If your baby is in a breech position, acupuncture can be a supportive treatment to encourage the baby’s rotation into an optimal position for a vaginal birth. Breech presentation occurs when the baby’s buttocks or feet are pointing downward toward the cervix, rather than the head being positioned downwards, which is ideal for delivery.
Typically, treatments to address breech presentation are recommended starting from 34 weeks of pregnancy, as this is when the baby’s positioning becomes more critical. Acupuncture combined with moxibustion, a traditional Chinese medicine technique involving the burning of a herb called mugwort near specific acupuncture points, has been found to be effective in encouraging the baby to turn into the correct position. Studies have shown that this method can increase the likelihood of a baby rotating to the head-down position, helping to avoid a cesarean section.
Every pregnancy is unique, and babies often have a mind of their own when it comes to their positioning. Therefore, we will work closely with your midwife or OB-GYN to ensure the best approach for your specific situation. It’s important to remain open to the possibility that the baby may turn without any intervention or may require additional medical approaches if they remain in the breech position.
Acupuncture offers a gentle and natural alternative to assist with breech presentation, and many expecting mothers find it to be a relaxing and supportive treatment during the final weeks of pregnancy. If you’re considering this option, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation to discuss how acupuncture can support you and your baby as you prepare for childbirth.
Additionally, acupuncture can help manage other pregnancy-related symptoms, such as stress, anxiety, back pain, and nausea, promoting a smoother and more comfortable pregnancy experience overall.
Research :
A 2008 Systematic Review by Van den Berg I, et. Al “The effectiveness of acupuncture type interventions versus expectant management to correct breech presentation”. The review included 6 Randomised Control Trials and 3 control studies that investigated acupuncture vs expectant management. The study found that the portion of breech presentation was 34% following acupuncture treatment compared to 66% in the control group. This suggests intervention with Acupuncture can be quite effective”.