What are the methods to correct fetal malposition?

The position of the baby in the uterus is very important. If the fetus is in an abnormal position, it may lead to dystocia. There are many reasons for malposition of the fetus, such as uterine malformation of the pregnant woman, or a narrow pelvis, or a pelvic tumor, which can all lead to malposition of the fetus. If malposition of the fetus is discovered early, it can be corrected. If it is not handled properly, it may even threaten the life of the fetus or the mother during delivery.

After 28 weeks of pregnancy, abdominal, vaginal and B-ultrasound examinations can detect malposition of the fetus early. Since the 1980s, body acupuncture, ear acupuncture, laser acupoint irradiation, electroacupuncture and other methods have been added to treat malpresentation of the fetus with better results.

Acupuncture is generally used for pregnant women with various abnormal fetal positions between 29 and 40 weeks of pregnancy. The effectiveness rate is around 85% to 95%, and the recurrence rate after correction is about 10%. However, after further treatment, the patient was still able to turn to the head position. Foreign reports show that the natural correction rate of abnormal fetal position is 60%. This shows that acupuncture is effective and has no adverse side effects.

Generally, only the bilateral Zhiyin points are used. If the effect is not obvious, 1 to 2 additional points may be added or used instead. Use two moxa rolls (30 cm long) with a diameter of 1.2 cm. After lighting them, the practitioner holds them with both hands and performs gentle moxibustion on the acupoints on both sides. The moxa fire should be about 2 to 3 cm away from the acupoints, so that there is no burning pain but a noticeable warm feeling. Each moxibustion session lasts 10 to 15 minutes, once a day, and 4 consecutive sessions as a course of treatment.

The pregnant woman should sit or lie down, and apply normal saline solution (to act as a conductor) to the Zhiyin acupoints on both sides. Use a pulse electrotherapy device with a working voltage of 6 to 9 volts. Clamp the fixing clips on the Shuangzhiyin acupoints, one side with the positive pole and the other side with the negative pole, so that the power contact point is aligned with the acupoint area, and then adjust the frequency to 1 to 2 times per second. The current intensity should be such that the pregnant woman can feel it. Each time the power is on for 15 to 25 seconds. Take once a day, 3 times as a course of treatment.

Women should not stay in bed for a long time after becoming pregnant. They can go out for a walk, or do some waist twisting and abdominal massage exercises. Of course, these movements should be done slowly and gently to prevent malposition of the fetus. After a woman becomes pregnant, she should not be anxious or sulky. If she is in a bad mood, it may cause malposition of the fetus.