Helping Your Breech Baby Turn With Acupuncture

Pregnancy is a time of joy and anticipation, but it can also bring challenges. One such challenge is when a baby is in a breech position, meaning the baby’s feet or bottom are positioned to come out first instead of the head. While breech pregnancies are not uncommon, they can leave expecting parents feeling anxious and uncertain about the birth process. Fortunately, acupuncture is one natural method that can help turn a breech baby into a safer head-down position before labor begins.

What is a Breech Baby?

A breech baby occurs when the baby is positioned feet-first, bottom-first, or sideways in the uterus, rather than with the head down, which is the ideal position for childbirth. In a typical pregnancy, the baby moves into a head-down position around the 32nd week of pregnancy. However, in some cases, the baby stays in a breech position as the due date approaches. This is known as a breech presentation.

Signs and Symptoms of a Breech Baby

Many people with breech babies don’t experience obvious symptoms right away, but there are a few signs that can indicate the baby might be in the breech position:

• Feeling the baby’s head higher up: Instead of feeling the baby’s head near your pelvis, you might feel a hard, round lump higher up in your abdomen.

• Less movement in the lower belly: Since the baby is positioned with its feet or bottom down, you may notice less kicking in the lower part of your belly.

• Discomfort or pressure: A breech baby may cause more pressure in your rib cage or upper belly, leading to discomfort in the upper abdomen.

If you suspect your baby is breech, your healthcare provider can confirm this through an ultrasound or physical examination.

How Does a Breech Baby Affect You?

The physical discomfort of carrying a breech baby can vary. You might experience:

• Increased pressure on your diaphragm or lungs: This can make it harder to breathe deeply.

• Back pain and pelvic discomfort: As the baby’s position changes, you might feel more pressure or pain in your back and pelvic area.

• Difficulty with movement or rest: The baby’s position can make it more difficult to find a comfortable position when sitting, standing, or sleeping.

  
  

Emotionally, a breech presentation can cause stress and worry for expectant parents. The thought of needing a cesarean section (C-section) or other medical interventions can be overwhelming. The uncertainty about how the baby will be born often brings up feelings of fear and concern. But the good news is that there are options for encouraging your baby to turn into the optimal position, and acupuncture can play an important role.

How Acupuncture Can Help a Breech Baby

Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years to naturally support health and balance in the body. When addressing a breech baby, acupuncture stimulates specific points to encourage fetal movement and relax pelvic tension, creating optimal conditions for the baby to turn head-down.

Here’s how acupuncture may help with breech presentation:

• Improved blood flow: Acupuncture helps improve circulation and blood flow, which can support the baby’s movement and development.

• Reduction of tension: Acupuncture can help reduce stress and anxiety, creating a more relaxed environment for both the parent and the baby.

• Moxibustion: A type of complementary treatment that involves burning an herb called mugwort to heat a specific acupuncture point.   In combination with acupuncture, this has been shown to be effective in encouraging breech babies to turn. Moxa is performed at an acupuncture point called Bladder 67, on the lateral side of the pinkie toe.  Your acupuncturist will instruct you on how to perform this procedure at home for a series of sessions to help the baby turn.  

Acupuncture in combination with moxibustion can be used between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to help turn a breech baby, with the best success rates being from 32 to 34 weeks.

Many studies show that acupuncture, combined with moxibustion, has a positive success rate in helping turn breech babies. Most people find that these treatments are gentle and relaxing, and they can be used in combination with other methods such as exercises or postural changes to encourage a natural birth process.

What You Can Do Now

If you're facing the possibility of a breech baby, remember that there are options available to help. Acupuncture can be a safe, effective, and supportive treatment to help turn your baby. Not only does it encourage your baby to move into the optimal position, but it also helps you feel more relaxed and balanced during this exciting (and sometimes stressful) time. 

At Northeast Acupuncture & Wellness, we specialize in women's health and pregnancy support. With personalized treatment plans we can help support you on your journey through pregnancy. Schedule your consultation with us today!