Preconception Care optimises your general health, reproductive health and fertility to promote a healthy, vital conception and flourishing pregnancy.
Did you know it takes your body a whole year to develop a primordial follicle to the stage of ovulation? It’s the last 120 days that are paramount – in this stage, follicles acquire blood vessels and the potential for hormonal and nutritional influences to affect development up to ovulation. This is the time when acupuncture for increasing ovarian blood flow is especially beneficial. Preconception acupuncture encourages the healthy follicle and egg development and on-time ovulations that are cornerstones of Preconception Care.
A healthy ovulation hopefully leads to a healthy conception. Within a few days, the new embryo lands in the uterus where it is solely nourished by endometrial tissue. A healthy, functional and receptive endometrial lining is essential for the embryo to implant and thrive, so improving circulation to the uterus and stimulating the growth of a plump and accomodating endometrium is key focus of Preconception Care for women
Clinical studies demonstrate that acupuncture improves blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, thickens thin uterine linings, balances female hormones and helps regulate ovulation in women with irregular cycles. (You can read more about those clinical studies and other related research here and here)
Lifestyle and Preconception Preparation
High stress, poor sleep, excess travel (e.g. for work), inflammatory conditions and illness are all factors that can negatively impact hormone function and interfere with your cycle regularity. Preconception acupuncture gives you the opportunity to address these issues so you are at your best for conception.
Preconception Care: nutrition and preventative medicine
Many women are already aware that their bodies have extra nutritional needs during pregnancy. Beginning a Preconception plan that addresses these needs before you fall pregnant will help to ensure that adequate nutrients are immediately available to a growing embryo.
Additionally, this time provides you with support to address any health concerns that might have been neglected or could affect you during pregnancy (such as high for low blood pressure, being overweight or having an autoimmune condition).
Preconception Care is strongly recommended if you:
- are over 35 years of age
- have been using the contraceptive pill, mirena or implanon for 3+ years
- have a history of heavy, painful or very light periods
- have a history of short, long or irregular menstrual cycles
- work extended hours or have a highly stressful job
- are under excessive stress
- often feel tired, run-down or otherwise unwell
- often experience poor sleep or insomnia
- get ovulation pain
- experience strong PMS symptoms
- experience severe period pain
- have a history of lower back pain or pelvic discomfort
- experience nausea or headaches with periods
- often have digestive upset, bloating and discomfort
- often feel anxious
- suffer chronic health issues (e.g. poor digestion, allergies, chronic pain, fatigue)
- are concerned about diet and lifestyle
- have a medical condition that could affect you during pregnancy
If you have any health conditions that directly impair fertility such as hormonal imbalances, PCOS, polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, irregular ovulation irregular periods, Chinese herbal medicine will be incorporated into your Preconception programme. For more treatment and research information, please see the Female Fertility page.