Acupuncture for Breech Presentation

It is always daunting to hear that your baby is in breech presentation in the last couple of months of pregnancy, especially if you are hoping for a natural birth. Research has shown that Acupuncture (more specifically moxibustion) is a safe and effective way to turn a malpositioned foetus. An Italian study of 260 women experiencing their first pregnancy found that 75% of those treated with acupuncture had their babies turn, in comparison to 47% in those with no treatment. In a similar Chinese study, 81% of the babies turned with acupuncture, compared to 49% in the control group with no treatment.

Most babies eventually settle into a ‘head down’ position but a small percentage remain in the breech position until labour. Your Dr. may suggest an external cephalic version (ECV) if you are categorised as having a low risk pregnancy and a scan of your uterus shows that the placenta is in a suitable position for it to be attempted safely.

Acupuncture & Moxibustion for Breech Presentation Babies

A good alternative to try before resorting to ECV would be acupuncture in combination with the use of a herb called moxa. The treatment involves warming up an acupuncture point on the outside of both small toes using a Moxa stick for 15 minutes on each side. This is quite relaxing and clients usually fall asleep.

breech baby presentation cork acupuncture


Treatment should not start too late in the third trimester as there needs to be enough space available for your baby to turn. Beginning acupuncture from 32 weeks gestation would be advisable in order to achieve the best possible result.

Treatment for breech presentation is recommended
three times over 10 days approx.