Evaluation of the effectiveness of the moxibustion in non-cephalic presentations in pregnant women assisted in Primary Care

AIM: To evaluate moxibustion efficacy, combined with knee-chest position, for foetus version from no cephalic presentation to cephalic presentation during the 3rd trimester of gestation. To evaluate the security of the moxibustion technique and to identify type of delivery, weeks of gestation and the weight of the newborn. Subjects, material and methods: Multicenter, randomized, controlled trial conducted in 9 primary care centres focused on sexual and reproductive health of the Baix Llobregat (Barcelona) region. Selection was done after the 3rd trimester ultrasound scan. When a non-cephalic presentation was found, women were asked to join the study. After signing the informed consent, random allocation took place and they were divided into intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). IG received a one week treatment with moxibustion at point BL67 combined with knee-chest position. CG received moxibustion treatment at a neutral point combined with knee-chest position too. For both groups they were given the necessary explanations for a correct application twice a day during a week. RESULTS: A total 88 pregnant women between 32-36 weeks of gestation were studied, 47 pregnant mothers enrolled in IG and 41 in CG, with similar characteristics at the beginning of the study. Number of performed sessions was similar for both groups and without complications