Supporting Moms with Breech Presentation
Is your baby breech? An acupuncturist trained in birth work can provide a centuries old treatment to help.
Acupuncture Center for Women’s advanced training in birth work offers unique and individualized support to pregnant people with breech presentation. ACW treats the mom with acupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion to offer the best care based on research with minimal intervention.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: My provider told me my baby is in a breech or transverse position. How can
acupuncture help?
A: After a detailed health history intake examination, an East Asian medical diagnosis
and treatment plan will be compiled based on your symptoms and objective measures.
The treatment includes inserting a minimal amount of hair thin needles into selected
acupuncture points. There is also a daily moxibustion application, a warm Chinese
herb, to an acupuncture point for a specific dosage. Patients follow up with their
primary prenatal provider for assessment and many times report baby has turned.
Q: Does the acupuncturist turn a breech baby?
A: No, the acupuncturist does not turn your breech baby. Acupuncture treatment is not
the same as an External Cephalic Version (ECV) offered by your primary prenatal
provider.
Q: When is acupuncture helpful for a breech position?
A: The best time for acupuncture is between 33 and 35 weeks when there is more room
for your baby to move. Further evaluation would be needed to perform this treatment
after 36 weeks.
Q: When wouldn’t acupuncture be offered to me if my baby is breech?
A: The risk factors that would prevent you from having acupuncture would be discussed
at your intake exam. Examples of risk factors include, but are not limited to, issues with
reduced or excessive amniotic fluid, known fetal abnormalities/growth issues with baby
and pregnancy complications such as vaginal bleeding, placenta previa, bicornuate
uterus, gestational diabetes, hypertension and a history of premature rupture of
membranes or premature labor. The thorough intake exam will also assess additional
potential risk factors based on multiple pregnancies and previous pregnancies.
Additionally, if your primary prenatal provider would not find it acceptable for you to
have an ECV, acupuncture would also not be an option.
Q: Are there clinical guidelines to support moxibustion breech treatment prior to an External Cephalic Version (ECV)?
A: Yes, the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, Green-top Guideline No.
20a External Cephalic Version and Reducing the incidence of Term Breech Presentation
states, “Women may wish to consider the use of moxibustion for breech presentation at
33-35 weeks of gestation, under the guidance of a trained practitioner. [New 2017]”
https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1471-0528.14466
Call Today for Your Complimentary Breech Support Consultation
617-721-3126
