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Path to Pregnancy: Natural Fertility & TCM Support

Getting pregnant can be challenging, and the journey of pregnancy itself is often a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with both highs and lows. Here at Eu Yan Sang, we stand with you, supporting you every step of the way—from weathering the storm to rising strong amid challenges.

In today's modern work environment and fast-paced lifestyle, stress can add to the difficulties of starting a family. Many couples choose to wait until they have established their careers and achieved financial stability before attempting to conceive. However, as age becomes a significant factor in conception, the chances of conceiving may diminish over time.

Fertility Facts

For men, mental, physical, and emotional stress affect sperm quality and count.

For women, it can prevent ovulation or affect the quality of the eggs.

The fertility of women also declines with age, beginning at age 25, says Dr. Christopher Chen of Christopher Chen Centre for Reproductive Medicine in Singapore. For men, there is a progressive decline in fertility from the age of 50.

“If, despite regular intercourse every two to three days, pregnancy does not occur after six months to one year, then the couple may have fertility problems. The problems could be due to either the man or the woman, or combined,” he says.

Fortunately, there are many things couples can do to increase their chances of getting pregnant. Lifestyle change can reduce stress and increase opportunities to relax - and for intercourse – can help.

“Ultimately, couples need to make time to be together and to have more frequent intercourse. The best time for a couple to conceive is between Day 11 and Day 16 of a 28- to 30-day menstrual cycle,” Dr. Chen says.

Restoring balance through TCM

Often the first approach in any TCM treatment is to restore balance in the body.

When there are problems with conceiving, the focus is particularly on the kidneys, spleen, and liver which govern the regulation of blood and qi.

The spleen is the main ‘factory’ that produces blood and qi, while the liver is responsible for maintaining a smooth and even flow of these two important essences. The kidneys, meanwhile, play a major role in successful conception and normal reproduction, says Senior Physician Zhong Xi Ming from the Eu Yan Sang Premier TCM Centre in Singapore.

Problems with female fertility - including endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and premature ovarian failure (POF) - are often related to imbalances in these systems.

Endometriosis and fibroids are both considered processes of stagnated uterine blood. They are caused by tissue growth in the reproductive system, which damages the reproductive organs, preventing conception.

PCOS and POF are seen as manifestations of hormonal imbalances. PCOS, the most frequent endocrine-related problem in women of childbearing age, presents itself in numerous ways: irregular menstruation, ovulation-related infertility, polycystic ovaries, and excess male hormones, are some examples. POF, meanwhile, involves the loss of ovary function before 40 years of age.

Restoring balance through TCM

For women coping with PCOS, maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise are key factors in managing the condition. TCM herbal formulas, such as Eight Treasure soups (Ba Zhen Tang) containing Chinese Angelica Root, Prepared Rehmannia Root and White Peony Root can also help strengthen the kidney and liver system.

For men with low sperm count – TCM suggests incorporating folate-rich foods, getting sufficient sleep, limiting alcohol consumption, using herbal medications like Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan, and considering acupuncture to improve sperm quality.

TCM Takeaways

TCM nurtures and supports your family throughout your fertility and pregnancy journey, providing solutions that encompass lifestyle adjustments, herbal remedies, acupuncture, and personalised care. With TCM's time-honoured wisdom and modern medical expertise, we empower you to embrace parenthood with resilience and hope.

Feel free to seek advice from your doctor or TCM Physician.

Rising Above Pregnancy Challenges

One’s pregnancy journey can be filled with twists and turns, and sometimes, we encounter unforeseen challenges that test our resilience.

At Eu Yan Sang, we understand the importance of approaching such sensitive topics with kindness and care especially during conception and throughout pregnancy.

In weathering such storms, know that you are not alone. We are here to offer support, understanding and positivity; helping you find strength in the face of adversity.

Cervical Insufficiency Leading to Miscarriage

A woman's cervix changes during pregnancy; softening, decreasing in length and dilating in preparation for labour and delivery. However, if the cervix opens prematurely, it can potentially cause a miscarriage (even in the second trimester) or result in preterm birth if it occurs later in pregnancy.

Diagnosing cervical insufficiency may be challenging, as it often shows no signs or symptoms. However, some women may experience mild pelvic pain, spotting between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, backache, mild abdominal cramps, or changes in vaginal discharge. Women who have a history of past pregnancy loss, surgical procedures on the cervix, or painless labour and preterm deliveries should inform their doctors of their concerns.

Did you know that 1 in every 100 pregnancies
involves an insufficient cervix? This occurs
when the cervix opens before a woman goes
into labour, leading to a miscarriage or preterm birth. While it can be challenging to diagnose, once detected, the cervix can be effectively managed.

Did you know that 1 in every
100 pregnancies involves an
insufficient cervix? This occurs
when the cervix opens before a woman goes into labour, leading to a miscarriage or preterm birth. While it can be challenging to diagnose, once detected, the cervix can be effectively managed.

Did you know
that 1 in every
100 pregnancies involves an insufficient cervix? This occurs when the cervix opens before a woman goes into labour, leading to a miscarriage or preterm birth. While it can be challenging to diagnose, once detected, the cervix can be effectively managed.

Did you know that 1 in every 100 pregnancies involves an insufficient cervix? This occurs when the cervix opens before a woman goes into labour, leading to a miscarriage or preterm birth. While it can be challenging to diagnose, once detected, the cervix can be effectively managed.

TCM Perspective

TCM provides valuable insights into this condition. Lifestyle factors such as work stress, insufficient sleep, unhealthy diet, and smoking can disrupt the body's balance, leading to the formation and accumulation of pathogens. These imbalances may affect the cervix’s function and increase the risk of miscarriage and preterm birth.

TCM practitioners focus on restoring balance and strengthening the kidneys, spleen, and liver, which play crucial roles in regulating blood and qi. Over time, deficiencies in vital substances like qi, blood, yin, and yang can occur, further weakening the cervix's functional state.

If diagnosed with an incompetent cervix, there are effective ways to manage the condition:

Practise good antenatal care: Regularly visit your doctor and voice any concerns. Maintain a healthy diet and take all antenatal supplements. If at risk, your doctor will monitor your cervix with transvaginal ultrasounds.

Supplement with progesterone injections: If you have a history of premature births, your doctor might suggest progesterone hormone supplementation after the first trimester.

Undergo a cervical cerclage: This surgical procedure involves closing the cervix with stitches to prevent premature birth.

Consume herbal formulas such as An Dian Er Tian Tang, Shen Qi Wan, Zuo Gui Wan, Tai Shan Pan Shi San, Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan, and Shou Tai Wan to lower the risk of recurring miscarriages.

By combining modern medicine with TCM's wisdom, you can navigate the challenges of an incompetent cervix and enjoy a healthy pregnancy until full term.

Honouring Emotions and Seeking Support After a Miscarriage

When life takes an unexpected turn, it’s essential to honour the emotions that come with it. Feelings of sadness, disappointment, or uncertainty are natural responses during such times.

TCM Takeaways

Pregnant women with recurring miscarriages can seek TCM treatments like herbal medication, acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, tuina, and blood-letting. These treatments, carefully formulated by TCM physicians, address each patient's unique constitution.

In challenging times, self-care becomes even more crucial. Focusing on your physical and emotional well-being can help you build resilience. TCM’s natural wellness practices promote relaxation and balance, from nourishing tonics to calming therapies. These can provide a gentle way to care for yourself during the healing process.

If you or someone you care about is navigating through a possible miscarriage, know that we are here to support you. Together, we can journey towards healing, hope, and a brighter tomorrow.