Moxibustion for correction of breech presentation: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine utilizes moxibustion on acupoint BL 67 (Zhiyin) to encourage fetal version in breech presentation, potentially by enhancing fetal activity.
• No randomized controlled trials have previously assessed the efficacy of this intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the efficacy and safety of moxibustion applied to acupoint BL 67 for increasing fetal activity and correcting breech presentation.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, controlled, open clinical trial was conducted with 260 primigravidas diagnosed with breech presentation at 33 weeks gestation.
• The intervention group (130 subjects) received moxibustion on acupoint BL 67 for 7-14 days, while the control group (130 subjects) received routine care.
• Primary outcomes included fetal movements and the rate of cephalic presentation at 35 weeks gestation and at delivery.

Main Results:

• The moxibustion group showed significantly higher fetal activity (48.45 movements vs. 35.35; P<.001) compared to the control group.
• Cephalic presentation rates were significantly higher in the intervention group at 35 weeks (75.4% vs. 47.7%; P<.001) and at delivery (75.4% vs. 62.3%; P=.02).
• Moxibustion demonstrated a favorable safety profile with minimal adverse events.

Conclusions:

• Moxibustion on acupoint BL 67 is an effective therapy for increasing fetal activity and promoting cephalic presentation in fetuses with breech presentation.
• This intervention offers a safe and viable non-invasive option for pregnant women experiencing breech presentation.