At taproot, we see patients trying to conceive, either naturally or through IVF and IUI every day. And I like to remind all of them, even the ones who are older and think the clock is ticking, that a fertility journey is more like a marathon and not a sprint.
The choices you make before pregnancy can be even more impactful than the ones you make during.
What you eat, how much you eat, what substances you’re exposed to, how well you sleep, and how stressed you feel can all affect egg and sperm.
You can't rush nature. Patience and consistency will always pay off, in the acupuncture clinic and at home. Read more about fertility acupuncture: how long will it take to work?
3 months is a short enough but very significant period during which you can increase your chances drastically.
Before planting a seed, one must care for the soil.
So let's break down what you can do in a 3-months period to optimize your chances ! The main areas of focus will be egg quality, hormone balancing and uterine health.
Follicles take 3 months to mature into an egg
Here are a few steps to improve egg quality during those 3 months.
Zero caffeine
Caffeine is very detrimental for fertility (read in detail) as well as for pregnancy. Any amount correlates to increased time for getting pregnant, and increased risks of miscarriages.
The closer to zero the safer!
Acupuncture can help you wean off, and combat the very temporary discomfort that you might experience while quitting. There are also plenty of caffeine free alternative to boost fertility !
Eliminate inflammatory foods & favor organic
Continuing the list that will make you hate me, you're going to have to quit :
sugar
processed foods
alcohol
Try to eat as organic as possible, and reduce red meat.
You might want to go easy on gluten as well. You might not be celiac, but even non celiac gluten sensitivity, which goes largely undiagnosed, can impact fertility negatively (read)
Balance your weight
While many underweight or overweight women have no problem getting pregnant, studies show that the closer you are to a "normal" BMI, the safer.
Acupuncture can help you with boosting metabolism, curbing excessive appetite, and better digestion all together, helping you along for the ride. If you are struggling putting weight on, we can also help!
Read more about weight and fertility here.
Try seed cycling
Seed cycling is the rotation of pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and flax seeds in order to regularize cycles and improve fertile mucus.
Detox your home of endocrine disruptors
Substances that disrupts the optimal functioning of hormones hide everywhere.
Egg quality diet
Favor foods than improve egg quality (read more here)
3 months to care for your uterus
In order to grow a baby, you also need a warm and healthy nest, namely your uterus.
It takes about 3 cycles for the deep effects of acupuncture and herbs to really be felt, and most patients notice a significant improvement in their menstrual cycles during this "pre-mester". The taproot fertility protocol allows you to
Regularize cycles, and have less pain during and around your periods
Warm the womb (address potential luteal phase defect)
Tone the uterus and prevent a thin lining for better implantation
If you are suffering from fibroids, endometriosis or other conditions, a longer treatment might be necessary.
3 months of acupuncture improves IVF success rate
It has been proven time and time again, acupuncture & herbs are an amazing support for couples undergoing IVF. (read)
Studies show that acupuncture the day of transfer increases chances a lot. However, the odds are even better if the woman has been doing acupuncture for at least 12 sessions prior to her IVF cycle !
So the concept of pre-mester is even more crucial if you are going through assisted reproductive technology.
There is a lot more that we can discuss in the clinic, and we will take the time to listen to your unique situation and medical history, to customize the best possible treatment plan.
No matter where you are in your
women's health, fertility, pregnancy & mothering journey,
if you need support, we can help.
In addition to our own team of fertility & women's health acupuncturists, we are well-connected within the Los Angeles- Pasadena area community to help you
find the right integrative and holistic care for you.
On our website, you can learn more about our services, and book an appointment.
If you have more questions please call our front desk, at 626-841-2991, or email us.