If you're pregnant and your baby is in a breech position, don't panic! While there are increased maternal and neonatal risks associated with breech births, there are things that can be done to help turn the baby into the correct position for birth. In this blog, we will cover what causes a baby to be in a breech position and how to turn a breached baby using non-invasive, safe and effective treatments. We will also provide tips for coping with a breeched pregnancy.

Let's explore!

What does it mean for a baby to be in a breech position?

Around 34 weeks into pregnancy the baby will usually settle into one of two positions. The first is when the baby is head-down in the 'vertex' or 'cephalic' position, the second, less common is when the baby is in one of the breech positions. A breech position means that the baby is positioned so that the feet or bottom will come out first during childbirth.

*Complete breech position (left) and the head-down (‘vertex’ or ‘cephalic’) position (right).* Image from: https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/breech-pregnancy

What causes a baby to be in a breech position?

While it is unknown what would exactly cause a baby to be breech, several factors can contribute to a breech presentation. These include:

The position of the placenta: If the placenta is low in the uterus, it can block the baby's exit and cause them to turn around and settle into a breech position.
The size and shape of the uterus: A unique shaped uterus can make it more likely for a baby to settle into a breech position.
The amount of amniotic fluid: Too much or too little amniotic fluid can cause the baby to move into a breech position.
The location of the baby's umbilical cord: If the cord is wrapped around the baby's neck or body, it can cause the baby to turn into a breech position.

How can you turn a breech baby?

It is expected that your baby will settle into a head-down position within the pelvis around 34 weeks of pregnancy. Typically, your midwife or doctor will check the abdominal position of your baby during a routine check-up. Several things can be done to help turn a breech baby into the correct position for birth. In this blog, we are going to focus on two natural methods using acupuncture and moxibustion to turn a breech baby.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine for Breeched Baby

Acupuncture can be used to stimulate certain points on the mother's body, which can help to turn the baby. Many clinical and research based studies indicate the effectiveness of Moxabustion and acupuncture to help support pregnancy and breech presentations. With acupuncture, very thin and small needles are inserted into specific points on the body and will differ depending on the individual case. When treating breech babies, acupuncture is done on the mother's pinky toe to stimulate connective tissues and nerve channels that release natural chemicals and cause the nervous system to relax. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are great options to consider if you are around 34 weeks pregnant and your baby's position is not optimal for vaginal delivery, meaning the head is still not down in the pelvis.

How Moxibustion turns a breeched baby

Moxibustion is great, natural and safe option that can be used to help turn a breech baby. This method has been used for more than 2000 years. This involves burning a herb called Mugwort, Artemisia Vulgaris over specific acupuncture points on the mother's body.

The initial treatment always occurs in the clinic. This allows us to show how the process works, what you can expect to experience during each session, and we can answer any questions you might have. After the first appointment, we would ask you to continue treatments daily at home and will schedule additional in-clinic support as needed. At the beginning of care, we will provide moxa sticks to continue treatment at home.

The treatment cycle should continue for 10 days, even if the baby has turned to the correct position, as this prevents the baby from turning back into a breech position.

How to use Moxibustion at home

The following supplies are needed for at home care:

Moxa Stick
Lighter or Small Candle
Ash Tray/glass dish
Glass cup with dirt inside/ use your in home plants/ glass cup with lid

Instructions:

Burn one side of the moxa stick using your lighter or small candle, you should start to notice a glowing red lit on that side. As the moxa stick burns tap any excess ashes or scrape onto the ash tray/glass dish; make sure there are no loose ashes. You can keep doing this when you notice ashes are building up around the lit moxa stick.

Hold the moxa stick 1-2 inches away from Bladder 67 acupuncture point (this is demonstrated to you in your initial appointment) and please note if you are doing this yourself, it is easier to do each side separately, if your partner is doing this for you then it is recommended to do Bladder 67 on both feet at the same time. If your partner is helping you optimal position is on all fours to allow your belly to be free and have space for baby to move.

You should feel a warm sensation on Bladder 67 when moxa stick is 1-2 inches away from the skin. You can move the moxa stick up and down slightly or in small circles. If the heat is getting intense you can move the moxa stick further away. Please do not allow the moxa stick to touch your skin, it will burn!

It is recommended to use the moxa stick over this point for 15-20 minutes everyday for at least 10 days. If you are doing each side separately 10-15 minutes on each side is recommended.

Once completed please make sure you are extinguishing the moxa in a glass cup filled with dirt or sand. Some patients stick it in their plant dirt at home! Check moxa after a few minutes to ensure it is turned off. Another option to extinguish the moxa stick is to place the lit side down in a glass cup with lid and to close the lid which will help put the moxa out. This will cause the glass to be hot temporarily.

Hold the moxa stick 1-2 inches away from Bladder 67 acupuncture point

Case Study

According to a 2012 study, both acupuncture and moxa combustion are safe and effective in helping to turn a breech baby. In this study, a total of 226 women between 33-35 weeks of their pregnancy, carrying a baby in breech presentation, were randomized to receive acupuncture and moxibustion (112 women) or to be assigned to the observation group (114 women). The primary outcome of the study was a head-down presentation at delivery. At delivery, the proportion of head-down presentation was higher in the group that received acupuncture and moxa (53.6 %) in comparison to the observation group (36.7%).

Ways to cope with breeched babies

Relax
Stretch
Music
Breech Tilt
Acupuncture
Moxibustion
Webster Technique
Prenatal Pilates

If you are pregnant and your baby is in a breech position, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider or our team at Unplug Hour Wellness located in Downtown Vancouver. They will be able to provide you with information and support and can help you make the best decision for you and your baby.

Breech Baby: How To Turn Naturally