Acupuncture on the day of transfer

[SMBCnewbie]

I have my first modified natural FET booked on Wednesday. I'm pretty scared because of how devastated I was when the fresh transfer failed. I looked into acupuncture and had a session last week. It really helped relax me. The acupuncturist wants to see me the day before and day of the transfer. I've spoken to my clinic and the consultant has no issue with this as she can't see it'll have a negative effect. I have however read a 2018 meta analysis that seemed really poorly done but suggested it had a negative impact on success. I'm now really torn. I have a session booked on the day before but now I'm questioning having it the day of. I'm worried either way, if it fails, I'll wonder if it was my decision to or not to have acupuncture - I know that seems ridiculous as can't win. Has anyone had any experience with it?

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi SM Cynewulf ie. I always say to check with your clinic, which you have done and they are ok. So go ahead and I wish you well. Diane

[Eggfreezer2015]

I had acupuncture on the morning of transfer and got a BFP. There is also a suggestion to take it post transfer but I was not comfortable with that idea in my gut. So my advice to you is do what feels right in your gut. If you think you’ll blame the acupuncture if you get a BFN then don’t do it. Wishing you all the best x

[SMBCnewbie in reply to Eggfreezer2015]

Thank you. I will do it the day before for stress relief but will say I'd rather not on the day.

[Eggfreezer2015 in reply to SMBCnewbie]

Absolutely do what feels right for you, this journey is challenging and stressful enough so don’t put any additional pressure or stress on yourself.

[Ms_here]

hi

I did acupuncture in the lead up to my FET and also on the day of transfer and 2 days post.

It was a positive, unfortunately I couldn’t continue acupuncture because it was very expensive. I wish I had, as my acupuncturist was also a fertility counsellor and she was a good shoulder to cry on and talk through things.

Even though my pregnancy didn’t work out, I believe the BFP was partly down to the fact I relaxed in the lead up to the transfer and the acupuncture in my mind, defined helped.

Good luck

[SMBCnewbie in reply to Ms_here]

Thank you for replying. I really appreciate you sharing your story. I'm so sorry it didn't work out, sending you all the best xxx

[river242]

I've had acupuncture weekly for 3 years now through IVF. I had 6 transfers and on the most recent I had acupuncture directly before and after transfer. I'm 11 weeks pregnant. I love acupuncture and it really helps me relax but I would say if its going to cause you stress you need to take that into account. Good luck x

[Bexarama83]

I had Accupuncture for 6 months prior to my last cycle. Had it before and after on transfer day. Not saying it was the main thing that made this one successful but out of 6 transfers, it was the only transfer I did it on and I’m now 31 weeks pregnant 🥰 it’s expensive but in my case, why not throw the kitchen sink at it?! Best of luck in whatever you decide to do xxx

[Exercise4Calm]

I'm also considering this but unsure after transfer Have been having acupuncture for last few weeks in the lead up and does help with the stress that's for sure. My acupuncturist said it could also help with egg development etc. So going to have appts around scans depending how they progress.

[Wishinandahopin]

the best research for acupuncture says it is most likely to help having it on the day as close before and as close after as possible. I had acupuncture about an hour before my transfer and an hour after and I am now 14 weeks pregnant. I have no idea if it helped but it certainly relaxed me a lot which helped as I found the transfer quite stressful. I would say doing it after was what helped me the most. As I had felt quite stressed from the transfer so I would strongly recommend it if it’s nearby your clinic. They don’t touch the stomach with the needles post transfer.