Around 3 - 4% of babies will are known to be breech at the end of pregnancy, and whilst its perfectly possible to birth vaginally in a breech position, many birthing people choose a belly birth. If however you are looking for natural ways to turn your baby, moxibustion may be your answer.
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Moxibustion is a form of traditional Chinese Medicine, where the herb Artemesia vulgaria is burned and held over the little toe bilaterally. By burning the moxa stick near the toe, the heat receptors on the toe are stimulated and encourages a downward energetic movement allowing the baby to turn comfortably. The heat also encourages the body to release two pregnancy hormones 1) placental eostrogen and 2) prostaglandins which lead to uterine contractions. These contractions can then encourage the baby to move.
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Evidence shows that when used in conjunction with acupuncture it is both safe and increases your chances of helping baby turn.
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The research shows that moxibustion will work for around 1 in 8 women.
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Moxibustion alone, had no affect on the number of babies born in a breech position, when compared to women receiving no treatment. However, those that used moxibustion alone, where the baby didn't turn, before a breech vaginal delivery, were significantly less likely to need a synthetic oxytocin drip to stimulate contractions during the birth.
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It is recommended to use the moxibustion technique daily for at least one week around 34 weeks of pregnancy.
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Moxibustion is being used in some NH trusts.