Acupuncture for IVF: Why Treatment is Important After Conception

Acupuncture for IVF - The value of treatment beyond the positive pregnancy test.

By Dr Luke McPherson (TCM)

TCM, Acupuncture, Crows Nest

How Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Support Pregnancy After IVF

For many women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF), and having acupuncture for IVF; the journey shouldn't end with embryo transfer. The early weeks of pregnancy, especially the first trimester, are crucial for implantation, foetal development, and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can play a significant role in supporting the body during this time, helping to reduce stress, balance hormones, and improve circulation to the uterus—all factors that contribute to a successful pregnancy. Receiving the extra support from your acupuncturist - the person who has been there on your fertility, can be really comforting for the expecting mum.

Supporting Implantation and Early Pregnancy

Once an embryo has implanted, TCM focuses on strengthening the body's ability to nourish and sustain the pregnancy.

• Acupuncture for Uterine Blood Flow: Acupuncture has been shown to improve blood circulation to the uterus, ensuring a rich supply of oxygen and nutrients to the developing embryo. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that acupuncture enhances endometrial receptivity by improving uterine blood flow and modulating immune responses, which may increase implantation success (1).

• Supporting Progesterone Levels: In TCM, a stable pregnancy is linked to a strong Kidney system, which corresponds to reproductive hormones. Research suggests that acupuncture can increase progesterone and estradiol levels in IVF patients, supporting the uterine lining and embryo development (2).

• Reducing the Risk of Miscarriage: By promoting balance within the body and calming the nervous system, acupuncture may help reduce the risk of miscarriage, especially for women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss. A study conducted in China found a significant reduction in miscarriage rates among women who received acupuncture treatments (3).

  
  

Managing First Trimester Symptoms

Some expecting mums experience nausea, fatigue, and emotional ups and downs in the first trimester. Acupuncture and TCM offer natural solutions to manage these symptoms safely.

• Morning Sickness: Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are linked to disharmony in the Stomach and Spleen systems. A randomised controlled trial found that acupuncture significantly reduced nausea and dry retching in pregnant women (4). Specific acupuncture points, such as Pericardium 6 (Neiguan) and Stomach 36 (Zusanli), are commonly used to alleviate symptoms.

• Fatigue and Low Energy: The process of IVF, along with early pregnancy changes, can leave women feeling drained. Acupuncture works to restore Qi (vital energy), helping to combat fatigue and support overall energy levels. A wellness report noted that acupuncture improved sleep quality and reduced exhaustion in pregnant women (5).

• Anxiety and Emotional Well-Being: The emotional toll of IVF doesn’t disappear after a positive pregnancy test. Many women feel anxious in the early weeks, worried about the success of their pregnancy. Acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, reducing stress hormones and promoting a sense of calm (6). In TCM, balancing the Heart and Liver systems can help regulate emotions and improve sleep.

  
  

Safe and Effective TCM Support

While acupuncture and TCM can be highly beneficial in early pregnancy, it’s crucial to work with a qualified practitioner who specialises in fertility and pregnancy support. Some acupuncture points and herbal formulas are contraindicated during pregnancy, so treatment should always be personalised.

It’s also important to recognise that while many studies highlight the potential benefits of acupuncture, not all fertility treatments have strong scientific backing. A report noted that a large number of fertility patients seek additional complementary therapies (besides acupuncture and TCM), some of which lack definitive clinical evidence (7).

For women who have undergone IVF, acupuncture provides not only physical support but also emotional reassurance, helping them transition from fertility treatment to a healthy pregnancy. By harmonising the body's systems and addressing early pregnancy symptoms naturally, TCM offers a safe and effective way to nurture both mother and baby through the first trimester.

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References

1. Zheng X, Yu S, Liu L, Yang H, Wang F, Yang H, Lv X, Yang J. The dose-related efficacy of acupuncture on endometrial receptivity in infertile women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Public Health. 2022 Apr 28;10:858587.

2. Dong HX, Wu X, Zhou Q, Huang DM, Zhang MM, Huang GY, Yang W. Effect of acupuncture on endometrial blood Flow in Women Undergoing in vitro fertilization embryo transfer: a single Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial. Chinese journal of integrative medicine. 2024 Jan;30(1):10-7.

3. Betts D, Smith CA, Dahlen HG. The use of acupuncture as a treatment for threatened miscarriage within a hospital setting in China. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012;12:18. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3342918/

4. Smith C, Crowther C, Beilby J. Acupuncture to treat nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: A randomized controlled trial. Birth. 2002;29(1):1–9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11843784/

5. Total Wellness Centre. 9 ways acupuncture can ease your first trimester [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2025 Apr 3]. Available from: https://www.totalwellnesscentre.ca/resources/2024/11/20/9-ways-acupuncture-can-ease-your-first-trimester

6. Jiang M, Huang L, Gu X, Liu T, Kang J, Wang T. Traditional Chinese herb for low endometrial receptivity and its effect on pregnancy: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine. 2019 Nov 1;98(47):e17841.

7. Boseley S. Three-quarters of UK fertility patients using unproven add-on treatments. The Guardian [Internet]. 2025 Mar 26 [cited 2025 Apr 3]. Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/26/three-quarters-of-uk-fertility-patients-using-unproven-add-on-treatments