Acupuncture for Breech Baby
Acupuncture for Breech Baby
What is a Breech Baby?
A breech baby means a baby positioned in the womb with their buttocks or feet closest to the birth canal instead of the head. Usually babies “prepare” for delivery in a head-down position, called vertex presentation. It is ideal for traditional vaginal birth. In breech cases, the baby’s bottom is delivered first, which is a way more complicated process and poses actual risks both for the baby and the mother.
Despite the more complicated delivery process, breech babies generally experience normal development and health, if delivered safely. Another position, called transverse lie, where the baby is positioned horizontally in the uterus, usually requires a cesarean section. Both these positions require careful monitoring and proper management to ensure safety for both the baby and the mother.
What Causes a Baby to Be Breech?
It is common for babies to be in breech position during early pregnancy. But at about 36-37 weeks, most naturally move into the head-down position. Unfortunately, about 3-4% of babies remain in breech position. The exact causes of breech baby are still unknown. Usually, the breech position is a matter of pure chance, bad luck if you wish. But there are certain factors that can contribute to it.
A breech position is more common during a first pregnancy. Issues with amniotic fluid levels, like having too little or too much of it, which are called oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios respectively, can play a role. Another known factor is a low-lying placenta, also called placenta previa. Carrying multiple babies, like twins or triplets, also increases the risk.
Breech Baby Symptoms
Having a breech baby usually doesn’t change pregnancy as is. However, you might notice different sensations. For example, your baby’s kicks might feel lower in your abdomen than they should be. You can even detect their head as a firm, noticeable lump beneath your ribs.
Your healthcare provider can determine if your baby is in a breech by physically examining the abdomen. Ultrasound can confirm the baby’s exact position, which is necessary to determine the correct course of action and the most suitable treatment. The exact treatment depends on many factors and is determined by your medical professional.
If You are Worried About Breech Baby, Make an Appointment With Us!
What Are the Types of Breech Positions?
Babies can be in different positions as pregnancy progresses, especially closer to delivery. While the head-down position is ideal for birth, some babies end up in breech position. Here are the main types of breech positions:
- Frank Breech. In this position, the baby’s buttocks are positioned to exit the birth canal first, with legs extended upward and feet near its head.
- Complete Breech. In this position the baby’s buttocks are also pointed downward, but both its hips and knees are bent. It looks like the baby is sitting cross-legged.
- Footling Breech. It happens when one or both of the baby’s feet are positioned to come first, before the rest of the body.
- Transverse Lie. It happens when the baby lies sideways across the uterus instead of vertically.
Can Your Breech Baby Be Turned?
If your baby is in breech position, one of the first things your doctor might recommend is a procedure called an external cephalic version (ECV) at around the 36th week of pregnancy. During the procedure, your doctor will gently apply manual pressure to your abdomen to encourage the baby to move to the correct position. Don’t worry, the procedure is safe for both you and your baby, yet it may feel uncomfortable. It only poses minimal chances of bleeding or potential changes in the baby’s heartbeat. It happens rarely, but this procedure should nonetheless be performed only in a hospital setting equipped for emergencies.
Uterus relaxation medications might be used to make the procedure more effective. If the first ECV attempt fails, it can safely be tried again, even during early labor. The procedure has a success rate of about 50%. If it’s successful, it may allow for a natural vaginal delivery rather than cesarean section.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine for Breech Baby
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can offer effective, natural support for turning a breech baby into the correct position for birth. Acupuncture for breech baby includes placing thin, yet very fine sterile needles into specific acupuncture points for breech baby, which can help relax the uterus, help with movement, and encourage the baby to reposition. This method is safe for both the baby and the mother if performed by an experienced practitioner.
Another TCM technique used is moxibustion for breech baby, which uses warmth of burning herbs, like mugwort, near specific points of your body. Moxibustion improves blood flow and is an excellent complementary treatment to acupuncture. Cupping can help relax tension in the mother’s body, further preparing the uterus and pelvis for better baby positioning. Combining acupuncture for pregnancy with other supportive therapies can provide great results, and improve the overall health in the meantime.
Acupuncture for Breech Baby in Williamsburg, Brooklym and Clifton, NJ
At Pulse Acupuncture in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Clifton, NJ, we offer safe and effective acupuncture for a breech baby to support future mothers. Led by Marina Doktorman, L. Ac., our acupuncture clinic specializes in holistic therapies like moxibustion and acupuncture to support mothers on their way to delivery.
In addition to breech baby care, Marina and her team also provides treatments like acupuncture for fibroids, which can create complications during pregnancy, and other women’s health concerns. Combining years of experience with genuine care for patients to deliver the best care possible. Contact us today to see how we can make you and your baby happier and healthier!
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Marina Doktorman, M.S., L.Ac., is an experienced acupuncturist who obtained her Masters of Acupuncture from the Tri-State College of Acupuncture in New York City in 2001. During her studies, she focused on Chinese Herbology, a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that utilizes herbs to complement acupuncture treatments. Marina is licensed in both New York (NY) and New Jersey (NJ) and holds a Diplomate of Acupuncture from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), indicating her expertise in the field.
Why Pulse Acupuncture?
Experience
Marina Doktorman, L.Ac. has over 20 years of clinical experience.
RELAXATION
At Pulse Acupuncture, we aim to cultivate a spa-like environment.
Comfort
All of our needles are of the highest quality for painless insertion.
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Acupuncture for Breech Baby - FAQ
What Does Breech Baby Mean?
How Can Acupuncture Help Turn a Breech Baby?
Acupuncture, particularly when combined with moxibustion (a traditional Chinese medicine therapy involving the burning of the herb mugwort), aims to stimulate specific points along the lower back, feet, or hands. This stimulation may encourage fetal movement and promote a calmer uterine environment for the baby to shift into a head-down presentation. Studies and clinical observations suggest that using acupuncture in the late second or early third trimester can be beneficial, but individual results vary.
When Is the Ideal Time to Try Acupuncture for Breech?
Most practitioners recommend beginning breech-focused acupuncture and moxibustion sessions around 32–36 weeks of pregnancy. Starting too early might not be necessary since many babies spontaneously turn head-down before the third trimester. Beyond 36 weeks, it may become more challenging to encourage baby movement due to space constraints, but some mothers and practitioners still report success.
What Happens During a Typical Breech Acupuncture Session?
- Consultation: Your acupuncturist will review your health history, pregnancy details, and any existing conditions.
- Positioning: You’ll lie comfortably on a table, often supported by pillows to accommodate your pregnancy.
- Needling & Moxibustion: The practitioner may place thin, sterile needles in targeted points, sometimes applying gentle heat (moxibustion) near specific acupuncture points to encourage fetal movement.
- Monitoring: Your comfort level and baby’s activity are monitored throughout the session.
Contact us
Acupuncture therapy at Pulse Acupuncture Practice, at Clifton, NJ and Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NYC offers unique combination of various cupuncture types for healing on all levels: emotional, spiritual and physical by integrating ancient wisdom of energy healing with modern acupuncture techniques.