In Australia, up to one in five pregnancy women will have a miscarriage before 20 weeks (mostly in the first trimester). The actual rate of miscarriage is even higher because some women have very early miscarriages without ever realising that they were pregnant.
What causes a miscarriage?
- Genetic abnormalities: chromosomal aneuploidy (Most common)
- Structural abnormalities in the uterus: adhesions, polyps, septum, etc
- Blood clotting: anti-phospholipid syndrome
- Maternal endocrinopathies: thyroid disease
- Hormonal abnormalities: PCOS, low progesterone, diabetes, etc
- Thin or low quality endometrial lining
- Lifestyle issues: smoking, excessive alcohol or caffeine, drug use, exposure to toxic substances, etc
- Maternal age: the prevalence of genetic abnormalities increase with age
- Trauma: generally only very severe trauma leads to miscarriage
What can you do to prevent miscarriage?
- Rest up – You may experience fatigue in the first trimester, and if you push yourself hard, it only gets worse. Make use of any time you have to rest and accept any offers of help graciously.
- Manage stress – Try to avoid stress and be happy. Slow down at work if possible and try not to take on any new work or large projects that adds extra stress into your life.Napping on the weekends and when you get home from work.
- Healthy diet – In the first trimester you set yourself and your baby up for the rest of the pregnancy journey and beyond. Eat fresh produce and stay away from processed foods. If you are suffering from morning sickness, try to have small meals throughout the day and avoid rich, spicy, greasy or fatty foods, and foods whose smells bother you.
- Moderate exercise – You can continue exercising but not too strenuous. If you are not already exercising, light walking is a great place to start.
How traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture assist in preventing miscarriage?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Kidney Essence (Jing), Liver, Spleen, Yin, Yang, and Qi provide direction, energy, and substance to the reproductive system. The quality and balance of these energies determine egg health in the female and sperm health in the male. Essence, Yin, Yang, and Qi naturally decline with age, but can be accelerated as a result of poor self-care, overworking, poor diet, drug/alcohol abuse, unresolved emotions, and/or excessive stress. Accumulation of these deficiencies result in the uterus not getting enough blood supply to support sufficient growth and nourishment of the foetus, resulting in miscarriage. In order to prevent miscarriage, women should ensure that their body is fully balanced even before planning a pregnancy.
- Regulate and stabilise hormone levels e.g. FSH, LH, oestrogen and progesterone;
- Improve the function of the ovaries to produce more follicles and better quality eggs;
- Increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries;
- Thicken the endometrial lining;
- Increase the chance of successful implantation;
- Help with stress management;
- Reduced side effects such as fatigue, stress, moodiness, abdomen swelling and discomfort.
If you are trying to conceive with a previous history of miscarriage, it is important to make sure that your body are fully balanced and well prepared for pregnancy again. At B&Q Acupuncture, we investigate the underlying causes, deficiencies and imbalances to support you on your journey to parenthood, and address your overall physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. We have proven protocols for IVF, IUI, medicated cycles and couples trying naturally.