A researcher at the University of Vermont, Burlington, USA, used hypnosis with one hundred pregnant women whose babies were in the breech position between the 37th and 40th week of gestation.  The women received hypnosis with suggestions for general relaxation and release of fear and anxiety. While under hypnosis, the women were also asked why their baby was in the breech position.  81% of the babies in the hypnosis group moved to the vertex position, compared with 48% of the control group.  Hypnosis was most effective for the women motivated to use the technique.  Aside from the visualization involved, the deep relaxation of hypnosis can help your abdomen to relax enough to allow the baby to turn if it wants to.

(Lewis E. Mehl, MD, PhD (1994) Archives of Family Medicine, Vol. 3, Oct. 1994)

A professional acupuncturist or shiatsu therapist will apply pressure on acupoint BL 67, which is on the outside of the little toe, right next to the nail.  Although you can do this yourself, there is a small risk that it could bring on labour, and the technique is likely to be more effective if done by a professional.

Traditional Chinese medicine uses moxibustion (burning herbs, usually in a cigar shape) to stimulate acupoint BL 67, to help breech babies turn. Its effect may be through increasing fetal activity. No randomized controlled trial has evaluated the efficacy of this therapy, but studies have reported success rates of between 75% and 80%.  It is possible to buy moxi sticks and try this yourself, but, as with acupressure, it is recommended to use a professional.

The classical yoga shoulder stand posture can help to give the baby room to turn and stimulation to allow the baby to turn itself.  However, it is an advanced posture, and will need to be done in a modified position if the woman is not accomplished in the posture already.

To obtain maximum effectiveness, the posture should be done when the baby is most active.  Other yoga exercises can also help - approach an experienced yoga practitioner who is experienced in antenatal exercise for advice and support.

This must be carried out by a chiropractor.  It is a simple technique, which involves the chiropractor working gently on the woman*s legs and vertebra, usually requiring a series of appointments every two or three days for two weeks. Clinical case studies show a 80-100% success rate with this technique and a widespread trial is planned.

Homeopathic Pulsatilla causes the muscle fibers in the uterus to even out and may help to turn a breech baby.  Homeopathic natrum muriaticum can help reduce swelling (odema) if this is a contributing factor.  Consult an experienced homeopath for advice.

ECV involves the external manipulation of the baby by an obstetrician.  Ultrasound is usually used to find out exactly how the baby is lying and to locate the placenta and the baby is monitored throughout.  The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommend that ECV is offered to all women with an uncomplicated breech pregnancy at term (37-42 weeks).  Performed prior to 37 weeks there is a risk of preterm labour and many babies will turn on their own around this time anyway.  The biggest risk associated with ECV is separation of the placenta which rarely occurs, mostly due to the guidance of the ultrasound.  Large scale trials report success rates for ECV of 46% in the UK, 65% in the US and 80% in Africa.  Recent studies show that epidural anesthesia during ECV may actually increase its success rate.