Pregnancy

Add Content

• Definition
• Introduction
• Signs & Symptoms
• Research Summary

Presentation Slides

---

Executive Summary

---

Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Research into Chinese medicine treatment for Pregnancy" summarising the research below and using language that can be easily understood by patients and avoiding medical jargon using a professional and caring tone of voice.

Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Researched Chinese medicine treatments for Pregnancy" summarising the research below in an objective and easy to understand way, and using language that can be easily understood by patients. Group the article into Chinese medicine treatments first, followed by nutrition and other treatments. Avoid using medical jargon and use a professional and caring tone of voice.

Write me a concise but easy to understand executive summary on the topic of "Chinese medicine treatments for Pregnancy" based on the following research that I will give you. Your summary should be 2 paragraphs long in Australian English spelling and include references to the studies.

A Systematic Review published in 2026 in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology found that Acupuncture is found to considerably improve reproductive outcomes in women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing fertility treatments. In this study, eight databases were investigated to collect data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) until February 28, 2026. The findings were organized into forest plots with one primary (clinical pregnancy rate) and ten secondary outcomes. To test the reliability of these pooled outcomes, sensitivity analyses were performed. Additionally, subgroup analyses were performed to examine if the impact of acupuncture on the primary outcome was linked with the type of acupuncture or the number of acupoints used per treatment. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADEpro GDT. The investigation included 11 RCTs that involved 885 infertile women with diminished ovarian reserve who were undergoing fertility treatments. The collective evidence demonstrated that acupuncture significantly increased the clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, embryo implantation rate, number of oocytes retrieved, number of optimal embryos, and the level of E on the day of the hCG trigger. Subgroup analysis additionally supported the efficacy of acupuncture in improving the clinical pregnancy rate. Sensitivity analyses verified the robustness of the pooled outcomes. The certainty level of the evidence for all evaluated outcomes varied from very low to moderate.

A Meta-Analysis published in 2026 in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology found that Acupuncture appears to improve clinical outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing fertility treatments, such as in-vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. A thorough search of seven databases, from inception to March 7, 2026, identified relevant randomized controlled trials examining the effects of acupuncture in women with PCOS undergoing fertility treatments. Forest plots presented the pooled evidence, with results encompassing a primary outcome and nine secondary outcomes. The studies' risk of bias was evaluated, sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess pooled estimates' stability, publication bias was assessed, and subgroup analyses were utilized to evaluate different factors' impacts on the primary outcome. The evidence's certainty was assessed with the GRADEPro GDT tool. From the 551 initially identified articles, 22 trials involving 2,299 women were included. The analysis demonstrated that acupuncture therapy was associated with an increase in the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates and superior results in ovarian simulation and embryo development. The acupuncture group required a lower dose and a shorter period of Gn use, and it did not increase the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Subgroup analysis further revealed that manual acupuncture was more beneficial than electroacupuncture. The pooled evidence was robust, even if the overall quality of the evidence provided ranged from very low to moderate.

A Clinical Study published in 2026 in the journal Frontiers in Medicine found that Use of Tiao-Jing-Cu-Yun Acupuncture, in conjunction with standard hormonal therapy, boosts endometrial receptivity, thereby escalating clinical pregnancy success rate when transferring frozen-thawed embryos. The research was conducted using a prospective, assessor-blinded randomized controlled design. 92 infertility patients with an endometrial thickness of less than 7mm, and undergoing artificial cycle frozen-thawed embryo transfer at their hospital, were divided into two groups. The control group received an estradiol valerate-based hormone replacement therapy combined with sham acupuncture, while the Intervention Group received the same regime but with actual Tiao-Jing-Cu-Yun Acupuncture instead of sham treatment, starting from the second or third day of their menstrual cycle until the day before embryo transfer. Baseline characteristics were similar for both groups. The study's primary outcome was clinical pregnancy, while secondary outcomes focused on embryo implantation rate, early miscarriage rate and changes in endometrial parameters assessed by transvaginal ultrasound before and after treatment. Results revealed a significant improvement in the Intervention Group's endometrial thickness and volume and progesterone level after treatment, coupled with a noteworthy decrease in endometrial resistance index and pulsatility index compared to the control group. Ultrasound analysis showed a larger proportion of patients in the Intervention Group achieved a Pattern A endometrium and Grade III subendometrial blood flow after treatment. Significant increases were also seen in the clinical pregnancy rate and embryo implantation rates in the Intervention Group. The early miscarriage rate, however, displayed no significant divergence between the two groups.

A Systematic Review published in 2026 in the journal Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets found that Acupuncture, combined with certain medications, improves hormone levels and enhances success rates of pregnancy in patients suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome infertility. The research identifies trials about the effectiveness of acupuncture in combination with medications, namely clomiphene citrate and letrozole, for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome experiencing infertility. The study accesses various scientific databases, selecting randomized controlled trials to extract data for the network meta-analysis. Using the R software gemtc package, the researchers compile a closer examination, setting medication-only treated patients as controls, and identifying the impact of different types of acupuncture treatments - manual, electro, and warm - when amalgamated with the medications. The results indicate that the combined therapy of acupuncture and medication significantly reduces the serum levels of luteinizing hormone and increases testosterone concentrations in patients as compared to medication-only treatment. Enhanced estradiol levels were also noticed when clomiphene citrate was paired with acupuncture, as opposed to its singular use. The marriage of acupuncture with medication demonstrated a significantly high success rate of pregnancy, specifically noted in the use of clomiphene citrate with warm acupuncture and letrozole with manual acupuncture, leading to the best pregnancy outcomes.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2026 in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology found that Acupuncture does not notably enhance the number of oocytes retrieved in patients with poor ovarian response, but it influences embryo cleavage rates and basal FSH levels. This research was a multi-institutional, randomized study organized across nine tertiary hospitals in China from August 2018 to March 2024. The study included 140 women aged 40 or under that met the Bologna criteria and were fit for the antagonist ovulation induction protocol. These women were divided randomly into one group who received 36 acupuncture sessions before controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, and a control group treated with in-vitro fertilization only. The primary objective was to compare the number of oocytes retrieved between the two groups while secondary outcomes included the study of embryological parameters, markers of ovarian reserve, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate. Discussion on the results shows that the number of oocytes extracted was not notably different between the acupuncture group and the control group. The minor differences observed may not necessarily be clinically significant. However, the acupuncture group showed a higher embryo cleavage rate and lowered levels of basal follicle-stimulating hormone compared to the control group, suggesting that acupuncture could have some influence, although it did not enhance the rates of clinical pregnancies or live births significantly. No severe adverse events were reported during the study.

A Systematic Review published in 2026 in the journal Journal of Ovarian Research found that Cangfu Daotan Decoction, a traditional Chinese herbal formula, improves fertility in individuals with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome when combined with conventional treatments. In the study, the researchers exhaustively searched seven databases for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of Cangfu Daotan Decoction (CFDTT) in treating infertility related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. They carried out their evaluation through a variety of statistical analyses including meta-analysis, subgroup analysis along with sensitivity analysis and tests for publication bias. Quality of the evidence was further assessed with the GRADE system. Their analyses revealed the combination of CFDTT and conventional pharmacotherapy to be more effective than standard treatment alone in improving key markers associated with fertility: ovulation rate, pregnancy rate, ovarian volume, count of dominant follicles and endometrial thickness. Nonetheless, due to the high variability and methodological limitations in the trials, the certainty of the evidence varied from low to very low. Only a limited number of trials directly compared CFDTT with standard pharmacotherapy, but the evidence is limited to a single study. Safety data were inadequately reported in most trials, and few provided lab monitoring data. Existing evidence suggested that CFDTT may reduce risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome, but potential organ toxicity couldn't be ruled out. Moreover, the presence of publication bias was noted for some outcomes. With all these shortcomings, CFDTT appeared as a promising adjunctive therapy for infertility associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, offering potential synergistic effects with conventional treatments. The need for further, carefully designed studies to bolster the validity of these findings was underscored.

A Clinical Study published in 2026 in the journal Medicine found that Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) shows promise as a more effective acupuncture type for improving pregnancy outcomes in patients with poor ovarian response. In this study, eight databases were searched until September 10, 2023, to include randomized controlled trials that used TEAS, manual acupuncture (MA), or electroacupuncture (EA) as methods before in-vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation, aiming to improve pregnancy outcomes in patients with poor ovarian response. Traditional controlled ovarian stimulation protocols were used in the control group, and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was employed to evaluate the methodological quality of the incorporated studies. Summary statistics were generated using the surfaces under the cumulative ranking curves. The analysis included fifteen randomized controlled trials, encompassing 1195 women, in a network meta-analysis. The results revealed that TEAS significantly outperformed EA, MA, and the control group in increasing the number of oocytes and antral follicle count. It's notable that manual acupuncture demonstrated a greater increase in the number of mature oocytes compared to the control group. However, the effects of the other treatments didn't show substantial differences when the contrasting groups were analyzed. The evidence currently suggests that using acupuncture as a precursor to in-vitro fertilization brings positive effects and a high safety profile in enhancing pregnancy outcomes in patients with poor ovarian responses, with TEAS appearing to be the most encouraging option.

A Animal Study published in 2026 in the journal Experimental Animals found that Honghe Fujie lotion (a traditional Chinese medicine) alleviates vulvovaginal candidiasis during pregnancy by targeting the NLRP3 signaling pathway. The methodology of the study involved analyzing the Honghe Fujie Lotion using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, which revealed 545 chemical constituents. To investigate its therapeutic effects, both in vitro and in vivo methods were applied. The researchers established a mouse model of vaginal Candida albicans infection, simulating pregnancy-associated vulvovaginal candidiasis. The therapeutic effect of the lotion on this condition was evaluated by studying its impact on the vaginal fungal load which involved examination of vaginal lavage fluid. The lotion's potential side effects on pregnancy were assessed via analyzing placental development. The results showed that Honghe Fujie lotion effectively inhibited Candida albicans growth and biofilm metabolic activity in the lab. When tested on the mouse model, it was found that the lotion not only reduced the presence of vaginal fungus, but also mitigated adverse pregnancy outcomes. It restored the distribution of trophoblast cells in placental tissues, which are crucial for proper placental development. The findings also revealed that the lotion suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation, a molecular mechanism known to stimulate inflammatory response upon infection. This suppression led to the downregulation of an enzyme called Caspase-1, which, in turn, diminished the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, the results demonstrate the potential of this traditional Chinese medicine in treating vulvovaginal candidiasis during pregnancy.

