Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Abstract

Abstract

Background:

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) can present with coexistent subfertility caused by diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Recent texts suggest that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may improve pregnancy outcomes for women with RPL.

Objective:

This article reports the outcome of the treatment of a female of advanced maternal age. She had diagnoses of DOR and RPL.

Design, Setting, and Patient:

This 42-year-old patient with DOR and RPL presented in a private acupuncture practice, located in Bellevue, WA.

Intervention:

The patient received TCM treatment that involved weekly acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy from June 2006 to May 2007.

Main Outcome Measures:

The outcome sought was a live birth after 24 weeks of gestation.

Results:

After another miscarriage in September 2006, this patient conceived a viable pregnancy in December 2006, after 6 months of treatment. She continued treatment through 20 weeks and delivered a healthy son at 39.5 weeks of gestation.

Conclusions:

Subfertile women with RPL may benefit from TCM treatment. More research is needed to examine the safety and effectiveness of TCM as a treatment for RPL.