The sight of a positive pregnancy test is usually a joyful thing for anyone who has been trying to conceive. The vast majority of the time, this positive test is followed by a flurry of happy activity up until the arrival of baby. But sometimes, it’s not. Sometimes the positive is followed by the heartache of loss, and sometimes one loss is followed by another, and another, and maybe another until eventually, the sight of that positive test evokes fear or anxiety. Usually both.

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined by two or more pregnancy losses. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), RPL affects anywhere between 1-2% of the population that is trying to conceive. There are numerous factors that lead to this condition ranging from genetic issues, uterine issues, to autoimmune factors. Regardless of the cause, the net effect for those experiencing these losses is sadness, fear, and sadly, often a sense of being somehow less than a person (though nothing could be further from the truth).

Chinese medicine provides a beacon of hope for those trying to stay pregnant just as it does for those trying to get pregnant. Defining the root of the cause and nourishing the body back to balance through acupuncture, herbs, diet, and supplements may help correct the thing which was hindering the pregnancy in the first place. If someone requires Western medical intervention to help stay pregnant, we work with those providers in a complementary fashion to help achieve those goals.

Beyond simply helping people create a healthy environment in their bodies to sustain a pregnancy, we also work with the heart and Shen (spirit) to help those suffering from RPL to navigate their fear and doubts. Studies have shown that those who are experiencing a threatened miscarriage do better when turning to complementary therapies such as acupuncture because it helps them feel like they are doing something where they are often told to rest and wait.

Are you suffering from recurrent pregnancy loss or know someone who has? Reach out to us and schedule 15-minute consult at no cost. We see you and we are here to help.

(written by Molly)

Photo by Khamkéo Vilaysing on Unsplash