Approximately 4% of all pregnancies, the baby is born breech. By the mother’s 34th week of pregnancy, most newborns are in a head-down or vertex position. The developing body tries to adjust to the weight gain, rise in hormones, and subsequent postural changes throughout pregnancy.
These postural alterations raise the possibility of sacral/pelvic imbalance at any given time. Here comes the importance of chiropractic care during pregnancy to create pelvic balance and maximize the space the baby needs for growth.
The Webster method is the best chiropractic technique used for this condition.
What is the Webster Technique in Chiropractic?
Webster Technique is a specific sacral analysis that identifies constraints on the sacrum, pelvis, and ligaments that connect the uterus to the pelvis. It assists in optimal alignment and function of all the pelvic floor structures to facilitate an easier birth and indirectly, helps babies go vertex.
The technique was invented by Dr. Larry Webster who was determined to find a method to help his daughter’s labor who suffered from a painful birth and breech baby.
A baby is breech when they are positioned feet or bottom first in the uterus. Ideally, a baby is positioned so that the head is delivered first during a vaginal birth. Most breech babies will turn to a head-first position by 36 weeks.
He started teaching the technique to his colleagues and friends and they too, were noticing that the series of procedures was helping the breech babies go vertex.
In the year 2000, the technique became officially recognized and implemented as the Webster Technique Certification.
What is a Webster Certified Chiropractor?
A Webster-certified chiropractor is a chiropractor who has undergone additional training in the Webster Technique. This technique is a specific chiropractic adjustment method focused on supporting pregnant women throughout their pregnancy and potentially improving the chances of a natural, easier childbirth.
To become a Webster-certified chiropractor, the chiropractor must be able to perform the series of sacral analyses required to identify the joint dysfunctions of the pelvis or the ligament tension that may be straining the uterus or creating an asymmetrical pull.
How the Webster Method Works
The initial visit is like any regular chiropractic visit. The doctor will conduct a thorough interview, history, and background of your health and concerns.
This allows the doctor to determine if you are a good fit for the treatment and if he or she believes the treatment can help. If you both agree to continue, treatment will be provided during the same initial visit at our office.
The doctor will explain to you in person the steps and modalities that will be used during the session. In the Webster Technique, the patient starts by lying on their tummy on the chiropractic table using a specialized pregnancy pillow.
The practitioner will put their hands on the pelvic and SI joints to assess joint movements, pulls, or unevenness from various pelvic structures.
After the practitioner has identified the structures that need to be worked on, a series of gentle mobilization techniques and massage techniques are used on the specific areas.
For the joint alignments, the Webster-certified chiropractor typically uses a specialized table called the “drop table” which is extremely gentle and pain-free. Our chiropractors are also trained to use the activator method (another extremely gentle adjusting technique) to help improve joint mechanics and alignment.
The treatment lasts 20-30 minutes, is very gentle, and will require the patient to lie on their belly and their back at different times during the session.
Post-treatment soreness is rare due to the gentleness of the treatment and some patients notice a dramatic difference in their low back and pelvic pressure immediately.
This technique is suitable for those patients who wish to utilize all-natural remedies to help with their labor pain and to possibly avoid a C-section and correct a breech baby.
Possible Benefits and Risks of the Webster Technique
Using the Webster Technique has a wide range of advantages for the pregnant and might have some risks for her.
Benefits
- Improves joint movement and feeling of pressure in the lower back.
- Can help alleviate pain related to sciatica and pregnancy.
- Can indirectly help correct a breech baby position.
- Can facilitate a shorter labor.
- Can help reduce pain and complications during labor.
Risks
Risks are extremely minimal with the Webster Technique. Some common risks can include:
- Post-treatment soreness for the next 24-48 hours.
- Temporarily worsening of pain in the affected area.
- There is the possibility that the breech baby will not turn.
Should I Visit a Webster Certified Chiropractor During Pregnancy?
Visiting a chiropractor is highly recommended during any pregnancy. The chiropractor can check the alignment and health of your pelvis and sacrum and ensure that the joint biomechanics are optimized to assist with your labor.
In addition, Webster-certified chiropractors are also trained in prenatal exercise do’s and don’t. They can share pearls of wisdom when it comes to navigating your prenatal days about movement and exercise.
Being pregnant, especially for the first time, is overwhelming and confusing. Whether you are struggling with a breech baby, want to avoid a C-section, or want to have optimal pelvis alignment for birth, use our expertise and knowledge to help you navigate those challenges.
We also have additional training in pelvic floor health when it comes to prenatal and postnatal care and can assist you in challenges that may arise regarding pelvic floor dysfunctions during pregnancy.
If you are suffering from pregnancy pains including pelvic, back, neck, or even sciatic nerve pain, we highly recommend you book a treatment session with our Coquitlam pregnancy chiropractors at Fulcrum Therapy.