Abortion refers to the expulsion of the foetus from the uterus before the complete formation of the placenta. It is also commonly known as miscarriage. This may occur ant time before 28 weeks of gestation but is most common during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. One in five to ten pregnancies terminates in this way. When miscarriage occurs repeatedly at a certain period of pregnancy, it is termed ‘habitual abortion’. It is one of the most perplexing problems of gynaecology and a major cause of maternal mortality. A woman who has suffered two or more ruminations of this sort consecutively is said to be a case of habitual abortion.

Pains of the same character as labour pains and bleeding are two main symptoms of possible abortion. Bleeding lead to the detachment of the ovum from the uterus. It now acts as a foreign body in the uterus which stimulates uterine contraction. This generates a lot of pain and the foetus is well developed, if it dies in the uterus, it leads to maceration of the body. The abdomen is filled with blood and the skin colour appears red. Sometime after a few more days, the foetus gets dehydrated and the fluid surrounding the foetus gets dried away.

Acupuncture and TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) treatment to prepare for, and to assist in conception is important to promote successful implantation and reduce the chance of miscarriage (both male and female treatment) by promoting the growth and development of healthy eggs and sperm, thereby leading to a healthy embryo. Treatment also tonifies and regulates Qi and Blood in the fallopian tubes and uterus, and nourishes the foetus in these early development stages. 

When miscarriages are due to a known cause, e.g. uterine and/or cervical problems, they can be readily identified by Western medicine where drug treatment is available. However, in the majority of cases, miscarriage is due to issues between the uterine environment and the foetus, or can be due to fundamental aspects of poor egg and/or sperm health which inhibits early growth and development. In these "inexplainable" cases, or if you prefer not to undergo the pharmaceutical drug route, acupuncture and TCM can be very effective to treat the condition by way of identifying and treating the underlying causes and thus preventing it recurring. Continue to read Chinese medicine Treatment for Abortion.