Debra Betts, a renowned author, an acupuncturist and a midwife, writes about acupuncture as a prebirth treatment in her book The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Childbirth:

“Prebirth acupuncture refers to a series of treatments in the final weeks of pregnancy to prepare women for childbirth. Research has demonstrated that the mean duration of labor in a group of women giving birth for  the first time was reduced from eight hours and two minutes in the control group (70 women) to six hours and 36 minutes in the group of 70 women who have received prebirth acupuncture.   In clinical practice acupuncture is an ideal method to help women prepare themselves to have the most efficient labor possible.  Feedback suggests that prebirth acupuncture offers a range of positive effects that goes beyond reducing the time spent in labor, with midwives reporting a reduced rate of medical intervention.”

Since ancient times, Chinese medicine, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, has been used to help women during pregnancy, labor and postpartum period.  Modern research is validating its efficacy especially in the period leading up to labor and during labor.  Expectant mothers may be experiencing symptoms which include heart burn, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, bleeding gums, back ache (to name a few) which are considered normal.  Western medical approach during last 2-3 weeks of pregnancy includes weakly visits to a gynecologist in order to monitor fetal position and heart beat but unfortunately has very little to offer for relief of these  bothersome symptoms.  Acupuncture on the other hand, is not only able to prepare a woman’s body for more efficient and shorter labor but it is also able to relieve pregnancy induced symptoms including increased worry and anxiety.

Whether you are expecting your first child or third child, if you are interested in increasing your chances of natural birth and delivery, acupuncture is definitely a gentle and  safe treatment method for you to consider.

Source:  The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Childbirth by Debra Betts

Most women never suspect that they may have blocked fallopian tubes.  This happens mainly because women don’t experience any obvious symptoms that would lead them to believe that they have such a condition.  Infertility is what usually leads women to discover the state of their fallopian tubes.  If you have been trying to conceive for longer than a year and you are over 35 years old, you definitely want to consider checking the state of your fallopian tubes.

Diagnosis

Fallopian tube obstruction can be diagnosed in a number of ways.  Laparsocopy is a surgical procedure which uses a small lighted tube that is inserted through a tiny incision (cut) on the abdomen.  With this procedure, a surgeon is able to see directly into the abdominal cavity and check the state of the fallopian tubes on the outside and the inside by injecting colored dye through the cervix and watching for its appearance at the end of the tube.

Hysterosalpingogram is a procedure in which a dye is injected into the uterus and the uterus is examined via X ray to see if the dye spills into the tubes and pelvic cavity.  These diagnostic techniques are quite invasive so they are not done routinely unless a woman has been trying to conceive for a long period of time without  success (and male factor infertility has been ruled out).

Causes

The common reason for the fallopian tube blockage is a pelvic infection which may produce minor symptoms or no symptoms at all.  However, if the infection was left untreated it can cause scarring, adhesions and complete obstruction of one or both tubes.  In cases of PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), opportunistic bacteria coming from the uterus can spread to the fallopian tubes since they are the structures closest to the uterus.  If a woman is experiencing acute infection, antibiotic therapy is indicated in order to prevent damage to the fallopian tubes.  However, if a woman already has obstruction and damage of the fallopian tubes, a surgery that can repair the damage may be indicated.

Endometriosis can be another possible cause for fallopian tube obstruction.

It’s also possible that fallopian tubes are blocked only some of the time.  This type of blockage is referred to as a “functional blockage”.  This scenario is typical in women who experience a lot of stress.  Stress tends to constrict pelvic musculature and decrease blood flow and this can be a factor in inability to conceive.  This type of functional blockage responds very well to acupuncture as well as Chinese herbal medicine.   Also, excessive mucous buildup within the tube can create a plug and cause blockage.  In Chinese medicine, this would be refered to as “damp accumulation” and would be treated through dietary therapy, herbs and acupuncture.

Infertility Treatment for Blocked Fallopian Tubes

If there is an extensive damage and scarring in both fallopian tubes  it is very difficult (or nearly impossible) for a woman to conceive and IVF is probably the best route to take.  IVF was actually developed for women with extensive fallopian tube obstruction and damage since it can bypass the problem.

Using acupuncture prior to an IVF treatment is a wise decision since  it can help decrease side effects of drugs, decrease stress levels and remove any stagnant blood and energy in order to ensure successful implantation.

Microsurgery is another treatment option for women whose tubes are not damaged along too much of their length.  Surgery seems to be more effective if the damage is in the area closer to the uterus.

The good news is that modern technology does help women with tubal blockage have a healthy pregnancy and birth. If you decide to use assisted reproductive technology, you should make an effort to take good care of yourself in order to create optimal conditions for a new life to flourish. Nutritious diet, proper rest, moderate exercise and stress reduction are the most important things that you can do to improve your health as well as increase your chances of conception.