A published in 2025 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that Acupuncture treatment can significantly improve ovulation and pregnancy rates and regulate endometrial receptivity in infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. The study was a single-blind, randomized, sham acupuncture-controlled clinical trial involving 134 participants diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome and infertility. All patients were administered letrozole as the foundational treatment, with the experimental group receiving additional acupuncture therapy twice weekly, while the control group received placebo acupuncture therapies over the course of three menstrual cycles. Data was collected at the beginning and conclusion of treatment, pertaining to ovulation and pregnancy rates, levels of various sex hormones, and endometrial receptivity. The results indicated that the ovulation and pregnancy rates in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Additionally, the experimental group showed a notable decrease in testosterone levels. Endometrial receptivity, as assesses via the Salle Score, was also found to be significantly higher in the treatment group. Measurement of uterine blood flow patterns revealed that the treatment group had substantially lower pulsatility and resistance indexes, indicating greater endometrial receptivity. This evidence suggests that acupuncture is an effective alternative therapy for enhancing fertility outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

A Systematic Review published in 2025 in the journal Frontiers in Reproductive Health found that Acupuncture shows enhanced clinical pregnancy rates during embryo transfer compared to no intervention, but the results are similar when compared to sham acupuncture. To determine the effectiveness of acupuncture on subfertility management, a literature review was conducted considering randomized controlled trials from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases until May 2025. Special consideration was given to the studies involving acupuncture during embryo transfer. The primary measure was the clinical pregnancy rate identified through ultrasound confirmation of an intrauterine gestational sac. Live birth rate was the secondary outcome, captured through pregnancies lasting 20+ weeks or a birth weight of 400g or more. Analyzing the outcomes from eleven selected studies, nine of which were considered tolerable due to their discussion about clinical pregnancy rate, it was observed that acupuncture displayed a positive correlation with clinical pregnancy rates when compared to the control group. However, when grouped with the sham acupuncture trials, no significant benefits were seen. There were also no substantial differences between the Pulus Protocol and Delphi Consensus. Interestingly, no positive influence of acupuncture was found on the live birth rate during the embryo transfer.

A Systematic Review published in 2025 in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology found that Acupuncture, when tailored in timing, duration, and frequency, significantly improves pregnancy and birth rates in Assisted Reproductive Technology. The methodology undertaken for this study involved a systematic review and network meta-analysis of previously published randomized controlled trials. Studies that were included had assessed the impact of acupuncture on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) outcomes. The primary outcomes of focus within these studies were the rates of clinical pregnancy and live births. Secondary outcomes of interest included fertilization rate and the rate of high-quality embryos produced. In terms of results, acupuncture showed significant benefit, improving clinical pregnancy rates, live birth rates, fertilization rates, and the rate of high-quality embryos. It was noted that acupuncture was most effective when given during the embryo culture period, followed by during the ovarian stimulation and ART preparation periods. Furthermore, treatment lasting three months or more and more than 20 sessions were found to lead to superior results. These findings emphasize the potential advantage of personalizing acupuncture treatment protocols to maximize success rates in ART.

A Systematic Review published in 2025 in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology found that Acupuncture appears to significantly impact ovulation and pregnancy rates and positively alter hormone levels in women diagnosed with luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome. A comprehensive search across eight databases and a clinical trials database was performed, leading to the discovery of fifteen relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from China that studied the effects of acupuncture on females with luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome. These trials provided data on both primary and secondary clinical outcomes. The study employed Forest plots to visualize the aggregate data and conducted sensitivity analyses for verifying the robustness of the findings. Special attention was given to understanding if the number of acupoints used per treatment influenced the primary outcomes by running a subgroup analysis. Deeper analysis of the amassed data provided evidence that acupuncture intervention drastically enhanced ovulation and pregnancy rates when compared to control subjects. Furthermore, it was noted that acupuncture treatments improved the levels of significant hormones- luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and progesterone, and ameliorated the resistance index and pulsatility index values of the ovarian artery. A noticeable difference in ovulation rates was observed with respect to the number of acupoints stimulated during treatment. Despite these, extensive analyses affirmed the solidity of the results and no significant publication bias was found across the studies.

A published in 2025 in the journal Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine found that Electroacupuncture significantly improved pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome via enhancing mitochondrial function of granulosa cells. In this randomized controlled trial, there were 90 infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome and phlegm-dampness syndrome, enrolled between August and December of 2022. These participants were split into two groups: a control group that received pseudo-acupuncture and an electroacupuncture group, with both groups undertaking an ovarian stimulation protocol. The electroacupuncture group received therapy at multiple acupuncture points twice a week for a set of six sessions right after cessation of menstruation in the cycle prior to oocyte retrieval. The results revealed that, compared to the control group, the electroacupuncture group demonstrated a higher rate of successful pregnancies. In terms of quality, the embryos in the electroacupuncture group were of better quality, as was the fresh embryo transfer rate. There were no observed instances of ectopic pregnancies in either group, with no significant differences in other pregnancy-related indicators like fresh clinical pregnancy rate or early pregnancy loss rate. In relation to granulosa cells, the electroacupuncture group showed lower levels of specific mRNA expression along with a higher mitochondrial autophagy and mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to the suggestion that electroacupuncture contributes to the improved quality of the oocyte.

A Systematic Review published in 2025 in the journal BMJ Open found that The use of dilatational waves, low-frequency currents and 30-minute session durations can improve clinical pregnancy rates for in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer patients. The researchers conducted a meta-analysis using data extracted from eight databases up to the date of 27 August 2024. The focus was on randomised controlled trials that evaluated the use of electroacupuncture and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation to improve in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer outcomes. Primary and secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate respectively, along with various electroacupuncture and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation parameters such as waveform type, frequency and treatment duration. Furthermore, seven subgroup variables involving specifics of treatment and participant details were studied for potential influences on the pregnancy outcomes. The meta-analysis covered 27 randomised controlled trials, which comprised a total of 3786 participants, with the overall quality of evidence varying between moderate and very low. Findings showed that the use of dilatational waves, low-frequency currents and a treatment duration of 30 minutes per session noticeably improved clinical pregnancy rates when compared to control groups. Subgroup analysis additionally indicated these outcomes can significantly vary depending on the therapeutic dose administered, particularly showing stronger associations for patients receiving higher therapeutic doses.

A Meta-Analysis published in 2025 in the journal Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics found that Acupuncture-related therapies might improve pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization, specifically when using warm acupuncture, acupuncture combined with moxibustion or acupuncture alone prior to egg collection. The researchers took a systematic approach, exploring randomized controlled trials that evaluated the impact of different acupuncture-related therapies on the success of in vitro fertilization. This network meta-analysis involved scouring eight databases for suitable studies from its inception until mid January 2025. The collected information included data about these therapies added alongside traditional IVF treatments. The studies provided substantial insight with a total of 96 trials involving 14,736 participants and 15 distinct interventions. The exploratory study assessed the impact of different therapies including warm acupuncture for three menstrual cycles before egg collection, acupuncture combined with moxibustion before egg collection, and similarly, acupuncture for one menstrual cycle before egg collection. Following the extensive literature review, the researchers noticed a particular tendency towards acupuncture-related success against the idea of false acupuncture or no treatment at all. In terms of results, the researchers found that combining acupuncture with in vitro fertilization may enhance pregnancy rates. However, they found notable differences in different therapies effectiveness. Warm acupuncture, acupuncture paired with moxibustion, and acupuncture a month before egg collection all demonstrated potential superiority. On the other hand, a few acupuncture-related therapies that were administered in limited sessions either before or after the embryo transfer provided minimum clinical benefit, one of them being auricular acupressure.

A Review Article published in 2024 in the journal Life found that Pomegranate extract could potentially benefit women's reproductive health, enhance fertility, regulate menstrual cycles, support pregnancy, and help treat polycystic ovary syndrome. In establishing the potential benefits of pomegranate extract in women's reproductive health, a wide array of methods was employed. Primarily, these included in vitro studies, animal modeling and certain clinical trials. Analyses of the antioxidant properties of the extract were done to ascertain its effectiveness in reducing oxidative stress and consequently, improving fertility. The influence of pomegranate extract on hormonal imbalances and menstrual regulation was also studied. Discussions on the results emphasized the potential of pomegranate extract in supporting women's reproductive health. The extract was found beneficial in enhancing fertility, regulating menstruation and supporting pregnancy. Further, it could help in polycystic ovary syndrome therapy by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing oxidative damage. Its rich nutrient composition was appreciated for potentially fostering placental development and fetal growth, thus possibly mitigating the risk of early birth. Apart from reproductive health, some studies pointed towards pomegranate extract's potential anticancer properties, primarily against breast cancer.

