The Webster Technique is used for pregnant women by pregnancy chiropractors. This technique is used to optimize the positioning of the pelvis which helps to optimally position the baby within the uterus to help with a more straightforward labour and birth. The webster technique involves soft tissue work on specific muscle and ligaments as well as specific pregnancy chiropractic adjustments. 

Through the use of the webster technique the chiropractor can address any pelvic misalignments which may be causing pain or impacting the baby’s ability to position itself in a head down position in the uterus.

Goals of the Webster Technique

1. Optimal Baby Positioning
2. Pain Relief: back pain, pubic symphysis pain (SPD), round ligament pain
3. Prepare for Labour (including VBAC and caesarean births) 

The Adjustments 

1. Pelvis/Sacrum : restore proper mobility of the sacroiliac joints (pelvic joints on the back side)

2. Pubic bone : restore proper mobility of the pubic symphysis (pelvic joint on the front side)

3. Lumbar spine: while not an actual part of the Webster technique we will always check these as well due to their relationship with pelvis

The Soft Tissue Components

1. Sacro-tuberous ligament 
2. Posterior muscle group (glutes and piriformis) 
3. Round ligament 
4. Iliopsoas

Using the Webster Technique to turn breech baby

Using the webster technique is a great way to get your baby into an optimal position for birth. This being head down! You may have heard that the Webster technique helps to flip breech babies. The webster technique does not focus on ‘flipping’ the baby but instead focuses on creating a balanced and tension free pelvis which in turn creates space so that the baby is able to settle into the correct position.

Tension through certain aspects of the pelvis can put tension through parts of the uterus. Babies are smart and know to move away from tension as it is uncomfortable for them. So if there is tension through the lower part of the uterus say from a twisted, stuck pelvic joint then you are more likely to see that baby in a breech position.

The goal of the webster technique is not to flip that baby but to give it space so it can go where it instantly knows where it needs to go – head down!

The chiropractic adjustments used in the webster technique focus on the pelvis. The sacrum and pubic bone are 2 joints that must be checked using this technique. Gentle, specific adjustments are applied to these joints (if necessary) in order to restore motion and balance to the pelvis. Specific soft tissue release work is done on certain ligaments and muscles that can have a similar impact on the uterus.

The Webster Technique for Pain Relief

Noticeably the same areas we focus on in the Webster technique are the same areas that can cause pregnant women pain and discomfort throughout their pregnancy. Think low back pain, pubic pain, tailbone pain and round ligament pain. 

Therefore the Webster technique isn’t just used on pregnant women who have a breech baby but is utilised for all our pregnant women. 

Low back pain and pelvic pain are the most common reason pregnant women see us. During pregnancy your pelvis tilts forward which causes increased strain and tension through not only the joints of the low back but the muscles that support this area. The iliopsoas (hip flexor) muscle attaches to our lower back and then to the inside of our thigh bone. They are tight in most pregnant women due to the change in their centre of gravity and the extra weight of the uterus. So while the adjustment component of treating pregnant women is a big part of the technique, the soft tissue work is equally as important. 

The same goes with sciatica, which we often see in pregnant women. As the change in posture occurs and the forward shift of gravity increases the piriformis muscle, which attaches to the sacrum and runs over or under the sciatic nerve gets tighter and can cause sciatic symptoms. 

Using the Webster Technique to Prepare for Labour and Birth 

We utilize the webster technique in the later stages of pregnancy to really get that pelvis and body ready for birth. By addressing the misalignments and tension within the pelvis and overall body we are aiming to get the baby into that perfect position to help make labour and birth go as smoothly as possible. By creating more space to move and reducing uterine tension we are getting the baby into a great position which should then help them descend down the birth canal smoother and hopefully faster. When women seek chiropractic care during pregnancy, they typically have shorter labors! The research indicates labor times are reduced 25-33% with chiropractic care during pregnancy.

Utilising the Webster technique during pregnancy is a great option for those wanting to have a pain free pregnancy and give their body and baby the best chance of a great birth. 

Want to learn more about chiropractic and pregnancy

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