While there is no significant evidence that complementary or alternative therapies can help you to conceive, they can help to create better conditions for conception. Therapies that promote relaxation, better sleep, a stronger romantic relationship, and better eating habits can all help you get pregnant faster. Therapies that can help you to quit smoking and other harmful substances that threaten your fertility are also worth trying if you struggle with more traditional methods. Everyone’s pregnancy journey is unique, and as long as your doctor is happy with you investing time and resources in alternative and complementary therapies, there is nothing wrong with experimentation. We hope that any you try will enhance your wellbeing and support you in your pregnancy goal.

Complementary Therapies: Reflexology, Homoeopathy, Kinesiology, Aromatherapy, and Acupuncture

There is a wide variety of complementary therapies that should be safe in pregnancy as long as you see a reputable registered practitioner and make it clear that you are trying to get pregnant or may already be pregnant. Certain acupuncture pressure points, for example, are not safe in pregnancy, and you should seek guidance on safe ways to use aromatherapy oils whether you are carrying a baby or not. Never apply undiluted oils directly to your skin.

Reflexology is a non-invasive relaxation technique that focusses on the feet, reduces stress, promotes good sleep, and is safe both during preconception and pregnancy. Some women use it to encourage labour while pregnant, though it is not an evidence-based means of induction. Stress reduction and good sleep will definitely support you and your partner on your preconception journey.

Homoeopathy is based on the principle that like cures like, or the notion that a disease can be cured by substances that promote similar symptoms in healthy people. There is some positive research around its use among couples struggling to conceive, though not a great deal. Still, it is not harmful, and if it interests you and your partner, this may be an avenue you’d like to explore.

Kinesiology is not an evidence-based treatment for fertility issues. Practitioners focus on how the body moves and look for imbalances they can treat with massage, acupuncture, and other means of stress release. It may help with relaxation and sleep, which in turn will support you on your preconception journey. However, if you are suffering from back pain or some other physical ailment, it’s better to seek help from a doctor first so you can rule out any underlying issue that may impact your fertility and possibly be referred to a physiotherapist or other specialist.

Nutritional Therapy

Unii is delighted to work with a wonderful nutritional therapist here in London, Dr. Venita Patel, who leads our Baby Nutrition Journey video course. Her ‘whole person approach’ looks at eating habits in the context of someone’s life and routines, finding the root causes of problems, and offering nutrition and supplement advice accordingly. Nutritional therapy can be helpful if you are having difficulty shaking poor eating habits. However, if you have a history of eating disorders or a health condition that requires a special diet, it’s best to ask your doctor about a referral to a specialist dietitian who can collaborate with them on your preconception care first.

Talking Therapies

Talking therapies are psychological treatments that are given to people coping with mental and emotional health challenges. They are sometimes given by medical doctors, but you do not need a medical degree to offer them as a service, so it’s important to look at your provider's credentials and background. There are a wide variety of talk therapies that can help you as individuals and as a couple. Your doctor may be able to advise you on reputable providers of therapies that can benefit specific issues. For example, cognitive behavioural therapy can help with sleep issues, including insomnia, while mindfulness-based therapies can help with depression and anxiety. Struggling to conceive can put tremendous pressure on your relationship, and couple therapy could help you air feelings and grow stronger as a team. Attending any talking therapy appointments as a couple can also help with this, as you’ll both be more sensitive to what the other person is feeling. You may also discover a therapy that can support you later on your pregnancy and postpartum journeys, as mental health at these stages of your life are especially important.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy won’t get you pregnant, but it can help with stress and anxiety and leave parents feeling cooler, calmer, and more in control. Some infertility is unexplained, which can give you a sense of helplessness, and anything you find helpful in managing your worries while trying to get pregnant is helpful. Hypnosis can also be helpful with overcoming unhelpful beliefs as well as managing trauma about past births or miscarriages.

If you are trying to quit smoking before getting pregnant, firstly, well done! This is both incredibly important and extremely difficult. You should speak to your doctor first, as they will be able to prescribe medication that can help. However, some people find hypnotherapy extremely effective in helping them to quit smoking.

Finally, focus on taking the best possible care of yourself.

There is no requirement that you seek complementary or alternative therapies on your preconception journey. As long as you’re eating well, exercising regularly, managing your stress, and following your doctor’s advice, you don’t need to invest in alternative therapies. If you purchase any natural supplements or anything else you wish to ingest to boost your fertility, please check with your doctor first. Supplements are only checked to ensure they meet food safety standards in many countries, and as a result, marketing claims about them may not be accurate, and the ingredients may not be safe for someone with your specific medical profile.

For more information on taking care of yourself while trying to get pregnant, take Unii’s Preconception Journey video course with Dr. Shree Datta.

Can any complementary or alternative therapies help me get pregnant?

Unii looks at reflexology, homeopathy, talking therapies, and other potential steps on your preconception journey.