Chiropractic care during pregnancy looks different from traditional chiropractic care. The Webster Technique is a pregnancy-specific technique used by trained chiropractors to find specific restriction patterns in a mother's body and use gentle manipulations and soft tissue releases to correct them. During a pregnancy chiropractic visit, we evaluate the mother's pelvis to see how it is moving biomechanically. If we find imbalance or restriction, we use gentle manipulative techniques or perform instrument assisted adjustments to help clear restrictions and restore balance and movement. After the mother's pelvis is in alignment, we evaluate the gluteal muscles, hip flexors, ligaments that stabilize the pelvis, ligaments that suspend the uterus in the pelvis, and the pubic symphysis. Each of these areas are cared for in a very conservative manner in order to further restore balance in the mother's pelvis. After that, we will continue to evaluate and correct restrictions in a mother's upper back, neck, and head depending on the needs of each individual mother.
Common Complaints We Often See During Pregnancy
- Pubic symphysis dysfunction
- Spinal pain
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Round ligament pain
- Rib pain
- Constipation
- Sciatica
- Lower extremity pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
What the Research Says
Research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported an 82% success rate using the Webster Technique in relieving intra-uterine constraint, allowing babies to get into optimal fetal positioning more frequently and reducing stress on both mother and baby. When a baby is head down and well positioned, the mother is more comfortable, moves more freely, and is more likely to experience a smoother labor and delivery with fewer interventions. Intrauterine constraint can prevent this optimal positioning, affecting not only how a baby moves through the birth canal but also their overall growth and development. When the birthing process is complicated by poor positioning, it can be long, hard, and traumatic on both the mother and the baby. Oftentimes, we see these babies having a harder time regulating, nursing, sleeping, and experiencing overall comfort after birth. While adjustments are only given to the mother during pregnancy, there are a host of benefits that the baby receives while in utero!
The Nervous System Connection
The Webster Technique is also beneficial for nervous system regulation and communication. This brain and body connection is powerful as a well-regulated nervous system helps a mother feel more relaxed and comfortable in her body. However, when stress, anxiety, or pain are present, the body responds by releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline into the bloodstream. Over time, elevated levels of these hormones can contribute to sleeplessness, indigestion, constipation, increased pain sensitivity, and general discomfort. Ultimately, we know when a mother's body is relaxed and at ease, her baby can be as well.
Change the Narrative
It's time to change the narrative around pregnancy. This miracle process of creating and growing life does not have to come with the negatives that our culture often paints it with. If you are experiencing any of the things mentioned above during pregnancy or even after, please consider finding a pregnancy-trained chiropractor. Going through pregnancy well adjusted will help you enjoy the season of life you are in and thrive through it, not just survive it.
