Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Common Causes
Recurrent pregnancy loss is defined as the loss of two or more pregnancies confirmed by a pregnancy test or ultrasound. The causes of RPL can be chromosomal abnormalities, clotting disorders, autoimmune diseases, endometrial receptivity problems, anatomical abnormalities of the uterus, or unknown. This condition is very disheartening for women or couples. While some of the causes are treatable with allopathic medicine, some are not. This is where Chinese Medicine can step in.
How can acupuncture help?
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have been shown to improve egg quality.
Improved egg quality leads to fewer chromosomal abnormalities and better pregnancy outcomes. Some studies have shown that poor endometrial receptivity could be responsible for up to as much as 60% of failed transfers.
Researchers also believe this to be true of natural pregnancies.
Acupuncture improves endometrial receptivity by improving the endometrial shape, promoting the microcirculation of the film inside the uterus, and promoting two-way regulation of progesterone and its receptor.
Additionally, Acupuncture during the luteal phase can more than double the continuous pregnancy rate. There are several commonly used formulas that are used for RPL. The formulas are modified according to the individual’s diagnosis. When Chinese herbal formulas were used in combination with pharmaceuticals the continuous pregnancy rate beyond 20 weeks went up as high as 92.1% in some research trials.
‘Acupuncture during the luteal phase can more than double the continuous pregnancy rate.’
Here are some helpful Resources:
https://www.cochrane.org/CD010568/PREG_chinese-herbal-medicines-unexplained-recurrent- miscarriage
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30866920/