The longer a baby stays in the breech position (feet or bum down) with conditions becoming more cramped, the less likely it will be to turn of its own volition. Maintaining freedom of choice around birthing options is important to many women and working with an Acupuncturist with experience in turning babies is an option becoming more widely used as awareness increases.
A breech presentation is relatively normal in the early third trimester. Between 29-32 weeks, about 15% of all babies will be in this position. Only 3-4% of these presentations will stay in this position until labour.
To increase the odds of the baby turning to the optimal head down position before labour, acupuncture and moxibustion have been shown to be effective and safe.
Sophie offers treatment for pregnant women between 34 and 37 weeks, with an initial 60 minute appointment. The initial treatment is supported with a follow up appointment scheduled based on how late in the pregnancy treatment is begun. Sophie then instructs women on how to locate the appropriate acupuncture points and demonstrate how to safely apply moxa at home, to sustain the optimal conditions for turning the baby. The sticks offer a radiant heat to point UB 67 (outer, lower edge of both little toenails) and has a tonifying and warming effect which promotes movement and activity. This warming and raising effect is utilized to encourage the baby to become more active and lift its bottom up in order to gain adequate momentum to summersault into the head down position.
A three year study published in AJCM (2001) determined a spontaneous correction rate of 73% could be expected with exercise and external cephalic manipulation prescribed, while patients receiving the acupuncture and moxibustion therapy that Sophie applies, enjoyed a correction rate of 92%.
The study concluded that acupuncture and moxibustion is a safe and effective modality to correct breech presentation in a clinical setting.
To discuss your pregnancy with Sophie, contact us today. Or learn more about how Sophie treats pregnant women with babies in the breech position.