Acupuncture before and after transfer - is this safe??

[Babymagic37]

Hi everyone,

I am due an embryo transfer tomorrow which I am extremely nervous about! My acupuncturist has recommended acupuncture the morning of the transfer and then another session the following day. This is our last embryo and final chance to get pregnant through IVF (we literally can’t afford any more cycles) so I’m desperate to do everything I can to give the little embie the best chance. I am nervous about the two acupuncture sessions (particularly the one after transfer) and wondered if this was ‘normal’, if any of you have had this and what you’re results were and of course any other tips for the tww would be much appreciated! I am terrified.

Thank you 💕

[Nevergiveup21]

Good morning! ♥️I have been having acupuncture the past year and had it before and after my transfer. It’s said to promote blood flow however I did it more for relaxation purposes and it really helped me feel calm. I have went on to get a BFP so it didn’t do me any harm and will hopefully continue getting it through pregnancy. It’s not necessary to do it but if you feel in your head you want to try it just so you feel you have done everything then go for it, even though I don’t necessarily think that was what swung it for me this time! It’s expensive so would hate for people who maybe couldn’t afford to have think that it’s anyway critical to getting that bfp, we wish it was that easy! I wish you all the very best on your journey. Sending you lots of love 💕💕💕💕

[Babymagic37 in reply to Nevergiveup21]

Thank you so much for this. I agree, it’s been great for relaxation but I’m never sure if it actually does anything more than this. If it’s safe to do however I will give it a go! I am praying this is our time, we are desperate to be parents ❤️ Congrats on your BFP! I can only imagine how excited you are 💕

[Nevergiveup21 in reply to Babymagic37]

Thank you so so much 💕💕

[Jane8412]

Hey- I have been getting accupuncture for the last couple of years while TTC and starting IVF. For my first round of IVF I did everything right, all the supplements, strict diet, no booze or caffeine and accupuncture before and after the fresh transfer. I had accupuncture the morning of the transfer and then straight after when I got home. Unfortunately this cycle was a BFN. My next cycle in Jan I relaxed a bit and had drinks and lots of tasty food over Christmas. Due to covid cases increasing my accupuncurist stopped treatments at this time and I couldn't have any sessions. My second round was a bit of a failure in that I only got 1 egg fertilised. I am not sure if this is because of changes in my lifestyle or just plain luck. However I am somehow 33 weeks pregnant with that one little egg. I guess what I am trying to say is that you can do all the "right" things and still not have success. It's more down to what makes you feel good and not lose your mind. I found I went a bit OTT since I knew my chances were low with low AMH. I have spent a small fortunate on supplements, accupuncturists and naturopaths. They helped me get through a tough time but I don't think any of them would have changed the end result.

Like Nevergiveup21 has said, it is expensive and people shouldn't think it is critical for a BFP. My only BFP was when I couldn't have accupuncture but I still get it now for relaxation.

Sending you lots of luck! x

[Babymagic37]

Thank you for this, it’s really helpful. I too have a low Amh and only ever get 1 to 2 eggs per round which tends to make me feel more desperate to do everything “right”. I do feel slightly more relaxed this transfer then my last one and I think the acupuncture will help my stress levels. At the end of the day it’s hard to know whether all the right things actually work or not! It’s so difficult. Congratulations on your BFP! ❤️ x x

[Traceyyyy]

Hi Babymagic37, I have had 4 transfers in total, the first transfer I had I didn’t try accupuncture and this transfer resulted in a BFN so the second time I tried acupuncture and had a session before and after transfer and that resulted in a BFP and my little boy, I have had a further two transfers so again went with accupuncture and I got a bfp again in my last transfer although ended in a miscarriage a few weeks later but they believe it was chromosome issues as had implanted and have recently had another bfp but only recently so hoping everything goes well 🤞🏻 but for me out of the 4 transfers I’ve had all three I did with accupunture before and after transfer resulted in the embryo implanting and giving me a bfp, it may not be that what made the difference but I will always have accupuncture now with my transfers x

[Babymagic37 in reply to Traceyyyy]

Thank you for this reply, it’s so encouraging! I had acupuncture this morning then straight to embryo transfer, I think I will go ahead with acupuncture tomorrow morning too. If nothing else it really relaxes me and as long as it doesn’t do anything detrimental. Congratulations on your BFP!!! I am hoping I’m not too far behind 🤞🏼🤞🏼💕 x x

[Trying1234]

My acupuncturist encouraged it before and after treatment on the same day. Did it for my first fet but it all felt like too much rushing around as I was driving between places and had to wait for my appointment etc. It didn’t work. I ditched it for the next appointment and things did work. The second time I focused more on being more relaxed and eating healthy. I got the Zita west book and made some recipes soo I had healthy stuff to eat when I got home. I also watched comedies afterwards and I got a taxi with my husband to and from the clinic soo we weren’t rushing or working about parking.

I do think acupuncture does work for some things, but it can’t guarantee it’s going to make you pregnant. If it’s relaxing for you you should go for it. Also ask her which of the two you should defo do, in her opinion.