Moxibustion for cephalic version: a feasibility study

INTERVENTION: The treatment requires the practitioner to light the moxa sticks and hold them over the acupuncture point Bladder 67 (a point located on the lateral side of the 5th toe). The moxa sticks will be held over both feet for a total of 20 minutes. The sticks are held over the points, approximately one thumb width above the point, until the woman feels the points become uncomfortably hot. The practitioner will then remove the sticks for one or two seconds before applying them to the points again. The procedure is performed twice a day for ten days. If the woman is certain the baby has turned to a cephalic presentation she will be advised to continue with the moxa for the 10 day duration but reduce the amount of stimulation to ten minutes. Women will continue with routine care and visits to the antanatal clinic at two weekly intervals. CONDITION: Fetus presenting as breech PRIMARY OUTCOME: Cephalic presentation of the fetus at birth SECONDARY OUTCOME: Adverse events e.g minor discomfort, blistering, burn, and maternal satisfaction, measured by self report though a self completion questionnaire. Mode of birth, perinatal morbidity and mortality, and maternal complications Need for external cephalic version as assessed by ultrasound. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Pregnant women, aged at least 18 years, a singleton breech presentation, normal fetal biometry with a gestational age equal to or more than 34 weeks. An ultrasound scan will be required to confirm the type of breech presentation and the location of the placenta.