A Cohort Study published in 2024 in the journal Nutrition Journal found that Higher consumption of ultra-processed food by pregnant women was linked to an increased risk of infantile atopic dermatitis within the first year of life. The research used 861 pairs of pregnant women and their offspring from the Mothers' and Children's Environmental Health project in Korea. These women’s dietary intake was measured using the 24-hour recall method during 12-28 weeks gestation. Foods were classified as ultra-processed following the NOVA classification and their consumption was calculated as the proportion of total energy intake, with participants categorized into quartiles. The prevalence of infantile atopic dermatitis was assessed based on their medical histories and according to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood criteria. The results revealed that children born to mothers in the highest quartile of ultra-processed food consumption, compared to the lowest quartile, showed a higher risk towards atopic dermatitis within 12 months. This relationship became stronger after adjusting for certain confounding variables. Additionally, the link stayed consistent even after adjusting based on the Korean Healthy Eating Index, which measures diet quality.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2024 in the journal Journal of Zhejiang University (Medical Sciences) found that The Jianpi Antai formula can safely enhance embryo implantation, decrease the embryo miscarriage rate, and increase the live birth rate in infertile women undergoing in-vitro fertilization. Three hundred infertile women, undergoing two frozen embryo transfer procedures at the Reproductive Medicine Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, were randomly split into a study and control group. The study group was administered both routine medication and Jianpi Antai formula during the period of embryo transfer while the control group received only routine medication. Factors such as the general health condition of the women, the embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and routine blood and function of liver and kidney were evaluated and compared between both groups. Upon completion of the study, an observed 277 cases, which consisted of 134 participants in the study group and 143 in the control group, indicated higher rates of embryo implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates in the study group. A subgroup analysis further revealed that patients of an older age and those with reduced ovarian reserve functions also had higher rates in the aforementioned factors within the study group as compared to the control group. Throughout the follow-up period, neither group reported any abnormalities in their basic vital signs or any adverse events.

A Systematic Review published in 2024 in the journal Heliyon found that Increased omega-3 intake significantly improves women's chances of pregnancy and fertilization rates. The methodology involved retrieving articles from databases like PubMed, Clinical Trials, CINAHL/EBSCO, Medline Complete, and Cochrane Library, published up to April 2021 using keywords related to omega-3, fertilization, and pregnancy. The selection criteria included studies that reported female fertility occurring naturally or intracytoplasmic sperm injection techniques concurrent with omega-3 intake, excluding retrospective studies, studies featuring postmenopausal women, or those with unevenly matched research groups. A meta-analysis was conducted using the extracted odds ratios of clinical pregnancies and fertilization rates from each study. The results, drawn from six fertility treatment-related trials with 1789 women, four trials with 2607 women who conceived naturally, and three further trials involving 1725 oocytes for fertility rates, consistently show the beneficial effects of omega-3. These findings, however, exhibited a high degree of heterogeneity, suggesting variable factors across the studies might have influenced the outcomes.

A Systematic Review published in 2023 in the journal Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine found that Acupuncture may have a positive impact on clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), although the results are limited by the heterogeneity of the current evidence. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of acupuncture on embryo transfer in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). A total of 49 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 9422 women were analyzed. The results indicated that acupuncture had a significant positive impact on the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) compared to the control groups (odds ratio [OR]=1.65 for CPR, 1.34 for LBR). Subgroup analyses showed that traditional acupuncture was more beneficial for women aged < 35 years, those receiving ≥ 3 sessions, and those with lower baseline CPR rates in the control group. However, significant heterogeneity was observed among the studies. In conclusion, while there were some benefits of acupuncture in improving CPR and LBR in IVF, the results should be interpreted with caution due to the variability in the current evidence.

A Review Article published in 2023 in the journal Human Reproduction Update found that The Mediterranean diet and reduced intake of trans fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, and discretionary foods like fast food and sugar-sweetened beverages may improve fertility rates. This title represents a systematic scoping review of four electronic databases, namely Medline and EMBASE via Ovid Processing, CAB Direct, and CINAHL via EBSCO. The researchers included observational works, consisting of prospective and retrospective cohort, cross-sectional, and case-control studies, up to September 27, 2021. The criteria for study inclusion were women of reproductive age in the preconception stage who were examined for the connection between preconception diet and fertility outcomes. From the total of 36 studies that were found eligible for review, the one diet that stood out with the most significant and consistent association with increased clinical pregnancy rates was the Mediterranean diet. Dietary factors such as reducing trans fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, and discretionary food intake, which includes fast food and sugar-rich drinks, were found to lead to an improvement in live birth, clinical pregnancy rates, and associated ART outcomes. However, this study also found that elements like seafood, dairy, and soy showed varying findings across a few studies. Despite the mixed results, it was noted that following some of these dietary regulations, notably Mediterranean diet, shows consistency with healthy eating guidelines, implying potential benefits in fertility.

A Review Article published in 2022 in the journal Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found that Moderate consumption of beer, due to its melatonin content, can beneficially contribute to healthy diets and improve quality of life in certain physiological conditions. The methodology of the study primarily involved a comprehensive review of data, partially acquired from a MEDLINE/PubMed search spanning nearly five decades, from 1975 to April 2022. Supplementary data was also sourced from personal experiences and previously published studies about melatonin, the immune system, and beer. The aim was to examine the generation mechanisms of melatonin in beer, its concentrations, and potential impacts on health. In discussing the results, the study highlighted the rich melatonin content of beer and its echoes in potent antioxidant, oncostatic, immunomodulatory, and cytoprotective properties. Diving further into the beneficial aspects of beer consumption, the study found that the melatonin content of beer, when consumed moderately, could serve as a protective factor. This was particularly applicable in certain scenarios such as a on healthy diet, during pregnancy, menopause and in old age. The paper strongly suggests that moderate beer consumption can enhance the quality of life.

A Systematic Review published in 2022 in the journal Frontiers in Public Health found that The study found that acupuncture as an adjuvant therapy for frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) in infertile women had positive effects on pregnancy outcomes. The study investigates the effects of acupuncture as supplementary therapy for frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) in infertile women. It finds significant positive impacts on clinical pregnancy rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, endometrial thickness, and pattern. However, the evidence quality is considered unsatisfactory, prompting a call for more robust research and refined acupuncture protocols.

A Review Article published in 2022 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Traditional Chinese medicinal practices like acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal remedies show therapeutic effects on infertility caused by endometrial factors. The research methodology involved an extensive literature review from databases like PubMed and CNKI. The researchers specifically focused on clinical applications and mechanism explorations of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies regarding infertility attributed to endometrial factors. Special attention was given to the therapeutic impact of Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion on such medical conditions. Other CAM treatments explored include traditional Chinese medicine retention enema, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, photobiomodulation therapy, and dietary intervention. The results discussion reveals that many of the women who were unable to conceive due to endometrial factors and had not found success with conventional treatments like hormone therapy, cell therapy, and more, showed positive results after turning to CAM therapies. In particular, practices like acupuncture, moxibustion, and the use of Chinese herbal medicines showed significant therapeutic effects on infertility caused by such factors. Other practices including traditional Chinese medicine retention enema, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, photobiomodulation therapy, and dietary intervention were also presented as helpful alternative treatments.

A Systematic Review published in 2022 in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology found that PCOS patients suggests that combining acupuncture with metformin might enhance pregnancy and ovulation rates, as well as improve insulin resistance. The study initially screened 330 relevant articles, eventually including nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria. These trials encompassed 1,159 patients with PCOS who underwent acupuncture or acupuncture combined with metformin treatment. Using the GRADE method, a "Summary of Findings" table was employed to evaluate the quality of evidence for various outcome measures. The main results indicated that acupuncture combined with metformin exhibited superiority over metformin alone in terms of pregnancy rate, ovulation rate, and HOMA-IR (insulin resistance). Subgroup analysis highlighted that diagnostic criteria and random methods contributed to heterogeneity in results. However, the evidence's quality was predominantly low or very low due to study limitations, inconsistencies, and imprecisions. The intervention measures, such as acupuncture methods and treatment parameters, varied substantially among studies. Challenges in contacting original authors and incomplete information posed further limitations. The study suggested potential improvements in pregnancy rate, ovulation rate, and HOMA-IR with acupuncture combined with metformin, but these findings were subject to uncertainties related to diagnostic criteria and overall evidence quality. Consequently, the conclusive efficacy of acupuncture combined with metformin for treating PCOS remains uncertain due to the dearth of high-quality research. The study called for well-designed and well-executed RCTs to address this question under standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols for acupuncture and metformin.

A Systematic Review published in 2022 in the journal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that Aromatherapy, specifically lavender, appears to be an effective, affordable, and holistic approach to reducing the length of labour in expectant women. The research executed a systematic review of clinical trial studies regarding the use of aromatherapy in labour augmentation, sourced from diverse databases including Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, Google scholar, Irandoc, Science direct, Magiran and Sid up until September 2021. 22 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were examined, with the reported experiences of 3234 women who employed a variety of aromatherapies forming the analysis base. In discussing the results, it was observed that certain aromatherapies notably lavender, showed efficacy in decreasing labour time for women. However, the paper emphasized the importance of prudent use of aromatherapy, most probably owing to the varying individual responses and potential for allergic reactions to such holistic interventions.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2022 in the journal Journal of Asian Multicultural Research for Medical and Health Science Study found that Honey, combined with Iron (Fe), effectively enhances hemoglobin levels and reduces oxidative stress markers in anemic expectant mothers. This quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design involved 30 pregnant women divided into two groups: one receiving Fe (Control Group) and the other Honey + Fe (Intervention Group) for 60 days. Blood and urine analyses revealed a remarkable increase in hemoglobin levels in the Honey + Fe group (2.80 ± 0.26 g/dl), surpassing the Fe control group (0.80 ± 0.13 g/dl). Moreover, the Intervention Group demonstrated a notable decrease in 8-Ohdg levels (-4.23 ± 1.32 nmol/ml, p = 0.031), indicating reduced oxidative stress, while the Fe control group exhibited less significant changes (2.98 ± 1.30 nmol/ml, p = 0.322). Independent T Test confirmed the Honey + Fe group's superior effectiveness in increasing hemoglobin levels and decreasing 8-Ohdg levels in anemic pregnant women (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). The study underscores the synergistic benefits of honey and iron supplementation in enhancing hemoglobin levels and mitigating oxidative stress among anemic pregnant women. The robust findings, supported by statistical significance, emphasize the potential clinical relevance of incorporating honey into anemia management strategies, offering a more effective approach compared to iron supplementation alone.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2022 in the journal Explore: The Journal of Science & Healing found that Inhalation and massage therapy with lavender essential oil significantly mitigates perceived labour pain in women. The study was implemented using a random controlled trial on pregnant women divided into three groups – a control group, a group for lavender essence inhalation and a third group for lavender essence massage. After being divided into their respective groups, the first stage of labour was divided into three phases – early, active and transition – during which the interventions were applied. In the massage group, sacral compression and lower back massage were given, incorporating 2 drops of lavender oil in each labour phase. For the inhalation group, 2 drops of lavender oil were dripped onto the palms of the participants, who were then asked to inhale it for 3 minutes. Individual information was gathered through formats like the Personal Information Form, Visual Analogue Scale and Postpartum Assessment of Women Survey. The results showed that women who underwent inhalation and massage therapies with lavender essential oil experienced less severe labour pain as compared to the control group. It was also discovered that the lavender oil inhalation was notably beneficial during the latent phase of labour whilst massage therapy demonstrated greater effectiveness during the active and transition periods. Therefore, incorporating lavender oil via massage therapy and inhalation methods during labour and delivery is highly recommended as a supplementary method to manage labour pain.

