Acupunture increases IVF success rates (two studies)

[Nixon]

Hi,

I also had a question regarding acupuncture although not specific to conception.

I started using acupunture towards the end of my first IVF cycle (lucky for us it only took one) and I couldn't say if it helped with quality, but we ended up with 6 eggs - 5 mature - 4 fertilized - 3 frozen at blasty - 1 transferred. The one transerred is now quite happily kicking me in the ribs as we speak.

The thing is that this cheeky monkey is presenting breech and has been since week 21 (now week 32). The ob keeps telling me there is plenty of time for baby to turn around, but I have my suspicions that baby is very happy in the current position and will not move. I have read that by 33 weeks there is only a 5% chance that the baby will be in the breech position.

Now for my question - does anyone know the success rates of Acupuncture assisting in turning the baby? When Acupunture is used to turn the baby - what is the theory behind it?

I do not want a caesarean, but even more than that I do not want a breech birth vaginally. I figure I can do nothing and hope the baby turns on it's own or I can try some natural remedies to help assist. If it doesn't work - at least I have done all that I am willing to do to assist the baby to turn on it's own.

Any info would be appreciated.

Cheers
Nic

PS: baby is in 'frank' breech.

[aliceinwonderland]

Hi Nixon,

I don't know thesuccess rates as such but the acupuncturist I use (prevously to get me pregnant, now for morning sickness and general wellbeing) is also a midwife and also has great success at turning babies! I am only 17 weeks pregnant so not sure if I need her for that just yet.

Her name is Sue Booth and she practices at Life Source in North Sydney and Qi Yoga in Mona Vale I think. She is wonderful. As a midwife she not only totally "gets" the anxiety or concerns you feel when TTC or pregnant but she is a font of birthing information to boot! I couldn't have done this without her I don't think. I couldn't recommend her highly enough.

I wish you all the very best for the remainder of your pregnancy and hope your cheeky monkey's birth is everything you want it to be!

Lily x

[Nixon]

Thanks Lily. I have just confirmed a booking with Rozelle Acupuncture and Chinese Medine. I believe that they are quite involved with conception, infertility, pregnancy support with the use of Acupuncture. So, here is hoping. I'll let you know how I get on. I'll be starting treatment today.

I have also read about turning the baby using point 'bladder 67' and moxa? It is a treatment that you can do yourself at home on a daily basis - so I'll be asking about that too.

Thanks again for your response. If I don't feel I'm getting what I need at Rozelle - I'll give Sue a call.

[Jaxi]

I'm currently on day 6 of puregon injections for IVF/ICSI with a count of about 30 follies being clearly shown yesterday. Have I left it too late to begin AC for this cycle? I've managed to get an appointment for next Thur morning hoping I haven't left it too late!!!!

[Jennifer M]

Hi

am getting ready to do 3rd stim cycle ........ pretty dismal response in last 2 cycles.
my IVF doc actually told me to try acupuncture to improve my response to the IVF drugs -
has anyone heard of that? or done it?
He said something about some research?
I've made an appointment for tomorrow with the clinic that works on site with the IVF clinic. Wish me luck - first time for acupuncture. SHouldn't be nervous but I am, a bit.

[lauramay09]

Hi JM

hope your acupuncture was great ........ I just love it! Addicted!
And it has certainly helped me cope with IVF better last time. My last cycle was my best yet - no BFP yet but I have lots of little ones in the freezer now!
So hope you have a similar experience.
My FS recommended an acupuncture clinic he works closely with too. The girls there are just so lovely and they are all trained in this speciality so I feel I am in good hands.
I will be asking my FS whether he recommends for FE cycles too.....
all the best.
Laura

[Jennifer M]

HI Laura

GREAT to hear that acup helped your IVF cycle. I need to hear these stories and I am really hopeful it might do the same for me. My first acup treatment was a really nice experience, (I was a bit surprised it was so relaxing ) - a lovely woman with a gentle touch (Leah) and she really knew what she was talking about. This clinic only treats IVF patients and they work closely with some of the IVF specialists. She said they will be doing some clinical trials later this year with the IVF clinic. So I feel pretty confident the treatment will be the right treatment.
Can I ask, is your acupuncture clinic associated with IVF Australia ?
JM

[Jennifer M]

Hi Laura

thanks for your encouragement - I cant say i'm addicted but actually i did enjoy the acupuncture. I will be having a series of 6 treatments before egg pick up, following a research protocol from Colorado (apparently it regulates stress hormones and increases pregnancy rates 15%) - so I'll let you know how it goes. The acupuncturist was very gentle and knowledgeable - knew more about all the IVF stuff than me, and I thought by now I knew it all! Well all I'm praying is that my follies multiply more and bigger than before!

Jennifer M

[aliceinwonderland]

I have heard that Rozelle are pretty good too! Good luck with getting this one to do an about face!

Lilyx

[Baby2Bee]

Hi All. I hope you dont mind but I've just been reading this thread and have booked my first AC session!! Tomorrow!! We have had two unsuccessful IUI's and I've got a final BT tomorrow for my third cycle.....pretty confident its a BFN! Fingers crossed about AC....i'm quite excited. I'm going to the Menlha Healing Centre (Victoria Park, WA). Have any perthies heard anything about this centre? And is this something DH should try....his soldiers are up, down, slow, all over the place!!!!

[Justin Keane]

Emmapenguin yes, male factor infertility often responds very well to chinese herbs and acupuncture, I believe your partner would definately benefit from a course of treatment, and you can test it to see exactly how much benefit it is giving him. I have seen patients sperm tests reflect recovery even before the usual 3 month time frame. (Thats about how long spermatogenesis takes).
Nixon acupuncture is the treatment of choice for breech presentation, there is also a website called spinning babies which offers some tips on posture and exercise etc but the Chinese Medicine technique of using moxa on BL67 works, lots of clinical trials (and my own experiance) have shown this to be true. This can be done with acupuncture or not. It is best done every day for 10 consecutive days then a day or two break, then again for another 10 if necessary. Your acupuncturist should teach you how to do it at home.

[Justin Keane]

Jaxi,
the best designed studies so far (incl. Adelaide Uni) have illustrated that acupuncture increases the chances of IVF success when implemented in the 24 hrs before tranfer and again in the 24hrs post transfer. Good luck, keep us updated!

[Jaxi]

Thanks Justin. I will definitely keep you all updated.

[BellyBelly]

Nixon, frank breech is most favourable for a vaginal birth. In fact if you check out the RANZCOG website, they say breech birth is okay, where baby is frank breech... of course the list other restrictions but basically frank breech is the same as bub would be if head down... the other breech presenations are variations of that, footling breech (feet first) etc... breech birth is safe with a care provider experienced in breech birth. It requires alot more hands off and the baby to birth itself to protect its neck etc... when the birth is managed is when there can be problems.