When it comes to preparing for birth, most parents hope for a baby to be in the optimal head-down position. However, about 3-4% of babies are in a breech position—meaning their buttocks, feet, or both are positioned to be delivered first—by the time full-term pregnancy is reached. While breech positioning is quite common early in pregnancy, most babies will naturally turn head down by around 33-36 weeks gestation. For those that don’t, acupuncture and moxibustion are proven methods that can support the process of turning a breech baby safely and effectively.
What Does "Breech" Mean?
A breech baby is positioned with their bottom or feet down in the uterus rather than the head. There are a few types of breech positions:
Frank Breech: Baby’s buttocks are down with legs extended upward near the head.
Complete Breech: Baby is sitting cross-legged at the bottom of the uterus.
Footling Breech: One or both of the baby’s feet are positioned to come out first.
When a baby is breech, vaginal delivery can be more challenging, and many care providers will recommend a cesarean birth if the baby remains in this position as the due date approaches.
Why Acupuncture and Moxibustion?
Acupuncture and moxibustion are two modalities of East Asian Medicine that have been found to be highly effective in turning breech babies. Several studies have demonstrated their success:
A comprehensive review found that moxibustion alone, or in combination with acupuncture, increased the success rate of turning breech babies to a head-down position (vertex presentation) compared to no treatment or other interventions.
One randomized controlled trial found that around 80% of breech babies turned head down when their mothers received moxibustion and acupuncture treatments between 33-36 weeks.
These results show that acupuncture and moxibustion are not only effective but also safe, non-invasive options for helping breech babies turn.
How Do Acupuncture and Moxibustion Work?
The process involves stimulating specific acupuncture points to promote relaxation, balance the body's energy (Qi), and encourage the baby to move into a head-down position. Here’s a breakdown of what each technique involves:
Acupuncture: Fine, sterile needles are inserted into specific points on the body to help relax the uterine muscles, increase blood flow, and create space for the baby to turn. The sessions are designed to be calming and supportive, aligning both the body and mind for the optimal birthing position.
Moxibustion: This involves burning an herb called mugwort near a particular acupuncture point— located on the outer edge of the pinky toe (Bladder 67). The heat from the moxibustion stimulates this point, encouraging fetal movement. Studies suggest that moxibustion may help increase uterine activity and promote the release of hormones that encourage the baby to turn.
Timing is Everything: 33-36 Weeks Gestation
The best time to begin these treatments is between 33-36 weeks of pregnancy. During this period, the baby still has enough room to maneuver into a head-down position. As the pregnancy progresses into the 37th week and beyond, the baby generally grows larger and has less space to turn, making it more challenging to achieve a successful turn with non-invasive methods.
What to Expect During a Session
When clients come in for breech presentation support, we typically start with a comprehensive consultation to assess their overall health, pregnancy progress, and any specific concerns they may have. A typical session for turning a breech baby might include:
Acupuncture: Gentle needling on points that support relaxation and balance, as well as points specific to fetal positioning.
Moxibustion: Instructions on how to safely apply moxibustion at home are provided, along with a demonstration in the clinic. Patients are encouraged to practice moxibustion daily for about 10-20 minutes to maximize effectiveness.
Guidance and Support: I provide ongoing guidance, checking in to see how the baby is responding and making any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Additional Benefits of Acupuncture and Moxibustion
While the primary goal of these treatments is to encourage a breech baby to turn, there are additional benefits that come with incorporating acupuncture and moxibustion into prenatal care. Many clients report:
Reduced stress and anxiety, helping them feel more relaxed and centered.
Improved sleep, digestion, and overall energy levels.
Enhanced connection with their bodies and babies as they prepare for birth.
For Practitioners and Pregnant People Alike
If you are a midwife, doula, OB-GYN, or other birth worker, consider referring your clients to acupuncture and moxibustion for breech presentation. It is a gentle, effective approach that works best when started early. If you’re pregnant and your baby is breech, reach out to see how acupuncture and moxibustion could support your journey.
Book a Session or Refer a Client Today
The journey to birth is unique for every family, and I’m here to provide holistic support every step of the way. Whether you’re seeking to turn a breech baby or just want to explore how Traditional Chinese Medicine can benefit your pregnancy, I’m here to help. Feel free to contact me to learn more or to book a session.
Let’s work together to help these babies find their way head down! 💕
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