Turning Breech Babies: The Power of Acupuncture and Moxibustion

By Joyce Kawalchuk, L.Ac.

In the final stretch of pregnancy, a rare but significant occurrence arises in about 3-4% of pregnancies: breech presentation, where the baby is positioned feet-first rather than the preferred head-down position. While this might sound like a minor issue, it can lead to significant implications for both mother and baby during childbirth.

In the United States, a staggering 90% of breech babies are delivered via cesarean section, a major surgical procedure carrying its own set of risks. 

​But what if there were less invasive options available that could encourage the baby to turn naturally, reducing the need for cesarean sections and improving overall maternal outcomes? This is where alternative therapies like acupuncture and moxibustion step in as promising avenues worth exploring.

Current Standard of Care and Research Findings

External Cephalic Version (ECV), a common procedure to manually turn the baby, can be painful and emotionally stressful. However, research suggests that moxibustion treatment before 37 weeks of pregnancy significantly reduces the chance of breech presentation at birth. Moreover, combining moxibustion with acupuncture may further increase the rate of cephalic presentation at birth.

Understanding Moxibustion Treatment

Moxibustion treatment typically involves warming a specific acupuncture point on the outer edge of the 5th toe, known as Urinary Bladder 67 (UB67), using heat generated from burning moxa. Research suggests this gentle technique, when administered once or twice daily for 15-30 minutes over 5-14 consecutive days, has shown efficacy in encouraging babies to turn head down.

While the optimal timing for moxibustion and acupuncture treatments in breech presentation cases remains under study, many practitioners suggest that the best results are typically seen between 33-35 weeks gestation.

Benefits Beyond Birth

The potential benefits of incorporating moxibustion and acupuncture into prenatal care extend far beyond just turning the baby. By providing parents with these non-invasive options, there's a real opportunity to decrease the rates of breech presentation at term, subsequently lowering the rates of cesarean sections. Not only does this lead to better maternal outcomes and postpartum recovery, but it also fosters a more positive and satisfying birth experience overall.

Empowering Parents with Options

In a landscape where medical interventions can reign supreme, offering alternative therapies like moxibustion and acupuncture empowers parents to take an active role in their birthing experience. Given that acupuncture and moxibustion treatment can be initiated several weeks before an External Cephalic Version (ECV), it holds promise as a safe and effective primary approach for addressing breech presentation.

As we continue to explore and refine integrative methods for maternity care, we move one step closer to a future where every birthing person has access to a diverse array of options to ensure a safe and fulfilling childbirth experience.

If you're seeking alternatives to traditional medical interventions for breech presentation during pregnancy in Princeton, NJ, consider consulting with our clinic. With expertise in traditional Chinese medicine, we're here to support you on your journey to a smoother and more comfortable birth experience for both you and your baby.
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Reference: 
"Evidence-Based Acupuncture - Acupuncture & Moxibustion for Breech Presentation," Evidence Based Acupuncture, accessed March 2024, https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-moxibustion-breech-presentation/