Author: Katie Bradshaw, PT, MPT, ATC Master of Physical Therapy
[The following is for educational purposes to share and understand the possible applications of steam therapy. Steaming during active pregnancy loss should always be done under the care and supervision of a certified steamcare provider trained in steaming for this purpose. As with all pregnancy loss there is the risk of excess bleeding and infections which can be life-threatening. If you or someone you know would like to steam for pregnancy loss please go to the directory and select “pregnancy loss” to find a steamcare provider to supervise.]
Patient and Indication:
We followed the case of a 31-year-old Caucasian female gravida 1 presenting with a miscarriage at eight weeks gestational age confirmed by ultrasound. The patient wished to pursue a non-invasive natural management method rather than undergoing surgical uterine evacuation or more invasive pharmacological treatment. It was trialed under close monitoring to allow the passing of tissue.
Throughout history and across cultures, various forms of pelvic hydrotherapy have been employed to aid women’s reproductive health, stimulate menstruation, and ease common disorders, with practices documented as far back as ancient Egypt and Greece. However, evidence on modern clinical applications remains limited. Modern procedures involve steam diffusion of beneficial botanicals toward the vagina, such as the pelvic steam seat method applied in this case under medical guidance. Based on the historical applications and the proposed mechanisms of action improving uterine circulation and cervical dilation, a hydrotherapy protocol was trialed to allow gentle passing of retained products of conception with close monitoring for safety and completion.
Specialist Guidance:
The hydrotherapy protocol was designed and overseen by Katie Bradshaw, PT, MPT, ATC Master of Physical Therapy with expertise in women’s health. Her pelvic hydrotherapy certification qualified her to guide appropriate implementation.
Procedure:
Pelvic hydrotherapy was initiated using an at-home steam seat to direct herbal-infused steam towards the perineum, vagina and lower uterus. The initial session duration was 30 minutes with an herbal formula that consisted of herbs with circulatory and cleansing properties. Frequency and duration were adjusted based on bleeding and tolerance, ranging from 15-30 minutes daily. HCG levels were tracked weekly along with ultrasound follow-up. Supportive rest and regular follow-up were emphasized to the patient throughout.
Outcome and Conclusion:
After 30 days of consistent steaming sessions tailored based on clinical indicators, serial HCG tests indicated complete passage of products of conception by 8 weeks post-diagnosis. The patient resumed regular menstruation without surgical intervention. This demonstrates pelvic hydrotherapy could provide an alternative approach for natural miscarriage management under specialist guidance. Further comparative studies against standard miscarriage treatment are warranted to examine efficacy.
Timeline:
March 13, 2023:
– Last menstrual period
March 25, 2023:
– Estimated date of conception
April 10-14, 2023:
– Experienced light spotting, suspected as implantation bleeding
– Began experiencing breast tenderness, a common early pregnancy symptom
April 14, 2023:
– Took first at-home pregnancy test and received a faint positive line, initially believing it was negative
April 17, 2023:
– Took second pregnancy test and noticed a faint positive line, indicating a possible positive result
April 18, 2023:
– Confirmed positive pregnancy test using Clearblue branded test
April 24, 2023:
– Positive pregnancy test confirmed at the Women’s Health Center clinic
Up to May 11, 2023:
– Pregnancy progressed normally with no concerns
May 12, 2023:
– Noticed minor spotting when wiping
– Began experiencing mild cramping
May 13, 2023:
– Bleeding increased to needing a pantiliner, with more intense cramping
May 14, 2023:
– Bleeding slightly lighter, cramping decreased
May 15, 2023:
– Heavy bleeding through pads, severe cramping and pain
– Abnormal ultrasound performed at Women’s clinic
May 16, 2023:
– Miscarriage confirmed via ultrasound at family health center
– Consistent heavy bleeding, passing large clots of tissue
– Sent home from work for extended rest
May 19, 2023:
– HCG level tested at 10,223.3 mIU/mL
May 26, 2023:
– HCG level tested at 8,424.9 mIU/mL
– Began in-home pelvic hydrotherapy with 30-minute steaming sessions using a cleansing herb formula
May 28, 2023:
– Experienced spotting post-steaming so reduced duration to 15 minutes
May 30, 2023:
– Increased steaming to 30 minutes, passed small clots of tissue
June 1, 2023:
– Ongoing 30-minute steaming
– HCG tested at 5,704.9 mIU/mL
June 5, 2023:
HCG tested at 4,210.4 mIU/mL
June 13, 2023:
– Noticed spotting after intercourse
– Continued daily 30-minute steams
June 14, 2023:
– Heavier bleeding overnight, passed tiny ant-sized clots
June 16, 2023:
– HCG tested at 1,059.4 mIU/mL
June 25, 2023:
– Completed 30 days of consistent steaming
June 26, 2023:
– Spotting after intercourse
– Performed two 15-minute steaming sessions due to irritation
June 30, 2023:
– HCG tested at 103.9 mIU/mL
July 10, 2023:
– HCG 34.6 mIU/mL
July 16-20, 2023:
– Bleeding similar to regular menstrual period
July 28, 2023:
– HCG officially negative, less than 2.4 mIU/mL
August 18-21, 2023:
– Menstrual period returned
September 14-17, 2023:
– Second regular period
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About the Author:
Katie Bradshaw is a Physical Therapist who is also a certified steamcare provider and works with clients in her private practice in West Fargo, North Dakota. She has been recording case studies implementing pelvic hydrotherapy for miscarriage, vaginal atrophy and more. Contact: www.wellnesswithkatie.com