A Systematic Review published in 2022 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Among patients with PCOS, the combined use of acupuncture and moxibustion as a complementary therapy has additional efficacy regarding increased pregnancy and ovulation rates and reduced miscarriage rate. The systematic review included 25 RCTs assessing the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with moxibustion in treating PCOS, and all of them contributed data to the meta-analysis. Evidence of an association between acupuncture and moxibustion therapy and greater increases in the pregnancy rate and ovulation rate and greater reductions in the miscarriage rate and ovarian volume was found. Additionally, patients receiving acupuncture and moxibustion also exhibited greater improvements in some sex hormones (LH level, LH/FSH ratio and total testosterone level) and indicators related to metabolic disorders (fasting insulin level and BMI). Nevertheless, acupoint stimulation therapy had no significant effect on the levels of FSH, DHEAS, or oestradiol. In this systematic review, the pregnancy rate among patients who received acupuncture combined with moxibustion reached 50.9%. This value represents a substantial increase compared to that of patients who did not receive acupuncture (27.5%), with an RR of 1.81 and a 4.9% additional increase compared with patients receiving acupuncture + active drugs in the PCOSAct trial (46.0%).

A Systematic Review published in 2022 in the journal Journal of Isfahan Medical School found that Among the mentioned plants, castor oil and date fruit have more evidence in cervical ripening and onset of labor. 16 articles that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Meta-analysis was only possible on castor oil and date fruit. The chance of spontaneous onset of labor in was 5.760 and 2.205 times the castor oil and date groups, respectively. Moreover, the increase in bishop score in castor oil group was 2 times higher than the control group. The results of funnel plot and Egger test found no evidence of publication bias (P = 0.710). Peganum, Sisymbrium, chamomile, and saffron were effective in cervical ripening and onset of labor. Evening primrose was effective on Bishop score, but had no effect on spontaneous onset of labor. Red raspberry leaves were not effective in spontaneous onset of labor.

A Systematic Review published in 2022 in the journal Current Drug Discovery Technologies found that Edible medicinal plants like saffron, chamomile, dill seeds, and castor oil have demonstrated positive effects on various aspects of labor, indicating potential natural alternatives for aiding childbirth. This systematic review explores the potential of oral herbs in aiding childbirth, given the rising interest in natural treatments despite advancements in medical interventions. More than 20% of pregnancies require labor induction, often associated with adverse effects and increased cesarean risk. The study investigates edible plants' impact on cervical readiness, labor onset, pain reduction, and labor duration. Among 20 clinical trials, saffron, chamomile, boiled dill seeds, date, date syrup, Descurainia Sophia, and castor oil have demonstrated positive effects on various labor aspects. Nonetheless, larger-scale studies are needed for a comprehensive understanding of these herbs' mechanisms and effectiveness in facilitating labor.

A Clinical Study published in 2022 in the journal Jurnal Kebidanan found that Lavender aromatherapy is more effective in reducing pain intensity during active Phase I labor than lemon aromatherapy. The methodology employed for this study was a quasi-experimental format utilizing a non-equivalent control group pretest and posttest design. The research was conducted in the City of Mataram with a total of 30 mothers, 15 of whom were given lavender aromatherapy and the remaining 15 given lemon aromatherapy. All participants were selected using a total sampling technique. The results showed a marked decrease in pain intensity for those mothers who were given lavender aromatherapy compared to those who received lemon aromatherapy, during the active phase I of labor. Despite both groups displaying a significant decline in discomfort according to the posttest data, the average decrease was more pronounced for the group that used lavender aromatherapy. This evidence advocates for the further exploration of lavender's potential uses in childbirth pain relief management.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Explore: The Journal of Science & Healing found that Date fruit consumption several weeks prior to delivery can decrease the need for labor induction and/or augmentation and might have a beneficial effect on labor duration. Our meta-analysis yields two prominent important benefits of date fruit consumption by primiparous women during several weeks prior the delivery. First, it can decrease the need for labor induction and/or augmentation by as much as one half of the cases. Second, date fruit might have a beneficial effect on labor duration, especially by 4-hour shortening of the latent phase.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2021 in the journal Current Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology found that Inhalation of chamomile oil significantly reduces pain after cesarean section in first-time mothers, decreasing the need for analgesics. The study was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial involving 128 first-time pregnant women who elected to have a cesarean section. Participants were either given one drop of 5% chamomile oil, or a placebo drop, which they inhaled for 15-20 minutes from a distance of 5 cm from their noses, concurrently at 4, 8, and 12 hours after surgery. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) both half an hour before and after the inhalation. The results revealed that there was no significant statistical difference between the chamomile and placebo group regarding baseline pain prior to the intervention. However, after the administration of the chamomile oil or placebo, a significant difference in pain was observed at 4, 8, and 12 hours after the intervention. Chamomile oil inhalation was found to dramatically reduce the intensity of pain compared to the post-intervention pain experienced by the placebo group. The use of chamomile oil as a form of aromatherapy after the cesarean section was noted to not only reduce pain in first-time mothers, but also lessen their need for analgesics.

A Review Article published in 2021 in the journal Disease and Diagnosis found that Lavender aromatherapy, whether administered through massage or inhalation, appears effective in reducing active phase labor pain. The researchers conducted their study by performing a detailed search using a number of specific keywords such as lavender, childbirth, labor, pregnancy, labor pain, aromatherapy, and delivery across multiple databases. These databases included MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Using these keywords they extracted relevant data from the seven most reliable studies they found, two of which originated in Egypt and Indonesia, and remaining five in Iran. The chosen studies depicted a range of qualities, with some using massage aromatherapy, and others applying inhalation as their method of practice. In analyzing these studies, it was found that all of them indicated that lavender aromatherapy, regardless of whether it was applied via massage or inhalation, had the potential to lessen the pain felt during the active phase of labor. The studies provided basis for insightful consideration of the application of lavender aromatherapy as a viable method for managing labor pain.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Acupuncture is an effective approach for hyperemesis gravidarum and has a great potential to mitigate ketonuria, ease nausea and vomiting, increase food intake, and shorten the hospital stay. Studies meeting inclusion criteria, from 1995 to 2020, have been incorporated into this meta-analysis to make evaluations on the outcome of acupuncture in the treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Totally, 16 studies and 1043 patients (531 vs 512) were covered. According to this study, acupuncture was more effective than the conventional treatment of HG; it could better promote the conversion of the urinary ketone to improve ketonuria. In terms of symptoms, acupuncture seems to be more effective in reducing nausea and vomiting and increasing food intake. In short, acupuncture is an effective approach for HG and has a great potential to mitigate ketonuria, ease nausea and vomiting, increase food intake, and shorten the hospital stay. There is some evidence that acupuncture may be utilized as a supplement and alternative to HG. However, the poor quality of the incorporated studies and potential publication bias can exert a certain impact on the results. For the better clinical application and promotion of acupuncture in the treatment of HG, more large-scale samples, multi-center, and top-quality RCTs are needed urgently. In the future, it is necessary to further study the relationship between acupuncture and conventional medication and acupuncture placebo to obtain the best clinical solution.

