Acupuncture and Pre-conception Care

Many couples now start trying for a baby later than their parents did, and conceiving can take longer than they expect. Pre-conception care is about using the months before you start trying to get both of you into the best possible health, so you start from a strong position rather than waiting to see if problems appear.

Fertility is the main focus of our work. Over 25 years we have supported 15,000 couples, and we often wish more of them had come to us a few months before they started trying.

Book an initial consultation or call 0207 935 2030 for a free 15-minute chat.

Why three months matters

An egg takes around three months to mature before it is released, and sperm take a similar time to develop. The health of both partners during those months shapes the eggs and sperm you conceive with. That is why we usually suggest a three-month plan.

What pre-conception care involves

  • A full consultation: your cycle, health history, previous pregnancies, any test results and lifestyle. In Chinese medicine, the detail of your cycle (its length, the bleed, pain, mid-cycle signs and premenstrual symptoms) tells us a great deal.
  • Acupuncture: usually weekly, with treatment timed to different phases of your cycle.
  • Cycle tracking: we help you understand your cycle and identify your fertile window.
  • Lifestyle: practical advice on diet, alcohol, caffeine, weight, sleep and stress.
  • Both partners: men are welcome. Sperm quality is half of the picture and responds to lifestyle changes too.

If we find anything that needs medical investigation, such as very irregular or absent periods, very painful periods or a history of miscarriage, we will tell you and suggest you see your GP. We would rather you had the right tests early.

What the research shows

There is little direct research on acupuncture before conception, and we don’t claim it guarantees a faster pregnancy. What is well established is that general health matters for fertility in both partners.

  • Levine et al., 2022 (Human Reproduction Update) — a worldwide analysis of 223 studies found that average sperm concentration fell by about half between 1973 and 2018. That is a good reason for men to take pre-conception health seriously too.

The basics everyone should do

  • Start taking a folic acid supplement (400 micrograms a day) before you start trying, and continue until 12 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Cut back on alcohol, stop smoking, and keep caffeine moderate.
  • See your GP if you have a long-term condition or take regular medication, so it can be reviewed before pregnancy.
  • See your GP if you have been trying for a year without success, or sooner if you are over 35 or have a known issue.

What to expect

Your first appointment lasts an hour. We go through your history, your cycle and any tests you have had, and agree a plan with you. Initial consultations start from £80; see clinics and fees for details.

Why The London Acupuncture Clinic

  • 25 years specialising in fertility, supporting 15,000 couples and 10,000 IVF cycles
  • Degree-qualified practitioners experienced in natural conception and assisted conception
  • We work alongside GPs, fertility clinics and consultants
  • Early-morning, evening and weekend appointments
  • Receipts for insurance claims on request

What our patients say

Ideally three months before you start trying. If you have already started, it is not too late; we will fit treatment around your cycle.

We encourage it. Men can have their own consultation and treatment, and lifestyle changes work best when you make them together.

Yes. We adapt treatment in the second half of your cycle in case you have conceived. Tell us if your period is late.

Pre-conception care is a good start for IVF too. We have supported more than 10,000 IVF cycles and can time treatment to your clinic’s protocol when you begin.

We review your cycle and progress after about three months. If you are not pregnant by then, we will talk honestly about next steps, including medical investigations.

Book your consultation

Book online or call 0207 935 2030. Not sure if we can help? Ask for a free 15-minute telephone chat.

Related: Fertility · Unexplained infertility · PCOS · Male infertility · Recurrent miscarriage

Written by The London Acupuncture Clinic’s practitioner team.