Miscarriages can happen in up to 25% of pregnancies. One type of miscarriage, known as a missed miscarriage, occurs when there is an absent fetal heartbeat during a routine check-up. In these cases, often doctors will instruct their patient to wait for awhile to see if the body naturally miscarries and advise medical intervention at a later time if the body does not do so. This period can be accompanied with many different emotions: stress, anger, frustration, and sadness. Traditional Chinese Medicine can help naturally induce the process of letting the fetus go, and can offer emotional support.
For some people the highs and lows of starting or growing a family can be challenging. If you are planning your family then it may start with the excitement of trying to get pregnant, followed by the uncertainty and sometimes disappointment of not succeeding the first, second, or maybe even tenth try. When you finally learn that you are expecting, you are so happy (and maybe a little scared), you can’t wait to tell all of your friends and family the great news. The doctor often tells you to wait for three months before sharing and you are counting down the days until the big announcement.
Unfortunately, not everyone gets to share the big news or post their thoughtful announcement on social media. In fact, as many as one in four pregnancies end in miscarriage with 80% of these happening within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. When this occurs in the first 12 weeks, it is termed an early miscarriage and may present with vaginal bleeding and cramping pains in the lower abdomen or back. It may also present as pain without bleeding, heavy bleeding without pain, or persistent light staining that is present for three or more days.
The term missed miscarriage refers to the discovery of an absent fetal heartbeat during a routine examination without any warning signs of bleeding or pain. In this case, the woman is usually left for a period of time to see if they will miscarry naturally or if a dilation and curettage (D&C) or labour induction is needed.
Although there are many different causes, Traditional Chinese Medicine sees miscarriage as a disharmony between the Conception and Penetrating meridians, as it is their role to gather blood and nourish the developing fetus. Often, this is diagnosed in addition to an underlying Kidney deficiency.
If you are having a miscarriage and it has been confirmed by your doctor that you are able to miscarry naturally, then acupuncture may be of benefit to you. It is well known that acupuncture can help induce labour but in addition it can be used to support the mental and physical stress that accompanies a miscarriage. Treatment generally consists of a few acupuncture appointments spaced close together, along with an herbal formula to help induce or complete an efficient miscarriage. Treatment allows the woman to take a proactive role in the miscarriage instead of waiting to see if a medical intervention will be necessary.
Following a miscarriage, acupuncture is great to help restore the woman’s mind and body and to increase fertility for a future pregnancy.
If this is of interest to you, consider booking an appointment with me. You can do so here.