Over 40 and Expecting? Reduce the Risk associated with Miscarriage and age with Chinese Medicine
Entering the realm of motherhood after the age of 40 can be a profound and joyous journey for many women. However, it also comes with unique challenges and concerns, chief among them being the heightened risk of miscarriage. As we embark on the path to parenthood later in life, the complexities of our bodies and the demands of modern lifestyles can make conceiving and maintaining a healthy pregnancy a bit more challenging.
Thankfully, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can provide some practical, non-invasive solutions for reducing the chances of miscarriage.
In this article, we explore how Chinese medicine, with its time-tested practices and natural remedies, can play a pivotal role in reducing the risk of miscarriage over 40 and above, empowering them to embrace motherhood with confidence and well-being.
Why The Risk of Miscarriage Rises Over 40 – Chinese Medicine Perspective
As a woman ages, her reproductive system undergoes changes. Chinese medicine has a unique perspective on health and fertility that differs from Western medicine. According to Chinese medicine, the risk of miscarriage rising over the age of 40 can be attributed to several factors:
Diminishing Kidney Essence
In TCM theory, the kidneys are considered to be the foundation of vitality and the source of Jing, also known as essence. This essence is responsible for reproductive health and is closely linked with reproductive organs. This includes the uterus and ovaries in women and the testes in men. As a person ages, their kidney essence gradually diminishes, affecting the quality of eggs and sperm along with influencing the changes of miscarriage over 40.
As women approach the age of 40, the eggs will become a representation of this essence. During this phase, the body’s vital energy, known as Qi, will begin to decline right along with kidney essence. This decrease can lead to a drop in egg quality and potential miscarriage risk. Because the essence and reproductive function decreases with age, this also affects the thickness of the endometrium lining since it will not receive enough nourishment and energy to function properly. A thin endometrium lining cannot support the implantation and growth of an embryo as it can in younger women which results in increased risk of associated with miscarriage and age.
01
Blood Stagnation & Qi Deficiency
Chinese Medicine considers the flow of Qi and blood within the body as an important factor in fertility. With age, Qi can become deficient which then causes poor nourishment of the reproductive organs. Additionally, blood stagnation, caused by various factors, can affect the flow of energy and nutrients to the reproductive organs potentially increasing the risk associated with miscarriage over 40.
02
Emotional & Lifestyle Factors
Practitioners of TCM believe strongly in the mind-body connection and the impact of emotions on health. After the age of 40, individuals might experience higher levels of stress which can disrupt the flow of energy and impact the body’s ability to maintain a pregnancy. Lifestyle factors, such as poor diet and lack of exercise, can further contribute to imbalances that affect reproductive health.
03
Diabetes, Hypertension, & Hypothyroidism
Those with diabetes are at risk of other reproductive health issues such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Hypertension due to stress may also play a role in the ability to carry a pregnancy to term. Because the thyroid gland is responsible for many different functions, when it is not able to do its job, fertility issues may arise. All these conditions can affect blood circulation and nutrient transfer to the fetus which increases the risk of miscarriage and age.
04
Weak immune system
The immune system’s responsiveness becomes slower leading to potential changes in its ability to defend against foreign invaders. Occasionally, miscarriage may be linked to an unusual immune reaction where the immune system recognises the fetus as foreign and initiates an unplanned termination of pregnancy. Those who have faced recurrent miscarriages likely could be dealing with an immune system disorder. This could potentially complicate the body’s ability to maintain a pregnancy until its completion. Such a condition might also heighten susceptibility to illnesses and health concerns related to miscarriage and age.
05
Solutions to Reduce the Risk of Miscarriage over 40
In Chinese medicine, the goal is to maintain strong kidney Qi, essence, and Jing well into the late 30s and 40s to reduce the risk associated with miscarriage and age. There are a number of all-natural treatments that can help with age related fertility changes, such as:
Acupuncture
The centuries’ old practice of acupuncture is excellent for supporting your fertility journey over 40. It can prevent and reduce the risk of miscarriage in many ways. It helps to improve blood circulation and uterine health while also improving Qi and blood circulation to the reproductive organs. With free energy movement and blood with nutrients, the ovaries can better provide the egg with proper nourishment, and the uterus will have more nutrition to maintain the healthy growth of its lining.
Acupuncture can also preserve Jing. It helps to restore the harmonious co-working process of the reproductive organs so that your kidney Jing is preserved, and the liver is running properly to regulate your menstrual cycles.
The practice of acupuncture may also support the immune system which potentially reduces the risk of miscarriage due to immunological factors. Studies have shown that acupuncture stimulates the body’s immune response and strengthens your body to improve resistance to infection.Â
Stress Reduction
High levels of stress can lead to a number of adverse health issues. Studies have shown Acupuncture to have a calming effect and can help reduce stress and anxiety which can be significant factors in pregnancy-related issues such as miscarriage.Â
Chinese Medicine Herbs
Including Chinese medicine herbs can help improve overall health. They help to support kidney essence to maintain the uterine lining’s thickness and blood flow as long as possible. For example, Semen Cuscutae Is commonly used improve ovarian health and to tonify the kidneys.Â
Dong quai can help to enhance blood nourishment and improve the flow of blood to the reproductive organs. There are also herbs that focus on nourishing Qi to invigorate the spleen thereby promoting overall health and vitality. By incorporating these herbs into treatments, TCM aims to optimize reproductive health against time.
In Chinese medicine, diet plays a vital role in promoting overall health and addressing specific concerns such as reducing the risk of miscarriage for individuals over the age of 40.Â
Eat foods that are warming and nourishing to support the balance of Yin and Yang energies in the body. Warm foods are easy to digest and will not weaken the digestive function of the spleen and stomach in older women. Include foods such as bone broth, cooked whole grains, and cooked vegetables.Â
Recommended Supplements
Women Over 40 & Infertility Kit by GinSen supports eggs health and menstrual cycle, boosts uterus fine line, hormone superber balance, and increases chances of getting pregnant whilst reducing the changes of miscarriage. All the supplements in the kit are expertly formulated by experienced experts of GinSen. Includes three products to target areas that need balance.
Conclusion
If pregnancy loss does occur, it is important to be patient and gentle with yourself. Allow time to fully grieve in whatever ways feel right for you. Communicate clearly with your partner about your needs, concerns, and intimacy. If you are older than 40 and are hoping to conceive again, GinSen is here to help. Reach out to one of our Chinese medicine experts today to discuss how acupuncture, a healthy diet, and stress reduction combined with Chinese medicine herbs can help you to achieve and maintain a healthy pregnancy.
For more information about how Chinese Medicine can help you to reduce the risk of miscarriage over 40, 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.
