Fertility and Pregnancy

We support fertility and pregnancy with an integrated approach. As many people are discovering, acupuncture is now widely used to support fertility and to maintain optimal health during pregnancy. Herbal therapy may also be used if desired.

In addition to acupuncture and herbal therapy, we offer basic gynecological services including hormone balancing, Chiropractic care, Massage and Nutritional Programs for fertility, as well as yoga and stress-relieving meditation.

An individualized program will be tailored to meet your needs and preferences. We work with women and couples who are pursing natural means of fertility support as well as those utilizing assisted reproductive technology.

Acupuncture & Herbs for Fertility

Acupuncture has been shown to support fertility in both women and men, and is becoming widely acknowledged in its ability to improve success rates with medical in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

Research has demonstrated that acupuncture helps:

Reduce stress hormones that interfere with ovulation
Normalize hormones that regulate ovulation so an egg is released
Increase blood flow to the uterus, improving the chances of a fertilized egg implanting
Improve ovulation cycles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Improve pregnancy rates in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF)

Additionally, acupuncture and herbal therapy:

Improve the function of the ovaries to produce higher quality eggs
Support the development of a larger number of healthy follicles in IVF
Help relax and de-stress
Reduces the unpleasant side effects of IVF medications, including mood regulation
Improve sperm count and motility in men
Increase the chance of conception
Prevent uterine contraction post IVF embryo transfer
Decrease the chance of miscarriage

For those who are considering assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as IVF, we recommend weekly or monthly treatments for 3-6 months prior to the procedure, when possible, in order to regulate the body and optimize fertility. Many women become pregnant naturally during this phase.

If you are already working with ART procedures, the recommended protocol includes:

Acupuncture treatments 1-2 times weekly in the induction phase
Treatment just prior to harvest of eggs
Treatment just prior to and immediately following the transfer procedure
Weekly treatments thereafter until pregnancy is confirmed and ongoing as needed to support pregnancy
Herbal therapy may be used in addition to acupuncture to promote fertility.

Nutrition for Fertility

Fertility, or a woman’s ability to become pregnant and give birth to a child, is an issue a growing number of women are conscious of as the preferred age of conception steadily rises. Diet restrictions and recommendations during pregnancy are well known, but did you know the nutrition choices made while trying to conceive often influence the outcome?

Nutrition and herbal remedies can also be successfully applied to ease painful menstruation, correct cycle irregularities, and relieve the symptoms of menopause.

Giving Nature Pregnancy Program

We offer a personalized program of care for your fertility and pregnancy support. Your program may incorporate elements of our primary healthcare services, acupuncture, chiropractic care, nutrition, herbal therapy, massage therapy and other approaches including yoga and meditation.

If you would like to create a personalized program, we invite you to set up an initial consultation with one of our healthcare specialists.

Acupuncture in Pregnancy

Acupuncture offers a natural means for supporting a healthy pregnancy that is safe for the both the mother and developing fetus. Women who receive acupuncture treatments in pregnancy benefit by improving the health of their pregnancy and easing commonly experienced conditions such as morning sickness, fatigue, and back pain.

Common Conditions Treated During Pregnancy

1st Trimester

Morning Sickness
Fatigue
Miscarriage prevention
Colds and sinus congestion
Frequent urination and urinary tract infection

2nd Trimester

Sciatica
Heartburn
Head and body aches
Hemorrhoids

3rd Trimester

Back pain
Insomnia
Edema
Shortness of breath
Breech presentation
Delayed labor

Postpartum Support

After giving birth a mother’s vital energy is generally depleted. Labor and childbirth are strenuous and often involve great energy expenditure and loss of blood. Immediately after birth the mother begins caring for her baby and generally gets very limited and interrupted sleep for some months. Mood disturbances are common and can be treated naturally, as can many other conditions commonly experienced postpartum.

Common Conditions Treated Postpartum

Fatigue
Body aches
Depression & Anxiety
Constipation
Hemorrhoids
Healing from surgical incisions
Insufficient lactation

After giving birth, this is the time to strengthen your body and rebuild your energy using natural and effective therapies like acupuncture, herbs, and nutritional supplementation. Many herbal formulas can be taken postpartum even when breastfeeding and are safe for the child.