Chiropractic care during pregnancy is proven to be very safe for both the mother and baby. It is very gentle, relaxing and effective for balancing all muscles, including the uterus, for the most optimal birthing experience.
The Webster Technique is not a "breech turning" technique, however the result of care balances the body to allow for optimal fetal positioning. As defined by the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association), "The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic sacral analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation and SI joint dysfunction." This relates the sacral adjustment to the expectant mothers' neurobiomechanical pelvic function. The importance of reguular chiropractic care via the Webster Technique during pregnancy is the potential for safer, easier births as a result of improved neuro-biomechanical function being expressed.
The Webster Technique uses specific methods to balance the round ligament, which connects the uterus to the pelvic bony structure. If the pelvis is out of alignment, it can pull on the round ligament creating an unbalanced and tightened uterus leading to a malpositioned baby. It is proposed that sacral misalignment may cause the tightening and tortion of specific pelvic muscles and ligaments. It is these tense muscles and ligaments and their aberrant effect on the uterus which may prevent the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for birth.
What is the round ligament?
Preganancy can bring on a fairly common abdominal pain caused by the stretching of the round ligament. This is the ligament that holds your uterus in suspention within your abdomen. As your preganancy advances and your uterus grows in size and weight, this ligament becomes long and thin, stretching and tensing like a rubber band. When the ligaments become stretched they can pull on nerve fibers and cause a great deal of pain. The pain can be brought on by something as simple as rolling over in your sleep, exercise, or simply walking.
Post-partum care is crucial for both mom and baby to make sure the pelvis realigns properly following birth. Adjusting the newborn can improve latch during nursing, decreasing painful feeding sessions as well as many other benefits.