A Review Article published in 2021 in the journal Metabolites found that The date palm enhances both male and female fertility parameters through its nutritional attributes and antioxidant functionality. The research conducted a thorough review of the role of date palm in treating infertility. The health benefits of date palm and its varied components were explored, with a focus on their effects on reproductive parameters in both sexes. The comprehensive review shed light on how the substantial nutrients and antioxidant features of date palm can be beneficial for people dealing with infertility. In men, the study found direct links between consumption of date palm and improved hormonal levels alongside notable enhancements in seminal vesicle parameters and sperm quality. For women, this natural remedy showed a positive impact on the process of oogenesis, hormone regulation, and improving pregnancy outcomes. The focus was on the potential of date fruit as a natural enhancer of fertility, downplaying the role of any synthetic or invasive medical interventions. The study thus testifies to the innovative use of a widely available natural resource in addressing a pressing health issue.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that The addition of CHM to clomiphene may improve pregnancy rates. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for subfertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). They conducted a comprehensive search across databases and trials registries, ultimately including eight randomized controlled trials with 609 participants. The trials compared various interventions, such as CHM versus clomiphene, CHM plus clomiphene versus clomiphene alone, CHM plus other treatments versus those treatments alone. The evidence quality was generally very low, and the primary outcome of live birth rate was not reported. While some comparisons suggested potential benefits, such as the addition of CHM to clomiphene leading to higher pregnancy rates, the overall uncertainty and lack of consistent evidence hindered conclusive findings. The study underscores the need for well-designed trials focusing on live birth rates and safety indicators in assessing the use of CHM for subfertile women with PCOS.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that A total of 18 publications were included, all indicating improved PCOS symptoms with Chinese medicine compared to control groups. The study's results are presented in this section. The initial search yielded 312 relevant articles, out of which 163 were screened after removing duplicates. These articles were primarily in Chinese (122) and English (35). Eventually, 18 articles were included in the study, all of which were written in Chinese. The characteristics of these included studies were analyzed, revealing that 14 were journal articles and four were theses. None of the studies were registered in databases like Cochrane Library or PROSPERO. The quality evaluation of the included systematic reviews was performed using AMSTAR2 and GRADE tools. The AMSTAR2 assessment indicated varying completeness in reporting criteria, with overall low credibility of the included systematic reviews. The quality-of-evidence ratings for outcome indicators were mostly moderate, low, or very low due to research limitations, biases, and inadequate blinding in reviews involving randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcome indicators, including pregnancy rate, ovulation rate, clinical efficiency, hormone levels, and adverse reactions, were evaluated across various reviews. The study concluded that current evidence doesn't strongly support the combined use of Chinese and Western medicine for treating PCOS. The study highlights the need for higher quality clinical trials and systematic reviews to improve the credibility and reliability of evidence in this field.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Acupuncture alone or traditional Chinese medicines (taken orally) in combination with western medicine significantly increased the pregnancy rate of PCOS patients and CAM was more effective than western medicine alone for improving hormone levels. This review identified 13 RCTs involving 1,297 PCOS patients with abnormal endometrial status. This systematic review suggests that CAM has potential for improving endometrial thickness, endometrial type, serum hormone level, and pregnancy rate in PCOS patients. However, due to the limited quantity and the general low quality of the methodology of the included trials, more in-depth research is required before CAM can be applied more widely in clinical practice. Thus more rigorous double-blind, placebo-controlled trials should be conducted to confirm the efficacy of CAM in improving endometrial condition in PCOS patients.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Journal of Pharmacy Practice found that Black cohosh indicated potential benefits in hormone regulation and endometrial thickness, alongside safety in short-term use. This passage discusses a systematic review that aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of black cohosh for inducing ovulation, regulating hormones, and improving pregnancy rates in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-related infertility. The review involved searching various databases for relevant studies and assessing their quality. Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria, and additional records were identified from clinical trial registries. The findings suggest that black cohosh may improve hormone regulation and endometrial thickness compared to clomiphene citrate (CC). Three RCTs reported improved pregnancy rates with black cohosh combined with CC. Adverse events were similar between groups. However, the studies had certain risk-of-bias concerns, and overall, there is insufficient high-quality evidence to firmly support the effectiveness of black cohosh in improving pregnancy rates in PCOS-related infertility. The short-term use of black cohosh appears to be safe.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Frontiers in Public Health found that Based on the current evidence, acupuncture appears to be beneficial to increase the clinical pregnancy rate in women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. This study reviews the SRs of acupuncture for infertile women undergoing IVF-ET. Based on the current evidence, acupuncture appears to be beneficial to increase the CPR in women undergoing IVF-ET. However, there are severe heterogeneity and methodological quality defects, which limit the reliability of results. Further, high-quality primary studies are still needed.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2021 in the journal BMC Endocrine Disorders found that Adding oat bran to the diet of pregnant women with gestational diabetes can help significantly reduce their fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels. In the methodology of this study, a randomized clinical trial was conducted on 112 pregnant women suffering from gestational diabetes. These women were randomly split into two groups of 56. Both groups were given a diet specifically designed for managing gestational diabetes. However, the intervention group additionally received 30 grams of oat bran daily at lunch and dinner for a period of 4 weeks. The researchers performed tests on fasting blood glucose and two-hour postprandial glucose levels for both groups prior to the intervention and then at two-week intervals during the intervention. The results of the study revealed that the average blood glucose level before the intervention showed no significant differences between the two groups. However, both the mean fasting blood glucose and the two-hour postprandial glucose levels of the intervention group showed a significant decrease two and four weeks after the intervention when compared with the control group, due to the addition of oat bran in their diet.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that Raspberry leaf for childbirth, highlighting the lack of robust evidence on its effects, safety, and efficacy during pregnancy, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive research. This study aims to assess the evidence regarding the effects, safety, and efficacy of raspberry leaf in pregnancy-related contexts. The systematic integrative review analyzes 13 studies, spanning animal and human research, showcasing raspberry leaf's biophysical impact on uterine muscle. While evidence is limited, human studies indicate no significant harm or benefit, though one suggests a potential reduction in second stage labor duration and labor augmentation. Further research is warranted to better understand raspberry leaf's effectiveness in pregnancy.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Acupuncture therapy on patients with recurrent implantation failure can improve the pregnancy outcome of patients. It is a relatively effective treatment with satisfactory safety and suitable for clinical application. The aim of this analysis was to identify the efficacy and safety of acupoint stimulation therapy for RIF patients. The results of meta-analysis show that for the outcome measurements including clinical pregnancy rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, embryo implantation rate, and endometrial thickness, the use of acupuncture in the treatment group is higher than the sham or nonacupuncture group, in which the difference is statistically significant. These results are believable and reliable. The included studies are highly homogeneous and there is no obvious publication bias. However, large heterogeneity appears in the statistical analysis of the endometrial thickness. Moreover, there was no statistical significance in the number of embryo transfers and the type of endometrium.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal European Journal of Integrative Medicine found that Acupuncture may have a positive effect on anxiety relief during IVF treatment, while its effect on depression relief is inconclusive. Twelve studies with 2867 participants were included. A significant difference was observed for the relief of anxiety comparing acupuncture with controls during IVF treatment. No significant difference was found for clinical pregnancy rate. Only 2 out of 12 studies assessed remission of depression but there was no clear effect shown for acupuncture.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion found that Acupuncture treatment for postpartum depression is effective and can improve Hamilton Depression (HAMD) Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and serum estradiol scores. Meta analysis was conducted in the literature in recent 10 years relating to clinical randomized controlled trials of acupuncture in treatment of postpartum depression, which provided references for acupuncture in treatment of postpartum depression. Fourteen articles were included in this study, among which, acupuncture group was set as treatment group, and oral administration of fluoxetine as control group in 4 articles; acupuncture group was set as treatment group, and oral administration of maltodextrin granules as control group in 2 articles. The differences in the 6 articles were statistically significant, without interference from other compound factors.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal BioMed Research International found that Endometriosis and Adenomyosis can have impact on miscarriage risk in pregnancy. The study analyzed 39 publications involving 697,984 women to assess the impact of endometriosis (EMS) and adenomyosis (AD) on miscarriage risk. Women with EMS showed increased miscarriage risk in spontaneous conception (SC), but similar risk in assisted reproductive technology (ART) compared to tubal infertility. AD was associated with higher miscarriage risk in ART. Sensitivity analyses supported these conclusions. EMS staging did not significantly alter miscarriage risk. Early-stage EMS showed higher early abortion risk. No significant associations were found between EMS and low birthweight, placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction, or preeclampsia. EMS correlated with higher odds of antepartum hemorrhage, postpartum hemorrhage, preterm birth, placenta praevia, and stillbirth. SUP and DIE were linked to increased miscarriage risk, while OMA showed no significant association. The findings suggest the need for closer monitoring and follow-up for pregnant women with EMS or AD, particularly in early pregnancy. Standardized recording of EMS types, stages, and miscarriage timing is recommended for future studies.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal European Journal of Integrative Medicine found that Compared with western medicine, acupuncture significantly increased the pregnancy and ovulation rates, as well as reducing the rate of miscarriages among Chinese women with infertility. Twenty-four eligible RCTs (n=2095) were included in this review. The NMA data showed that warm acupuncture had the highest chances of increasing the rate of pregnancy while acupuncture most positively affected the ovulation rate. On the other hand, a combination of acupuncture and moxibustion had the most significant improvement in endometrial thickness and could reduce the rate of pregnancy loss.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that Clinical trials categorize botanical parts of date palm as being most effective in eight different areas such as obstetrics, oncology, and endocrinology. In the study, a comprehensive review was conducted on all types of clinical trials (including randomized, pilot, quasi-experimental, cross-over, and non-randomized) assessing the clinical impacts of date palm for the period between 2000 to August 2019. These trials were sourced from both English and Persian language papers. The methodological quality of these trials was scrutinized based on the risk of bias assessment laid out by the Cochrane handbook of systematic reviews and subsequently, results were reported via the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement. The study saw twenty-six research works fitting the criteria set for inclusion. These studies spanned across eight categories based on the varied botanical derivatives of the date palm. These categories consisted of fields like obstetrics, gynecology, oncology, dermatology, hematology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, metabolism, and infertility. However, there were concerns raised regarding existing biases in trial conduction, with about 80% of the studies indicating performance and detection bias, roughly half indicating selection bias, and about 20% indicating attrition and reporting bias. Regardless, these clinical trials provide useful insights into the possible health benefits of various date palm components.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal Medicine found that Acupuncture could promote the recovery of menstrual cycles as well as downregulate the levels of LH and testosterone in patients with PCOS. Twenty two studies with 2315 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. A pooled analysis showed a recovery of the menstrual period in the acupuncture group. Furthermore, there were significant decreases in the luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone in the acupuncture group. No significant differences were observed in the rates of live birth, pregnancy, and ovulation, and no significant differences were observed in the LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio. There was insufficient evidence to support that acupuncture could promote live birth, pregnancy, and ovulation. However, acupuncture could promote the recovery of menstrual cycles as well as downregulate the levels of LH and testosterone in patients with PCOS.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2020 in the journal Nature and Science of Sleep found that Acupuncture was shown to significantly improve the sleep quality in pregnant women, possibly through increasing melatonin secretion. Fifty-five of 72 participants completed the study. There was no statistically significant difference regarding PSQI score and 6-sulfatoxymelatonin level between intervention and control groups at the baseline. At the end of the study period, treatment with acupuncture significantly improved the PSQI score with a large effect size of 3.7, as well as 6-sulfatoxymelatonin level with a medium effect size of 0.6 as compared to the control group. No adverse effects were noted during acupuncture sessions and follow-up visits. Acupuncture was shown to significantly improve the sleep quality in pregnant women, possibly through increasing melatonin secretion, and could be recommended as a low-cost and low-risk alternative treatment to pharmacological therapies.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences found that Aromatherapy, specifically with lavender essential oil, can effectively alleviate maternal anxiety and labor pain. The methodology involved a systematic review of five databases - PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Scientific Information Database - for studies on the use of aromatherapy for pain and anxiety management during labor. Search keywords included variations of aromatherapy, essential oil, aroma, pain, anxiety, labor, and delivery. The quality, bias, and reliability of the identified studies were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's 'Risk of bias' protocol. 33 studies met the inclusion criteria, with various methods of aromatherapy application utilized, such as inhalation, massage, footbaths, birthing pools, acupressure, and compresses. The most commonly used essential oil was lavender, used individually or mixed with other essential oils. These studies, predominantly conducted in Iran, formed the basis for our analysis and provided evidence to assess the positive impact of aromatherapy on labor pain and anxiety.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that Meta-analysis showed that date fruit consumption can significantly reduce the active phase of labor, and also significantly improve the bishop score. Based on the performed searches, this is the first systematic review conducted on the effects of date on bishop score and frequency of caesarean section, and second one on the effects of date on the duration of labor stages. Meta-analysis showed that the consumption of date fruit can significantly reduce the duration of the active phase and improve the bishop score, and may reduce the frequency of cesarean section in intervention group compared to control group. Based on meta-analysis, date palm fruit consumption resulted in a significant reduction in the duration of active phase of labor compared with control group; however, it is not observed in the first, second, and the third stage of labor.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal Nutrients found that Ginger has been effective in a majority of studies, including those that examined the alleviation of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, digestive function, improvement in the expression level of markers for colorectal cancer risk, and anti-inflammatory functions. Ginger is a natural spice that is used in diverse regions to add a pungent flavor to food. Furthermore, ginger has been used as an herbal medicine for common health problems. This systematic review is the first study that has exclusively collected RCTs regarding the efficiency of ginger in several human health conditions. The clinical effects of ginger have been introduced as six subsections: nausea and vomiting, gastrointestinal function, pain, inflammation, metabolic syndromes, and other symptoms. Reportedly, ginger has been effective in a majority of studies, including those that examined the alleviation of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, digestive function, improvement in the expression level of markers for colorectal cancer risk, and anti-inflammatory functions. Several other functions have also been regarded as beneficial in trials, with some confronting results. However, a few drawbacks regarding the quality of the trials, inconsistent evaluation systems or parameters, and the generally small size of the studies need to be noted. Therefore, systematically designed research with detailed descriptions of methodology and a sufficient pool of participants is necessary for future clinical trials to address the functional characteristics of ginger.

