Trying Again after Miscarriage and IVF with Traditional Chinese Medicine
IVF, a common fertility treatment that has brought joy to many families struggling with infertility but sometimes, despite the best efforts and the advancements of science, life takes unexpected turns. After experiencing the devastating losses of both miscarriage and failed IVF attempts, many couples struggle with the decision of whether or not to keep trying to have a baby. Traditionally Chinese medicine (TCM) offers new hope for these couples.
If you are someone who has experienced the heartache of miscarriage after IVF, know that you are not alone on this journey. Read on to learn more about miscarriage after IVF and what to do to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Causes of Recurrent Miscarriage IVF According to Chinese Medicine
Those who have experienced miscarriage and IVF should first attempt to look at the root cause before attempting to conceive once again. There are many reasons that miscarriages may occur, and they are often the result of not just one factor but a combination of factors.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes the optimal progression of a healthy egg or embryo requires sufficient kidney essence, also known as jing, properly balanced Qi and blood, good circulation, and a healthy uterus environment.
TCM takes a holistic approach to understanding the causes of miscarriage. Miscarriage results from imbalances which can affect the normal development of the fetus and lead to miscarriage. Some common causes of Miscarriage After IVF according to Chinese medicine include:
Qi and Blood Stagnation
Practitioners of TCM believe that, if flow of Qi and blood in the body is obstructed or stagnant, this lack of blood flow starves the developing fetus of the oxygen and nutrients needed to grow which may then result in miscarriage. Qi and Blood deficiency can be caused by factors such as a poor diet, chronic stress, and overexertion.
01
Kidney Deficiency
In TCM, the kidneys play a vital role in reproduction and the development of a fetus. Kidney essence gives a “sprouting” force allowing the embryo to implant and grow. Weak kidney essence makes conception more difficult and increases miscarriage likelihood.
As women age, depletion of kidney essence can result in fewer eggs that are poorer in quality. Deficiency in kidney energy also fails to nourish the developing embryo which may increases the chances of miscarriage.
02
Blood Deficiency
Blood nourishes the fetus just like rich soil providing nutrients for a growing plant. When a mother’s Qi and blood are healthy, they supply nourishment for faster, healthier development of the fetus.
When Blood deficiency is present, it means the endometrium is not getting sufficient nourishment. In order for the uterine lining to thrive and thicken for implantation, proper blood flow is essential.
Along with the deficiencies, imbalances can disrupt the maternal environment and fetal development bringing with it the possibility of miscarriage. For example:
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Imbalances in Spleen and Stomach
The spleen and stomach are responsible for the body’s overall digestion and nutrient absorption. Imbalances in these organs can affect the body’s ability to nourish the fetus.
04
Cold or heat Imbalances
Heat or cold in the body can be compared to wet or humid conditions that hinder healthy growth. An excess of cold or heat in the body can disrupt the balance necessary for the healthy development of a fetus.
During pregnancy, poor sleep, doing heavy lifting, overexercising, or experiencing stress can trigger a buildup of heat which can also overly stimulate the developing fetus. This rapid but abnormal development can impact a healthy pregnancy.
05
Cold
When there is coldness in the uterus, it often causes poor delivery of nutrients to the fetus as it can obstruct the flow of both Qi and blood. Coldness causes contractions and restricts oxygen circulation. Additionally, it can establish a cramped and unwelcoming uterine environment causing implantation challenges which are linked to delayed development.
06
Underlying health conditions or Previous miscarriages
A healthy mother contributes to a healthier baby. If the mother has unresolved health issues or underlying deficiencies, her body might struggle to adequately support a healthy pregnancy. Throughout pregnancy, some of the mother’s vitality and energy are used to nourish the developing embryo while the rest is used to maintain her own well-being.
If the mother’s body is already lacking, more of her vitality and energy will be directed towards her own health instead of the fetus. This can result in insufficient nourishment for the embryo and increase the risk of developmental issues or miscarriage.
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Acupuncture Miscarriage after IVF
Now that we have looked at the different causes of miscarriage let’s look at the solution from a Chinese Medicine perspective If you are looking to conceive again after a miscarriage after IVF.
The goal with Chinese medicine when it comes to conceiving again is to replenish Qi, blood, and kidney essence in early pregnancy to reduce miscarriage risk. This can be done by:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can support both physical and emotional wellbeing after a miscarriage. It can enhance blood flow to fertility organs such as the uterus which creates a more favourable environment for embryo implantation and development.
It can also improve the thickness and quality of the uterine lining while bringing balance to the menstrual cycle to help reduce the risk of miscarriage. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels. High stress can negatively impact fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage. It can also enhance blood circulation throughout the body, including the uterus. Improved blood flow to the uterine lining can create a more hospitable environment for embryo implantation and development.
Herbal Remedies
At GinSen, we have helped many women by using acupuncture and customized herbal formulas to correct deficiencies, move Qi stagnation, and boost circulation to support IVF embryo growth and achieve a successful birth.
GinSen’s IVF Preparation Kit is an all-natural herbal supplement that is expertly formulated to optimize every aspect of the reproductive system in preparation for the next IVF cycle.
The IVF Preparation Kit contains herbs like Ginseng and Goji berry to nourish the blood and essence after the strain of IVF medications. It also includes circulation-boosting herbs like Dong Quai to improve uterine blood flow to support embryo growth.
The comprehensive formula addresses root causes of IVF miscarriage like hormonal imbalance, poor endometrial lining, and low essence. We suggest taking the IVF Preparation Kit for one to three months before the next embryo transfer. This allows enough time to replenish the system, improve egg quality, build a healthy uterine lining, and prevent the recurrence of deficiency-related miscarriage.
Lifestyle Changes for Recurrent Miscarriage IVF
The first thing to do after a miscarriage after IVF is to heal. Avoid sex for one month after miscarriage, and take time before trying again to let your body restore the menstrual cycle. Practitioners of TCM suggest waiting one to two months before conceiving again. For late-stage miscarriage, consider allowing five to six of rest before attempting to conceive.
Stress plays a big part in fertility and lower chances of conception. Gentle exercise, like yoga or qigong, along with meditation, are all-natural ways to reduce stress and stagnation.
A healthy diet is also a must when trying to conceive. Focus on foods that are easy to digest so they can nourish Qi and blood.
Massage techniques like tuina can also help break up stagnation in the abdomen, improve circulation and provide emotional comfort. It has the added benefit of improving sleep quality which also reduces stress.
For those struggling with the grief and disappointment of a miscarriage after IVF, counseling sessions can allow for closure emotionally. This prevents unresolved emotions from disrupting Qi flow.
Conclusion
A personalized Chinese medicine treatment plan can optimize your inner ecosystem so that it is in optimal shape for IVF success after a miscarriage. If you would like to learn more, reach out to book a free online consultation. Our TCM experts are ready to help by bringing healing and leading to IVF success.
For more information about how Chinese Medicine can help you with miscarriage after IVF, book your free consultation with our Chinese Medicine experts today
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.
