Acupuncture and Getting Pregnant?
We wish we could tell you, “Yeah, go make an appointment with an acupuncturist and be a hundred times as likely to make a baby!” But (sorry!) we can’t. Acupuncture, the ancient Chinese practice of, you know, strategically pricking you with needles, hasn’t been proven to increase a woman’s ability to naturally get pregnant.
But wait — acupuncture _has _been tested on women undergoing IVF treatments. In one meta-study (a study of studies), women undergoing IVF weren’t found to be more likely to have a baby if they’d had acupuncture. While in another conflicting meta-study, they were found to be more likely, but only by a super small amount. So basically, acupuncture may be worth trying — many people find it really relaxing and some women still swear it helped them conceive despite the lack of scientific backup. Just don’t go in assuming it will magically give you a little plus sign on a home pregnancy test.
Also, heads up that some other Chinese “fertility boosters” — mainly herbs — aren’t proven to help either. And some herbs aren’t recommended during pregnancy (who knows? you could be there soon!) so ask your doctor before taking anything.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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