What is the Webster Technique in Pregnancy?

What is the Webster Technique?

The Webster protocol for chiropractic and pregnancy has been around for over 40 years. What was originally thought to be a breech turning technique has been modified to a spinal adjustment and muscle balancing protocol to enhance pregnancy, leading to shorter labor times and fewer medical interventions. Basically, gentler, safer births!

The Webster Technique is taught by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), and the research is overwhelmingly positive, documenting improved outcomes in pregnancy when chiropractic adjustments are administered properly.

I, Dr. Levi, have been practicing chiropractic for 20 years, and have been Webster Certified for 15 years. I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of getting adjusted during pregnancy with the many patients we’ve seen in our office over the years as well as with my own wife through her two pregnancies. I recently completed re-certification in the Webster Technique as well as assisted in the testing process for doctors & students taking the class for the first time.

The question is often brought up whether the Webster Technique can turn breech babies. Although the technique is not designed to turn babies (we don’t even feel for baby positioning), improved spinal alignment and muscle balancing, opens the pelvis allowing the baby to move freely. In turn, many malpositioned babies move into the proper alignment, often leading to shorter labor times and decreased medical interventions.

Can one adjustment make a difference? Usually not. Prenatal chiropractic care works best when administered throughout the entire pregnancy. We have seen cases where a woman starts care at 36 weeks with complications and had symptoms subside leading to an intervention-free birth. In those cases, it is recommended to come in for care every 1-2 days as the spine is very unstable and needs extra care.

Not pregnant yet? Don’t wait to start chiropractic care! A well aligned spine and properly functioning nervous system will help your pregnancy journey whenever it begins