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Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2022; 226(02): 112-120
DOI: 10.1055/a-1579-1436
Original Article

Effectiveness of Moxibustion for Breech Presentation: A Prospective Study

Kemal Sarsmaz 
1   Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Women′s Health Care, Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
,
Belkiz Berna Kulah
2   Department of Anesthesiology, Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Women′s Health Care, Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
,
Gokcen Orgul 
1   Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Women′s Health Care, Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
,
Nazan Vanlı Tonyalı
1   Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Women′s Health Care, Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
,
Aykan Yucel
3   Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
,
Ozlem Moraloglu Tekin
4   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
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Abstract

Objective To evaluate the moxibustion for turning fetuses from breech to vertex presentation.

Materials and Methods This was a single-center prospective study. All pregnant women carrying a fetus in breech presentation between the 32 and 35 gestational weeks were offered moxibustion application. The primary outcomes were vertex presentation at 37 weeks of gestation, vertex presentation at birth, and vaginal birth rates. A secondary analysis was performed to understand the effect of parity, type of breech presentation, body mass index (BMI), placental location, gender, and fetal birth weight on the presentation at birth.

Results There were 63 cases in the study group and 245 cases in the control group. The rate of vertex presentation at term was found to be higher in the moxibustion group compared to controls (66.7 vs. 48.2%, p=0.022). There were 45 (71.4%) and 131 (53.5%) fetuses with vertex presentation at birth in the study and control groups, respectively (p=0.020). Overall, vaginal delivery rate was higher in the study group (50.8 vs. 37.1%, p=0.048). Multiparity and higher birth weight were associated with increased rates of vertex presentation in the moxibustion and control groups.

Conclusion Moxibustion application increased the rate of vertex presentation at birth and also vaginal delivery rate compared with expectant management. Offering moxibustion between the 32nd and 36th week of gestation may provide women with a singleton fetus in breech presentation an opportunity for a vaginal birth.

Key words

Breech presentation - Cesarean section - External cephalic version - Moxibustion


Publication History

Received: 10 December 2020

Accepted after revision: 26 July 2021

Article published online:
15 September 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
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