Cold Uterus and Miscarriage

Miscarriage is much more common than we reliase. It is estimated that amongst women who know they are pregnant at least 1 in 8 pregnancies will end in miscarraige (1). Often the cause of miscarriage is unknown but there are things you can do to improve your chances of healthy pregnancy. 

One reason that often gets overlooked is cold uterus. If you are not sure what a cold Uterus is take a look here.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) suggests that a cold uterus may lead to miscarriages. This theory is not widely accepted in western obstetrics, though there is evidence to suggest that lower body temperature (around 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit), especially during early pregnancy, may be associated with increased risk of miscarriage. Chinese medicine believes cold uterus can cause poor blood flow to the reproductive organs, fails to nourish and retain a fertilised egg, the coldness narrows blood vessels, it also halts cell division leading to menstruation, creates inflammation in the uterus leading to unstable implantation or lack nutrition to support embryo development and growth, thus resulting in miscarriage.

Based on the principles of Chinese Medicine of Yin Yang – Yang is the warming energy which drives blood flow and works as a cataylst for ovulation and implantation. Two of the most common patterns that are noticed with women who experience miscarriage is the Kidney Qi Yang deficiency and Kidney Blood and Jing.

While Kidney Qi Yang provides warmth, Kidney Blood and Jing provides essential nutrients for the growth of the embryo. 

How can cold uterus lead to a miscarriage?

During conception, the embryo has a limited time to implant into the uterus. Implantation into the uterus requires the vital nutrients for the embryo to develop. Any deficiency or weakness in the uterus risks leading to a miscarriage. One of the main reasons why cold uterus could cause miscarriage is because it leads to poor blood circulation in the uterus. This poor blood circulation could be due to: 

1.Damaged Uterus lining – Normally, during pregnancy, your uterus lining will thicken to prepare for a fertilised egg to implant. The uterus lining is known as endometrium, when a damaged Uterus lining which is in abnormally thick or has been shed before its time, it is then unable to receive a fertilised egg, or make implantation of the embryo difficult.  

2. Uterus inflammation – will block blood or/and Qi flow so sufficient nutrients will not be supplied to the embryo which are essential for growth 

3.Excess fluid in the surrounding area of the uterus – excessive fluid especially in the abdomen area will slow down digestion and Kidney function, both function are important for general healthy and safe pregnancy

Natural Chinese Medicine methods to avoid miscarriage due to cold uterus 

Chinese Medicine has been successfully used to prevent miscarriages and promote healthy pregnancy for thousands of years. There are many natural methods that can be used to warm a cold uterus and provide the required nutrients, energy and blood circulation to reduce chances of a miscarriage. Some of the most common method include: 

1. Natural Herbal Supplement
2. Acupuncture
3. Moxibustion
4. Cupping
5. Natural Herbal Tea

It is very common for your TCM expert to combine treatments and recommend to start treatments before, during and after the pregnancy. If you are looking for a free consultation visit our clinics page here. 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can improve cold uterus by boosting Kidney Yang and transforming warmth Yang energy by stimulation energy channel and increasing blood circulation. It can used before, during and after pregnancy.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a herbal heat therapy. It works to remove coldness from Uterus This warmth Yang energy works to improve blood circulation and eliminated accumulation inflammation quickly and safely. It can used before conceiving,  it is not advised to use moxibustion method around the abdomen area after conceiving.

Cupping

Cupping is a detoxing method, it reduces coldness in the uterus by eliminating toxins and excessive fluids around the abdomen area. It also boosts blood circulation and can only be used before conceiving. 

Diet and Lifestyle Changes 

Diet is always an always is part of any Chinese Medicine treatment. There are many ways to enhance Yang (warm) energy levels and remove coldness in the uterus. It is recommended to have regular dinner and eat health without cold food and having cold drinks. Warm water is always recommended over cold water. Eat more red meat, fish and chicken, ginger, onion, black mushrooms, tofu, black fungus. If you are vegetarian or vegan, eat more red kidney beans and walnuts as a substitute to red meat energy. Lots of fruits contain Yang energy source, such as blue berry, strawberry, kiwi and oranges are great for warming your body and uterus.

Carrying out light exercise and keeping body warm is also great to keep your body and uterus warm during preganncy.