A Review Article published in 2019 in the journal Journal of Diabetes Research found that Traditional Chinese medicine, especially Zuo Gui Wan, red raspberry leaves, and Orthosiphon stamineus, seems to control gestational diabetes effectively without reported toxicity. The study initiated a systematic search across PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases to pinpoint research discussing the impact of traditional Chinese medicine on pregnancy. The results were then further narrowed down to focus on any correlation with all forms of diabetes mellitus. The primary thread that emerged was the beneficial effect of three main herbal remedies: Zuo Gui Wan, red raspberry leaves, and Orthosiphon stamineus. Based off of the results from this search, a focal review of these herbal elements and their associations with type 2 diabetes mellitus was undertaken. Across the board, these remedies demonstrated positive effects on metabolic health, especially among women dealing with gestational diabetes. No experimental models reported any toxicity or harmful side effects associated with these herbal treatments. The report calls out that current studies on both conventional and alternative interventions for gestational diabetes are immensely lacking, emphasizing the need for a standardized protocol to evaluate the efficacy of these herbal medicines.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine found that The use of acupuncture as a monotherapy significantly improved the rate of pregnancy among the study participants compared with the use of clomiphene citrate alone. The use of acupuncture in the treatment of infertility may be an appropriate alternative for some patients. To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis available to date that compares the use of acupuncture alone or together with clomiphene citrate versus clomiphene citrate alone in the treatment of anovulatory infertility. While some results were promising, their validity is limited by questionable methodological designs, lack of sufficient allocation concealment, inadequate sample sizes and limited long-term follow-up. As such, any results drawn from these studies should be interpreted with caution and applied with care to clinical practice.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and Human Reproduction found that Acupuncture appears to be beneficial to women with poor ovarian reserve or with previous unsuccessful attempts of in vitro fertilization with embryo transfer. The present systematic review is designed to summarize the evidence concerning the effect of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes in vitro fertilization with embryo transfer (IVF-ET). We searched MEDLINE, the Wanfang Database, the China Academic Journal Electronic Full-text Database in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Index to Chinese Periodical Literature. Randomized controlled trials with intervention groups using acupuncture and control groups consisting of no acupuncture or sham (placebo) acupuncture in IVF-ET treatment were selected. Study characteristics were examined from these studies and an intention-to-treat approach was used to extract outcome data from each study. In total, 31 articles including 4450 women passed our selection criteria. The legitimacy, characteristics, and IVF outcomes of the included trials were summarized. Additional Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory-based, standardized, large-size, randomized, and multicenter trials are necessary prior to any conclusions being drawn on whether TCM can improve IVF outcomes.

A Cohort Study published in 2019 in the journal Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that Pregnant women's stature, BMI, sedentary lifestyle, as well as the regular consumption of certain foods, influence the formation and severity of striae gravidarum. The study involved 400 primiparas from the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University in Wuxi, during the period of February to October 2017. The participants were divided into two groups of 200: one with pregnant women showing signs of striae gravidarum and one without this symptom. The study considered a variety of predictive factors including their age, height, pre and post-pregnancy BMI, daily sitting time, weight gain during pregnancy, and diet on the mothers and their infant's weight. In the research results, it was observed that women who had striae gravidarum were generally shorter and had a higher BMI both before and after giving birth. Sedentary women showed a lower incidence of abdominal striae gravidarum but higher incidence of striae gravidarum on the legs, with no significant difference in hip striae gravidarum. Interestingly, the consumption of foods like honey, milk, trotters, freshwater fish, eggs, and tremella appeared to reduce the incidence of striae gravidarum. The severity of the stretch marks also varied depending on lifestyle factors.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that Eating date fruits seems to reduce gestation duration and duration of the first stage of labor, and also increase cervical dilation on admission. In total, 11 and 8 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that date fruit consumption significantly reduced gestation duration, increased cervical dilation on admission, and shorten duration of first stage of labor. Also, it was revealed that date fruit consumption significantly reduced duration of second stage of labor in fixed-effects model; however, this effect was not significant in random-effects analysis.

A Meta-Analysis published in 2019 in the journal Women and Birth found that Aromatherapy significantly reduces labor pain and duration without impacting emergency caesarean section, membrane rupture, and the onset of spontaneous labor. Researchers undertook a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials for determining the efficacy of aromatherapy in mitigating labor pain and reducing its duration. Various academic and scientific databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov were employed to find relevant trials. A total of 17 trials involving low-risk laboring women were identified and included in the meta-analysis. Observations from the meta-analysis revealed that aromatherapy effectively alleviated labor pain during the transition phase and reduced the periods of active phase and third stage labor. Additionally, a trend of decreasing duration was noticed during the second stage. Notably, aromatherapy did not have any marked effects on emergency caesarean sections, membrane ruptures, or the initiation of spontaneous labor, indicating its general safety for expectant mothers. However, the diversity of outcomes across different trials was noted.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2019 in the journal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International found that Administration of honey saffron syrup reduces the length of all stages of labor in nulliparous women. The study divided eligible nulliparous women randomly into three equal groups. The first group was given saffron syrup prepared with honey, the second group received saffron syrup made with sugar, and the control group received a placebo. These were given orally every two hours. Analysis was conducted via Fisher’s test, ANOVA with Fisher’s post hoc test, and a Repeated measure statistical method. In the results, it was evident that the mean duration of labor in the groups administered with the saffron syrups was significantly shorter than in the control group. Moreover, the length of the first stage of labor in the honey saffron syrup group was considerably less than in the sugar saffron syrup group. This indicates the effectiveness of honey saffron in shortening labor duration.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal Medicine found that Acupuncture and its combined therapy may be effective for treating female infertility, however, the included studies are not robust enough to draw a firm conclusion. Current evidence identified from this review suggested that acupuncture may be effective in the treatment of female infertility. The conclusion of this present review is limited by the low quality of the included studies. Future multicenter RCTs with rigorous methodological quality are needed to clarify the role of acupuncture in female infertility.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that Our analysis finds a benefit of acupuncture for IVF outcomes in women with a history of unsuccessful IVF attempt, and number of acupuncture treatments is a potential influential factor. Our analysis finds a benefit of acupuncture for IVF outcomes among women with a history of unsuccessful IVF attempt, and number of acupuncture treatments is a potential influential factor. As repeated IVF cycle is possibly a proxy for implantation failure, which associated with poor prognoses (i.e. increasing age, longer history of infertility, elevated Peak FSH). In the future, analyses of pooled, patient-level data will be useful to find the true role of these parameters on the efficacy of acupuncture on IVF outcomes.

