Date Last Updated: 24/02/06
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Does moxibustion help turn around a breech baby?

 

Treatment in brief
Moxibustion – an acupuncture technique using the herb moxa (Artemisia vulgaris, also known as mugwort)

Breech babies
Most babies settle into a vertical head-down position by the eighth month of pregnancy. This allows them to be born head-first vaginally, which is best for both mother and baby. However, about 4 in 100 babies are still in a bottom-down or breech position when labour begins.

Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese technique sometimes used between the 33rd and 40th week of pregnancy to encourage a breech baby to turn around. Moxa sticks or cones are burnt close to the skin at the acupuncture points on top of the fifth toes. Each session lasts 15 to 20 minutes. One to ten sessions per day may be required for up to ten days.

The evidence
There is level 2 evidence from three trials in a systematic review that moxibustion helps to turn a baby into a head-down position. In the two trials in which all babies were in breech presentation, about one in four to five women who needed to have a course of moxibustion (with or without the insertion of acupuncture needles) had their baby turn.

If the baby does not turn then caesarean section may be recommended. The risks associated with caesarean surgery are described in the New Zealand Guidelines Group guideline, Care of Women with Breech Presentation or Previous Caesarean Birth.

Other important issues
Moxibustion has side effects (level 2 evidence) for some women, such as an unpleasant smell, which may be associated with nausea and throat problems. Abdominal cramping has also been reported.

Key messages

There is evidence that moxibustion, with or without the insertion of acupuncture needles, may help turn around a breech baby.	2
There is evidence that moxibustion can cause nausea, sore throat and abdominal cramps	2

Key: Levels of evidence

 

 

 

The information in this summary was developed by assessing:

·        The Cochrane review: Cephalic version by moxibustion for breech presentation
http://ww.mrwinterscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD003928/frame.html

·        Cardini F, Lombardo P, Regalia, AL. Regaldo, G, Zanini, A, Negri, MG, Panepuccia, L, Todros, T. A randomised controlled trial of moxibustion for breech presentation. BJOG 2005; 112(6): 743-7.

· Care of Women with Breech Presentation or Previous Caesarean Birth http://www.nzgg.org.nz/guidelines/0074/Caesarean_Full_Guide_(web).pdf

 

Report prepared: 27 Jan 2006              Last updated: 7 Feb 2006

 

 

 

 

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