Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic Care and The Webster Technique

Jul 20

During pregnancy there are a lot of changes going on in a women’s body, hormonal changes, emotional changes, and the most evident, physical changes. These postural and hormonal shifts can cause excess pressure throughout the body, more specifically, the low back, sacrum, ribs, and their associated ligaments and muscles. Excess pressure paired with the release of hormones such as relaxin can lead you feeling uncomfortable and in pain. But isn’t pain during pregnancy normal? Pain in pregnancy is common, but not normal. The Webster technique can help!

What are the benefits of prenatal chiropractic care?

Easier/faster labor and delivery
More space in the pelvis for baby to settle in head down position
Promotes bilateral equal expansion of the pelvic girdle
Decreased pain in hips, low back, groin and ribs
Decreased tension on round ligament and associated muscles to reduce risk of uterine torsion
Promotes pelvic floor relaxation
Alleviation of sciatic pain

What is the Webster Technique?

The Webster technique, practiced by prenatal chiropractors, uses soft tissue work paired with adjustments to address any pelvic misalignments or muscle tension that may be affecting baby positioning or the progression of labor. The technique focuses on your sacrum and pubic bone, surrounding ligaments (sacrotuberous ligament and round ligament) and associated muscles (piriformis muscle and psoas muscle). The goal of the Webster technique is to ensure optimal baby positioning, aid in pain relief and prepare for labor.

Does the Webster technique help with breech baby?

Prenatal chiropractic care, by way of the Webster technique, is a great way to get baby into optimal birthing position by neutralizing the pelvis relieving tension on mom and baby. An aligned and neutral pelvis allows for space so that baby can be in the best position for labor and delivery.

How often should I receive prenatal chiropractic care?

It depends on what’s going on! If you are experiencing acute symptoms, we recommend coming in 1-2 times per week until symptoms resolve. For maintenance prenatal care, here are our recommendations:

First trimester: Chiropractic care every 2-4 weeks
Second trimester: Prenatal chiropractic care every 2 weeks
Third trimester: Prenatal chiropractic care every 1-2 weeks
Postpartum: 2 weeks PP for vaginal delivery, 4 weeks PP for cesarian

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Alcantara J, Nazarenko AL, Ohm J, Alcantara J. The Use of the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System and the RAND VSQ9 to Measure the Quality of Life and Visit-Specific Satisfaction of Pregnant Patients Under Chiropractic Care Utilizing the Webster Technique. J Altern Complement Med. 2018 Jan;24(1):90-98. doi: 10.1089/acm.2017.0162. Epub 2017 Dec 20. PMID: 29260894; PMCID: PMC5779240.