Pelvic Stretches for Fertility & Pelvic Blood Flow

Illustration of Butterfly Pose

When supporting reproductive health, one of the most important — yet often overlooked — aspects is blood flow to the pelvic region, including the uterus and ovaries. In Chinese Medicine, we emphasize the importance of healthy Qi and blood circulation to nourish the reproductive organs. Increasingly, this is also being validated by modern research. Alongside acupuncture, one simple but powerful practice to support pelvic circulation is incorporating gentle pelvic stretches into your daily routine.

Why Pelvic Blood Flow Matters for Fertility

Optimal blood flow is essential for:

• Uterine lining development: A thick, nutrient-rich endometrium is crucial for embryo implantation.

• Ovarian function: Healthy blood supply supports follicle development and ovulation.

• Hormone delivery: The reproductive organs rely on proper circulation to receive hormones and eliminate waste products.

  
  

Research has shown that poor uterine perfusion (blood supply) is associated with reduced fertility outcomes and can affect IVF implantation success rates【1】.

How Stretching Enhances Blood Flow

Gentle stretching, particularly in the hips and pelvic region, encourages vasodilation — the widening of blood vessels — which helps increase blood flow to targeted areas【2】. It also supports lymphatic drainage, reduces muscular tension, and promotes parasympathetic nervous system activity — all of which help the body return to a more fertile, relaxed state.

Stretches such as Happy Baby, Child’s Pose, and Knee-to-Chest help release tightness in the hip flexors, glutes, and lower back — areas that can become chronically tense from prolonged sitting or stress. When these muscles relax, they allow better blood flow to the pelvic cavity and reduce pressure on reproductive organs.

These movements may also support endometrial development. A small study involving yoga-based stretching interventions found improved uterine blood flow in women undergoing fertility treatment【4】.

Supporting Ovarian Health

The ovaries are sensitive to circulation because they are located within the inflexible pelvic cavity. Enhancing blood flow helps ensure that ovarian follicles receive oxygen and nutrients, which is essential for healthy ovulation and hormone production.

In acupuncture practice, we often pair pelvic stretching with treatment during the follicular phase to encourage follicle growth, or during IVF stimulation cycles to support follicle response.

When to Stretch

For fertility and menstrual health, we recommend pelvic stretches particularly:

• During the follicular phase (cycle day 3–12) to support ovarian activity

• Around ovulation to help reduce congestion and encourage uterine receptivity

• In the premenstrual or luteal phase, especially if there's PMS or tension

• In the lead-up to embryo transfer or implantation 

Incorporating just 5–10 minutes of pelvic stretching per day can be a gentle yet impactful way to support reproductive health. Whether you’re preparing for conception, undergoing IVF, or simply want to nourish your cycle, these movements encourage better blood flow to the uterus and ovaries — the foundation of healthy fertility.

4 Pelvic Floor Stretches

Here are four easy pelvic floor stretches that you can incorporate into your daily routine. We recommend holding each stretch for 30 seconds.

Happy Baby Pose

Grab the inside of your feet, elbows inline with your knees, allow your knees to pull apart.

Butterfly Pose

Begin in a seated position and gently bend your knees and press the soles of your feet together.

Knee-To-Chest Pose

Lay on your back with both legs straight out in front, bend one knee and pull it into your chest.

Child's Pose

To do Child's Pose, kneel with your buttocks on your heels, lean forward, and rest your forehead on the floor while keeping your arms extended forward or beside your body.

Looking for support?

At Melbourne Reproductive Acupuncture, we guide our fertility patients through tailored pelvic stretches that complement their acupuncture and herbal treatments. Feel free to get in touch for individualised support.

Book your Appointment

@reproductive.acupuncture

reproductiveacupuncture@gmail.com

(03) 9132 0287

Written by Joanne Sharkey

BApSci(ChinMed) BApSci(HumBiol)

AHPRA and AACMA

References

1. Stener-Victorin E. et al. (2006). Uterine blood flow and pelvic circulation in fertility. Human Reproduction Update.

2. Okamoto T. et al. (2013). Stretching increases muscle blood flow during and after static stretching. European Journal of Applied Physiology.

3. Khattab S. et al. (2007). The effect of yoga-based exercises on uterine artery blood flow. Fertility and Sterility.