A Review Article published in 2019 in the journal Medicine found that Traditional Chinese medicine, particularly Jia Wei Xiao Yao San, Yi Mu Cao and Si Wu Tang, are prevalently utilised treatments for Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by Taiwanese women. The research involved an investigation into the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by Taiwanese women suffering from Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Data for the study was gathered from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database for the years 2000 and 2005. The researchers analyzed the demographic characteristics of the participants, the extent of TCM usage, and the frequency and average daily intake of particular Chinese herbal formulas and single herbs. The results indicated that 66.43% of the women reached out for TCM in managing PCOS and most especially in treating infertility or menstrual issues. The most commonly prescribed Chinese herbal formula was Jia-wei-xiao-yao-san, while Yi-mu-cao topped the list of the most commonly utilized single herb. Among the top 20 Chinese herbal formulas, Si-wu-tang was noted for its highest average daily dosage. The study effectively highlighted the preferences and prescription patterns relating to TCM for patients with PCOS in Taiwan.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2019 in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition found that Consuming walnuts can enhance sperm motility and morphology, potentially improving fertility in males with infertility issues. This study was a randomized clinical trial split into two comparison groups, all of which received typical care for male infertility. Besides the usual care, one group added 42 gm/d walnuts to their diet, while the other group included a daily nutritional supplement recommended for male reproductive health. The participants, a total of 75 in number and with varied demographic profiles, were enrolled at an infertility clinic located in a large metropolitan medical center. The study ran for 3 months, with research measures including semen analysis and blood samples at baseline and after 3 months, while dietary recall and fertility reports were obtained at various stages. In terms of results, the group consuming walnuts showed a marked increase in sperm motility and concentration after 3 months. Simultaneously, both groups—those consuming walnuts and the group consuming the nutritional supplement—demonstrated an improvement in sperm morphology. Further, preliminary data observed over one year suggested a higher frequency of pregnancy in the group consuming walnuts, although it was not statistically significant.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal BioMed Research International found that Acupuncture could reduce Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) scores for postpartum depression. Though our meta-analysis revealed that acupuncture had a lower efficacy compared to other antidepression treatments, symptoms of depression relief were observed in the majority of the studies analysed. These findings indicate that although the efficacy of acupuncture was lower compared to antidepressants, the benefits of acupuncture were still attractive to women with postpartum depression due to their negligible side-effects. In summary, despite the limitations mentioned above, this current systematic review suggests that acupuncture could reduce HAMD scores. However, EPDS, clinical response, and serum estradiol levels were unaffected by acupuncture treatment. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that treatment efficacy was variable and depended on the control types used. Large-scale and well-designed RCTs are required before a conclusive statement could be made regarding the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of postpartum depression.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that Acupuncture shows promise in improving endometrial receptivity and fertility outcomes in infertile women, but further high-quality research is needed to establish its effectiveness definitively. This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture in improving endometrial receptivity (ER) based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The review included RCTs of infertile women with low ER and excluded other causes of infertility or non-RCTs. The researchers conducted an extensive search through various databases up to August 2018 without language restrictions. After analyzing the collected data, they found evidence indicating that acupuncture may enhance pregnancy rate, embryo transfer rate, trilinear endometrium, endometrial thickness, and decrease resistive index, pulse index, and peak systolic velocity/end-diastolic blood velocity when compared with medication, sham acupuncture, or physiotherapy. However, the overall level of evidence was mostly very low or low. Despite the statistically significant results, the authors emphasize the need for more large-scale, long-term RCTs with robust methodologies to further validate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for women with low ER

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal Reproductive BioMedicine Online found that Acupuncture may have a significant effect on clinical pregnancy rates, independent of comparator group, when used in women who have had multiple previous IVF cycles, or where there was a low baseline pregnancy rate. Evidence suggests acupuncture may be effective when compared with no adjunctive treatment, with increased clinical pregnancies and live births, but is not an efficacious treatment when compared with sham controls. Future research should focus on different dosing acupuncture regimens, and exploration of the components of acupuncture that are contributing to improved reproductive outcomes. Increased understanding of these components may have broader application to the care and treatment modalities provided to women undergoing IVF. Further exploration of the effects of acupuncture for women with poorer IVF outcomes is warranted.

A Systematic Review published in 2018 in the journal JBRA Assisted Reproduction found that Acupuncture performed on the day of embryo transfer has a significant effect on embryo implantation, however, a negative one. According to our findings, physicians should encourage their patients to avoid undergoing acupuncture on the day of ET, since it diminishes the chances of getting pregnant. It still has to be elucidated the mechanisms by which acupuncture negatively affects embryo implantation. In conclusion, acupuncture performed on the day of ET has a significant effect on embryo implantation, however, a negative one. Therefore, clinicians should encourage their patients to avoid this technique the day of ET.

A Systematic Review published in 2018 in the journal British Journal of Midwifery found that Acupuncture in postpartum depression was at least as effective as fluoxetine hydrochloride, supporting the notion that acupuncture may be a safe and effective option. Of the 1592 studies reviewed, three met the inclusion criteria for quantitative analysis. Two studies reported no significant differences between acupuncture and fluoxetine for depression, while the third reported significant improvements.

A Systematic Review published in 2018 in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine found that Acupuncture appears to be effective for postpartum depression with respect to certain outcomes. Nine trials involving 653 women were selected. The result of this meta-analysis demonstrated that the acupuncture group had a significantly greater overall effective rate compared with the control group. Moreover, acupuncture significantly increased oestradiol levels compared with the control group. Regarding the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores, no difference was found between the two groups.

A Systematic Review published in 2018 in the journal European Journal of Integrative Medicine found that Acupuncture treatment is beneficial in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for improving the clinical pregnancy, implantation, and live birth outcomes. Statistically significant differences were observed in rates of clinical pregnancy, live birth, and implantation rate between the acupuncture and the control groups. No significant differences were found for biochemical pregnancies, ongoing pregnancies, or miscarriage between the two groups. Adverse events were described in 4 studies.

A Systematic Review published in 2018 in the journal Foods found that Ginger emerges as a safe and effective treatment for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) affect 7 in 10 pregnant women, significantly impacting their quality of life. Concerns about the safety of traditional antiemetic drugs have led to the consideration of natural options like ginger, which has shown favorable risk/benefit ratios and strong evidence. Ginger supplements with 0.5 to 2 g of root per day can effectively alleviate NVP. However, ensuring ginger quality is crucial, especially in monitoring methyleugenol concentration for potential toxicity. The variability in gingerol composition among supplements underscores the importance of stringent quality control measures. Studies have not found significant reproductive or developmental risks associated with ginger use during pregnancy, but medical supervision and case-specific evaluation are essential. Further research on ginger's effect on platelet aggregation in pregnant women is recommended.

A Systematic Review published in 2018 in the journal Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Cancer Research found that Aromatherapy with lavender demonstrated effectiveness in reducing labor pain during childbirth. In the methodology for this systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers independently conducted searches across international databases such as MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus. The search utilized specific symbols and terms to locate relevant randomized clinical trials. Data was then statistically analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-analysis (CMA) software. In the discussion of results, a total of 244 primary studies were initially found, and ultimately 5 studies, which included 541 participants, were analyzed in the review. It was found that aromatherapy with lavender reduced labor pain in the active phase of childbirth. Overall, the clinical trials were of moderate quality and combinatory. Importantly, the use of lavender in aromatherapy led to a notable difference in labor pain between the aromatherapy groups and control groups. This finding suggests the potential of lavender aromatherapy as a useful tool for pain relief during labor.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2018 in the journal Nursing and Midwifery Studies found that Inhalation aromatherapy with Boswellia Carterii essential oil can significantly reduce labor pain intensity in nulliparous women. In this randomized controlled trial, 126 nulliparous women were split into two groups — an aromatherapy group and a placebo group. A piece of gauze was soaked with Boswellia Carterii essential oil diluted in normal saline for the aromatherapy group and was attached to the collar of each woman in this group. This intervention was repeated at 30-minute intervals up to a cervical dilation of 10 centimeters. The placebo group intervention mirrored those of the aromatherapy group but used only normal saline on the gauze. The intensity of labor pain was assessed before the intervention and at certain cervical dilation stages using a numeric pain rating scale. The results revealed that the aromatherapy group experienced significantly less labor pain compared to the placebo group at all tracked stages of cervical dilation. It was found that Boswellia Carterii essential oil can indeed mitigate labor pain when used in inhalation aromatherapy. No significant differences were observed concerning the 1 and 5 minute Apgar scores across both groups.

A Systematic Review published in 2017 in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine found that Acupuncture may increase the clinical pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy rate and decrease the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in women with PCOS undergoing IVF or ICSI. Acupuncture may increase the CPR and OPR and decrease the risk of OHSS in women with PCOS undergoing IVF or ICSI. Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of acupuncture as an adjunct to assisted reproductive technology in this particular population.

A Systematic Review published in 2016 in the journal Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that Acupuncture improves the clinical pregnancy rate among women undergoing IVF and the IVF outcome results were significantly superior in the acupuncture group when acupuncture was conducted during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. When the studies were restricted to Asian or non-Asian area patients, compared with traditional acupuncture and other methods, electrical acupuncture yielded better IVF outcomes. Optimal positive effects could be expected using acupuncture in IVF during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, especially in Asian area. However, as a limitation of this review, most of the included studies did not mention the number of embryos transferred.

A Case Report published in 2016 in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology found that Raspberry leaf consumption may decrease insulin requirements in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus. In the methodology of this case study, a 38-year-old pregnant woman, who was diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, consumed raspberry leaf tea at 32 weeks of gestation. After the ingestion of the tea, she experienced hypoglycemia that required lowering her insulin dosage. This temporal relationship was verified by her ceasing and readopting the herb. Throughout the study, there were reassuring fetal surveillance and growth, resulting in a cesarean delivery at 39 weeks. The newborn didn't have hypoglycemia or any other complications and the placental biopsy showed standard outcomes. In the discussion of the results, it was observed that raspberry leaf tea might have properties that can affect glycemic control in gestational diabetes mellitus patients. After consumption of the tea, the subject experienced hypoglycemia which necessitated a decrease in her insulin dose. Also, the re-consumption of the herb confirmed its hypoglycemic effects. Importantly, the baby was not affected by hypoglycemia or any other complications, indicating that raspberry leaf tea may be a practical alternative for managing gestational diabetes mellitus. However, it was recommended that pregnant women with such condition should be cautious about the use of the herb and monitor their glucose levels more frequently.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2016 in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that Acupuncture was a feasible intervention and reduced threatened miscarriage symptoms when compared to a touch intervention. Threatened miscarriage is a common complication of early pregnancy increasing the risk of miscarriage or premature labour. Currently there is limited evidence to recommend any biomedical pharmacological or self-care management, resulting in a ‘watchful waiting’ approach. The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of offering acupuncture as a therapeutic treatment for women presenting with threatened miscarriage. Acupuncture was a feasible intervention and reduced threatened miscarriage symptoms when compared to a touch intervention. Further research is required to further explore acupuncture use for this common complication and whether it can reduce the incidence of miscarriage.

