Can acupuncture help with miscarriage?

Acupuncture for Recovery After Miscarriage

A miscarriage, the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks, affects 10-20% of known pregnancies, with early miscarriages (≤13 weeks) being common. Women may experience physical and emotional impacts, such as bleeding, pain, sadness, and anxiety. Research shows significant psychological effects, including PTSD and depression.

Most women have healthy pregnancies after a miscarriage, though 20% may experience another miscarriage, and some face difficulties conceiving again. Recovery involves physical and emotional healing, with physical recovery taking months and emotional recovery potentially longer.

Acupuncture is a helpful option for recovery, aiding in stress reduction, hormone balance, inflammation reduction, and preparing the body for pregnancy. It enhances blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, improves egg quality, and reduces anxiety, facilitating both physical and emotional healing.

Acupuncture can increase clinical pregnancy rates by 28-32%, ongoing pregnancy rates by 42%, and live birth rates by 30%, without increasing miscarriage risk. It is particularly beneficial for women with previous cycle failures, increasing live births by 42%.

In conclusion, acupuncture is a safe, effective therapy for enhancing fertility and recovery after miscarriage, with further research needed to understand its mechanisms fully.

References

Lee E. Hullender Rubin, Med Acupunct. December 2019; 31(6): 329–333.