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If your baby might be breech, or we know they are breech, you may go to the breech clinic. 

Your appointment will show in your MyFrimleyHealth Record (MFHR). 

When you arrive: 
➡ Go to the reception desk in the antenatal clinic. 

We will do an ultrasound scan to check your baby’s position. 

  • If your baby is head down – nothing else needs to be done. 
  • If your baby is breech – we will talk about your choices: 
    • moxibustion – a gentle treatment you can try at home 
    • External Cephalic Version (ECV) – a doctor or midwife tries to turn your baby 
    • vaginal breech birth 
    • caesarean birth 

Around 34 weeks:
we will see if moxibustion is right for you and explain how it works. 

At 36 weeks or later: 
we will scan again and talk about ECV. 

Moxibustion is a safe treatment using a stick made of dried herbs. The stick is lit and held close to your little toe (near a point called bladder 67). This may help your baby turn head down. 

  1. Sit in a comfy chair and lift your feet up. 
  2. Light the moxa stick. 
  3. Hold the stick close to your little toe (don’t touch your skin). 
    - Do this for 2 minutes on each foot. 
  4. Put the stick out in water (never leave it burning). 
  5. Sit and drink some water to relax. 

  • Stop if you feel sick, have a fever, infection, bleeding, or high blood pressure. 
    Call MAMA’s line: 0300 013 2004. 
    If you’re not sure about infection signs, ask your midwife or GP. 
  • Do NOT use moxibustion if: 
    • you are worried about your baby’s movements 
    • you have tummy pain > call MAMA's line: 0300 013 2004. 
  • Do NOT use moxibustion if your midwife or doctor says not to. 

🏠 Moxibustion is only done at home – not in hospital. 

Contact us

If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Maternity service.

About this information

Service:
Maternity

Reference:
M/019

Approval date:
1 March 2026

Review date:
1 March 2029

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Important note 

This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.