with Paola this summer, and went to her in hopes to get pregnant with our third baby. After two successful pregnancies and births, I had a miscarriage in 2023, so going into trying this time around, I knew I wanted some additional support both in the process of trying to conceive and also throughout my pregnancy. Paola is incredibly kind, caring, and my work with her helped me to not only get pregnant (very quickly I must say!) but also to feel less stress/anxiety, and overall balanced. 

She is incredibly in tune with my body (and has taught me to be as well), and is always so thoughtful in her questions. Whenever I’ve had anything come up outside of my visits, she is so responsive and supportive over text as well.

I’m so happy to be in my 11th week of pregnancy and to have conceived so quickly in working with Paola! I cannot say enough things about the entire office. Amanda and the other team members are so warm and kind, and it’s been so easy to schedule visits with my busy work schedule, 

I look forward to continuing my sessions throughout this pregnancy as well as postpartum. I’m so grateful to have found Paola as I truly feel like no matter what comes up in the future I have a partner in working through things with Paola!”  -L.

“I’ve been seeing Paola for over two years, and she has guided me through so many different phases of life with incredible care and skill. I first found her after a miscarriage, and within two months of treatment, I went on to have a healthy pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period.” -A.

 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3962314/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8158119/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9750622/

https://www.reproductivefacts.org/globalassets/_rf/news-and-publications/bookletsfact-sheets/english-pdf/Acupuncture_and_infertility_treatment.pdf