Benefits and What to Expect During Pregnancy
What is the Webster Technique?
The Webster Technique is a specialized chiropractic adjustment designed to bring relief to the effects of sacroiliac joint dysfunction and misalignment in the pelvic region. Developed by Dr. Larry Webster in the 1980s, this technique provides a path to smoother labor and a reduction in discomfort for pregnant women.
Misalignment in the sacral/pelvic region may contribute to difficult labor (called dystocia) for the mother caused by poor uterine function, pelvic contraction, and the presentation of the baby. When the misalignment is corrected through the Webster Technique, there is often a positive, healing effect on these causes of difficult labor.
Essential Questions to Ask Your Chiropractor About the Webster Technique
Prenatal chiropractic care helps restore and keep the optimal physiological function of both the mother and baby. If you are pregnant and experiencing symptoms in the sacral/pelvic region, ask your chiropractor the following questions:
- When should I start prenatal chiropractic care?
- What can I expect during a prenatal chiropractic session?
- What signs should I not experience during a prenatal chiropractic session (e.g., pain and discomfort)?
- Based on my medical history, is the Webster Technique helpful for me?
- Are you certified in the Webster Technique?
Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustment During Pregnancy
Pregnant women often experience the following benefits of the Webster Technique:
- Decreased or alleviation of discomfort in the pelvic region
- Improved pelvic alignment
- Support of optimal fetal positioning
- Reduced likelihood of difficult labor
Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustment During Pregnancy
If you and your chiropractor have decided that the Webster Technique is suited for your pregnancy discomfort, here’s what you can expect at your appointment.
- You will lie face down on a special pregnancy pillow with a cut-out in the middle. This pillow will support your body and belly during the session.
- Your chiropractor will examine your body’s alignment, moving toward your feet and then bending them up toward your hips to see if they meet evenly.
- When your feet don’t align, this indicates your pelvis is misaligned.
- Your chiropractor will use a special adjustment instrument to correct this misalignment. Once this adjustment is done, your chiropractor will check the front of your body for any misalignments.
- If adjustments are needed, your chiropractor will massage the soft issues, improving the alignment of the ligaments that surround the uterus and abdominal muscles.
- The Webster Technique creates space in the pelvis, often allowing the baby with room to move and settle into a good position.
- If you experience any discomfort or pain throughout your session, make sure you tell your doctor immediately to ensure your safety.
Webster Certification
The Webster Technique has become common in conversations about pregnancy and difficult births. A chiropractor with Webster Certification has undergone specific training and testing to ensure they are proficient in this technique. This certification gives you the peace of mind that your provider has been appropriately trained and supports a more comfortable and easier birth for you.
Dr. Erika Maroon at Porterfield Family Chiropractic in Valparaiso, Indiana, is certified in the Webster Technique by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. With this certification, she adds to her existing knowledge and skills to better support pregnant mothers and children in her community. Contact her today for personalized treatment for your prenatal care.