When a couple decides to start a family there is a great sense of excitement and expectation while they wait for the test strip to turn a different color or shape. For some, that wait is a long one. My husband and I are in the latter category. So we went to a specialist to find out what the hold up was. After a lot of testing, we agreed to undergo IVF with ICSI. Having never been to visit many, if any Drs. in my lifetime, this was a huge step for me. Our first attempt was unsuccessful. However with the second attempt the final verdict call told us that the “test strip changed colors”. We were finally pregnant. Unfortunately a miscarriage followed several weeks later. So we kept trying; and kept trying. We had some success followed by another miscarriage.

Throughout the IVF process, my Dr. had recommended acupuncture to assist in getting pregnant. This again was a huge step for me as prior to this I had a fear of needles and tended to pass out when I had to give blood. Well, anyone that has undergone IVF will tell you such fears pass in the blink of an eye. So I went for treatments. I had read that many women called these treatments their needle naps. How could they? It’s a bunch of needles stuck in you! But after my first treatment I was hooked. And I did indeed fall asleep!

On our 6th and last IVF attempt, we had a positive result call and this time the Dr. told me to go in immediately for acupuncture treatments. Prior to this I had gone as a preparation for getting pregnant. This time he wanted me to go throughout my pregnancy. He explained that studies show acupuncture helps high risk patients maintain their pregnancy. So off I went to visit Dr. Diane again! I went in weekly for treatments (or needle naps). I find the sessions help to balance me. I feel more peaceful, calm and rested after a treatment. Around my 9th week, Monday evening, I started to bleed and was put on immediate bed rest. The only reason I could get up (or even leave the house) was for my acupuncture treatment. The bleeding had continued all day Tuesday and was still going on Wednesday. So off I went to my acupuncture treatment on Wednesday. After my treatment with Dr. Diane the bleeding stopped. I was checked again on Friday at my IVF Dr’s office and whatever had happened had resolved itself and my babies (Twins!) were just fine.

As I write this, I am in my 28th week. There have been no complications at all and I am joyfully looking forward to my children’s arrival.