A Systematic Review published in 2016 in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that Acupoint stimulation shows promise in alleviating nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. This review assesses acupoint stimulation techniques for treating nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) and hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Of 29 studies, 20 were included in quantitative analyses. Acupressure, acupuncture, auricular acupressure, and moxibustion were examined. While acupressure showed a 41% reduction in symptom severity, acupuncture had double the effect of control groups, and moxibustion improved symptoms by 65%. Continuous outcome measures did not show significant relief. Adverse events were minimal. The study calls for more rigorous trials, emphasizing the need for blinding and standardizing treatment protocols for conclusive results on acupoint stimulation's efficacy in NVP and HG.

A Systematic Review published in 2015 in the journal Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that There is moderate‐quality evidence from individual studies suggesting that acupuncture improved pelvic pain more than usual prenatal care. The evidence is current to 19 January 2015. We included 34 randomised studies in this updated review, with 5121 pregnant women, aged 16 to 45 years. Women were from 12 to 38 weeks’ pregnant. Studies looked at different treatments for pregnant women with low‐back pain, pelvic pain or both types of pain. All treatments were added to usual prenatal care, and were compared with usual prenatal care alone in 23 studies. Studies measured women's symptoms in different ways, ranging from self‐reported pain and sick leave to the results of specific tests.

A Systematic Review published in 2015 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that Our review suggests that management of female infertility with Chinese herbal medicine can improve pregnancy rates 2-fold within a 3-6 month period compared with Western medical fertility drug therapy. Forty RCTs involving 4247 women with infertility were included in our systematic review. Meta-analysis suggested a 1.74 higher probability of achieving a pregnancy with CHM therapy than with WM therapy alone in women with infertility. Trials included women with PCOS, endometriosis, anovulation, fallopian tube blockage, or unexplained infertility. Mean pregnancy rates in the CHM group were 60% compared with 33% in the WM group. In addition, fertility indicators such as ovulation rates, cervical mucus score, biphasic basal body temperature, and appropriate thickness of the endometrial lining were positively influenced by CHM therapy, indicating an ameliorating physiological effect conducive for a viable pregnancy.

A Systematic Review published in 2015 in the journal Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation found that We found pooled benefit of acupuncture for IVF when performed at follicle phase and 25 min before and after embryo transfer, as well as 30 min after embryo transfer and implantation phase. Our study showed that acupuncture increased pregnancy rates when performed at follicle phase and 25 min before and after ET or 30 min after ET and after the implantation phase in the IVF process. However, there was no statistically significant difference in women undergoing IVF between treatment performed only around the time of ET, follicle phase or implantation phase. The study of Zheng et al. also showed that the pooled CPR result around the time of ET showed no significant differences between all acupuncture groups and the control groups. However, the CPR result of acupuncture performed around the time of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation showed a significant difference. The potential impact of acupuncture in the treatment of female infertility on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and on the uterus was significant, but the specific mechanism was still unknown.

A Systematic Review published in 2014 in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine found that Acupuncture during pregnancy appears to be associated with few adverse events when correctly applied. Of 105 included studies, detailed adverse events (AE) were reported only in 25 studies represented by 27 articles (25.7%). AEs evaluated as certain, probable or possible in the causality assessment were all mild/moderate in severity, with needling pain being the most frequent. Severe AEs or deaths were few and all considered unlikely to have been caused by acupuncture. Total AE incidence was 1.9%, and the incidence of AEs evaluated as certainly, probably or possibly causally related to acupuncture was 1.3%.

A Systematic Review published in 2014 in the journal Journal of Advanced Nursing found that Acupuncture showed both clinically important changes and statistically significant results for management of low back and/or pelvic pain (LBPP) in pregnancy. Eight studies were selected for full review. Two acupuncture studies with low risk of bias showed both clinically important changes and statistically significant results. There was evidence of effectiveness for osteopathy and chiropractic. However, osteopathy and chiropractic studies scored high for risk of bias. Strength of the evidence across studies was very low.

A Systematic Review published in 2014 in the journal Nutrition Journal found that Ginger could be considered a harmless and possibly effective alternative option for women suffering from nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. This review suggests potential benefits of ginger in reducing nausea symptoms in pregnancy (bearing in mind the limited number of studies, variable outcome reporting and low quality of evidence). Ginger did not significantly affect vomiting episodes, nor pose a risk for side-effects or adverse events during pregnancy. Based on evidence from this systematic review, ginger could be considered a harmless and possibly effective alternative option for women suffering from nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

A Systematic Review published in 2013 in the journal Medical Acupuncture found that Acupuncture's efficacy in treating gynecologic and obstetric disorders This comprehensive review evaluates acupuncture's efficacy and safety in treating gynecologic and obstetric disorders. Examining systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials, the study addresses conditions like pregnancy-related pelvic and low-back pain, labor pain, primary dysmenorrhea, and menopausal symptoms. The results are inconclusive, with some evidence supporting acupuncture's potential in reducing pelvic and back pain during pregnancy and alleviating climacteric vasomotor symptoms. However, more rigorous research is necessary for definitive conclusions. Adverse effects were minimal. The review emphasizes the need for well-designed studies to enhance the precision and reliability of findings regarding acupuncture's therapeutic benefits in these disorders.

A Systematic Review published in 2013 in the journal Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that Despite its widespread use during assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles, acupuncture does not appear to improve live birth or pregnancy rates in couples dealing with subfertility. This passage discusses a meta-analysis that aimed to determine the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture as an adjunct to assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles for couples dealing with subfertility. The review included 20 randomized controlled trials, analyzing the impact of acupuncture on live birth rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and side effects. The findings indicate that acupuncture did not show any overall benefit in improving live birth or pregnancy rates during ART cycles, regardless of whether it was performed around oocyte retrieval or embryo transfer. Additionally, acupuncture did not have significant side effects. The authors conclude that there is no evidence supporting the use of acupuncture to enhance live birth or pregnancy rates in assisted conception.

A Systematic Review published in 2013 in the journal Human Reproduction Update found that The meta-analysis indicates that while adjuvant acupuncture does not show a pooled benefit for in vitro fertilization (IVF) across all trials, it appears to have a more significant effect in trials with lower baseline pregnancy rates, warranting further investigation and confirmation in additional studies. This passage presents a meta-analysis that aimed to assess the overall pooled effects of adjuvant acupuncture on in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinical pregnancy success rates, as well as identify factors that might explain the heterogeneity of results across trials. The analysis included 16 trials with 4021 participants and found no statistically significant difference between acupuncture and control groups when combining all trials or analyzing sham-controlled and no adjuvant treatment-controlled trials separately. However, the study identified baseline pregnancy rate as a significant effect modifier, with trials having lower control group pregnancy rates showing larger effects of adjuvant acupuncture. Overall, the meta-analysis did not find a pooled benefit of adjuvant acupuncture for IVF, but the potential benefit in trials with lower baseline pregnancy rates requires further exploration and confirmation in additional studies due to potential confounders and publication bias.

A Systematic Review published in 2013 in the journal Medical Acupuncture found that There is high-level evidence to support the use of acupuncture for treating major depressive disorder in pregnancy. Six articles used the desired inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of research varied heavily. Five studies were properly randomized. Three were double-blinded. Three used individualized acupuncture. Four studies were of at least reasonable quality. One was of marginal quality, and one was of poor quality. There was a significant difference between acupuncture and at least one control in all six trials.

A Systematic Review published in 2012 in the journal The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that The meta-analysis suggests that acupuncture does not provide significant benefits in improving the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments. The article conducted a systematic review with a meta-analysis of trials on acupuncture during in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. The pooled analysis of 17 trials showed that acupuncture did not significantly impact clinical pregnancy, biochemical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, implantation rate, live birth, or miscarriage outcomes. Therefore, the study concludes that there are no significant benefits of acupuncture in improving IVF or ICSI outcomes.

A published in 2012 in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies have the potential to provide supportive care for women presenting with threatened miscarriage. Within fertility research, acupuncture demonstrates beneficial hormonal responses with decreased miscarriage rates, raising the possibility acupuncture may promote specific beneficial effects in early pregnancy. With the lack of current medical options for women presenting with threatened miscarriage it is timely to examine the possible treatment benefits of providing CAM therapies such as acupuncture.

A Systematic Review published in 2012 in the journal Fertility and Sterility found that Acupuncture appears to improve clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in women undergoing in vitro fertilization, but the choice of control used in studies may influence the outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. The study included 24 randomized controlled trials with a total of 5,807 participants. The acupuncture intervention groups used manual, electrical, and laser acupuncture techniques, while the control groups consisted of no, sham, and placebo acupuncture. The main outcome measures were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR). The analysis showed that the pooled CPR from all acupuncture groups was significantly higher than that from all control groups, indicating that acupuncture improves CPR and LBR among women undergoing IVF. However, the results differed when the type of control was considered, suggesting that the choice of control used in the studies might influence the outcomes. The Streitberger control, in particular, was found to have different effects compared to other controls. The authors concluded that more positive effects from using acupuncture in IVF can be expected if an appropriate control and more reasonable acupuncture programs are employed.

A Systematic Review published in 2010 in the journal BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology found that Acupuncture ineffective for labour pain relief: A systematic review and meta-analysis assessed acupuncture's efficacy in relieving labor pain. Ten randomized controlled trials involving 2038 women were analyzed. Acupuncture showed no significant superiority over minimal acupuncture at 1 and 2 hours post-treatment. Electroacupuncture demonstrated temporary pain reduction at 15 and 30 minutes compared to placebo, but effects weren't sustained. When compared to no intervention, acupuncture provided only an 11% reduction in pain for the initial 30 minutes. However, in trials against conventional analgesia, acupuncture led to reduced meperidine and other analgesic use. Overall, evidence doesn't strongly support acupuncture for labor pain, urging further research.

Moderation Tools

---

Topic