The Importance of Acupuncture in Correcting Breech Presentation Before 34 Weeks

If you are expecting and entering the 3rd trimester, I urge you to pause and follow my number ONE recommendation: find out if your baby is head down before 34 weeks of pregnancy. Don’t wait for the 36-week ultrasound: this is way too late and here is why.

A breech pregnancy occurs when the fetus is positioned to be delivered feet or buttocks first, rather than in the normal head-down position. This positioning can lead to complications during childbirth, often necessitating a cesarean section.

🌺 The Science Behind Acupuncture 🌺

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, has been widely researched for its benefits in obstetrics, particularly in addressing breech pregnancies.

External Cephalic Version (ECV) vs Acupuncture

ECV is a manual procedure performed around the 37th week of pregnancy, where a healthcare provider attempts to turn the fetus into the head-down position through the abdomen. While this method has a success rate ranging from 40% to 70%, it is often accompanied by discomfort and risks of fetal distress,

In contrast, when performed before the 34th week, acupuncture reports a higher success rate of 60% to 80%. This non-invasive method provides a safer and potentially more effective alternative for correcting breech presentations.

How Does Acupuncture Aid in Turning a Breech Baby?

Increased Amniotic Fluid

• Acupuncture promotes the increase of amniotic fluid around your baby. This additional fluid acts much like water in a swimming pool, providing more space for movement. In a more fluid environment, your baby can more easily navigate and position themselves head-down for birth.

Uterine Relaxation

• One of the key ways acupuncture aids in turning a breech baby is through the relaxation of the uterus. When the uterine muscles are tense, they can create a restrictive environment that makes it difficult for the baby to turn. Acupuncture targets specific points that encourage relaxation throughout the body, including the uterus. This reduction in tension and constraint gives your baby the freedom to move and shift into the preferred head-down position. This relaxed state not only facilitates a more successful natural turning but also makes external cephalic versions (ECV) more effective and less uncomfortable.

Energy Direction

• In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is not just about physical changes but also about directing the body's energy, or Qi, in beneficial ways. For turning a breech baby, acupuncture aims to guide this energy downward, helping to encourage the baby's head to move towards the lower part of the uterus. This guidance, combined with the body's natural gravitational pull, supports the baby in assuming the optimal position for birth.

Enhanced Success Rates for ECV

• While external cephalic version (ECV) is a common medical procedure used to turn breech babies, it's not always successful on its own. Acupuncture has been shown to significantly boost the success rates of these versions. By preparing the body—increasing amniotic fluid, relaxing the uterus, and ensuring the energy flow is conducive to movement—acupuncture makes it easier for medical professionals to perform ECV. This combination approach not only increases the likelihood of turning your baby but also contributes to a broader strategy for achieving a natural, vaginal birth.

🌿 The Moxibustion Technique 🌿

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of a small, spongy herb known as mugwort. The real magic happens when this herb is carefully burned near a very specific acupuncture point, known as BL67, located at the outer edge of the small toe. The warmth and energy from the burning mugwort are believed to stimulate this acupuncture point, setting off a series of effects within the body. It’s thought that the stimulation from moxibustion increases fetal movements, making it more likely for the baby to find its way into the optimal birth position.

Timing is Everything

• Why is the treatment recommended before the 34th week of pregnancy? It all comes down to space and fluid. Before this point, the fetus is usually smaller and surrounded by a greater volume of amniotic fluid, providing a more conducive environment for turning. This window offers the best opportunity for moxibustion to work its magic, with the fetus having ample room to perform its crucial flip.

Early Identification for Effective Treatment

• Identifying the fetal position by the 32nd week is a pivotal part of the process. This early detection gives practitioners enough time to schedule and carry out a series of moxibustion sessions, optimizing the chances of success.

Unfortunately, many women come to see me late at 36 weeks when they find out about their breech baby. They're often desperate and stressed because they want to avoid a C-section. They are looking for a last chance to help reverse the situation. Don't make that mistake. Consider acupuncture instead, as your first choice and a preventive measure.

It’s this combination of early identification and timely treatment that can significantly impact the effectiveness of moxibustion in encouraging the baby to turn.

✨ In Practice ✨

When you come in for your moxibustion session, in addition to the acupuncture treatment involving needles, the acupuncturist will light a special herb called mugwort and hold it near your small toe. Don't worry, it won't touch your skin directly. We're aiming for a gentle warmth, nothing more. It's all about making sure you feel a pleasant heat that helps you relax.

And here's the truly remarkable part – as soon as we start, you'll likely feel your baby beginning to move. It's an incredible experience, and honestly, it amazes me every single time. It's not just a sensation; often, we can actually see your belly moving as your baby responds. It is sooo cute!!

The session is a gentle nudge, a cozy encouragement for your little one to find their way. And when you see that response, that movement, it's a beautiful reminder of the life you're about to welcome. So, are you ready to give it a try and experience this special moment together?"

As a French midwife, doula, and acupuncturist, I strongly believe in TCM and I would be honored to give you the chance of a healthy pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.

Feel free to book a 30 min free consultation with me Here.