A baby will generally settle into a cephalic (head down) position by week 34/36 of pregnancy. When the baby is head up this is referred to as a breech position.
In Chinese Medicine a herb referred to as ‘moxa’ (botanical name artemesia vulgaris) is burned over an acupuncture point on the little toe. This helps to stimulate the baby to move whilst at the same time relaxing the uterine muscles, encouraging the baby to turn.
The initial moxibustion treatment is done in the acupuncturist’s clinic. This allows the practitioner to teach you, (and your birth partner if possible) how to do the treatment at home. The treatment is done for 10 consecutive days. The ideal time to use moxibustion is week 34 to 37.
Moxa for breech cannot be used if there is: twin pregnancy, placenta previa, high blood pressure, any uterine bleeding.
Transverse lie and history of a breech presentation in a previous pregnancy may potentially be treated with moxa, but only with the supervision of a consultant obstetrician.