Breech presentation and moxibustion: should it be offered to improve maternal outcomes?

Abstract

Background It is known that moxibustion promotes cephalic version, thereby increasing the likelihood of vaginal birth, reducing the chances of a caesarean section and augmentation in labour. This study aimed to review and critically appraise research articles on the benefits of moxibustion use for low-risk women with breech presentation. Methods This study reviewed research articles published in English between July 2010 and July 2020. A computerised search using Maternity and Infant Care, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Medline databases was undertaken, using a combination of terms such as ‘moxibustion’, ‘childbirth’, ‘birth’, ‘labour’ and ‘labor’. One article was chosen after reading the references of the articles selected. Overall five research articles were analysed using specific critique guidelines. Results The studies confirmed the use of moxibustion to turn a breech fetus, and found that in combination with acupuncture, moxibustion decreases the rate of caesarean section syntocinon use before and during labour for women who had a vaginal birth, as well as slightly decreasing instrumental use at birth. Moxibustion was safe and well accepted by women. However, studies need to be interpreted with caution because of clinical and statistical heterogeneity, and further quality evidence is required. Conclusions Moxibustion use for women with uncomplicated pregnancies may reduce the number of breech presentations at birth, caesarean section rates, syntocinon use and instrumental births.