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Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
Webster Technique |
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The Webster Technique Adjustment Explained.
The Webster Technique During PregnancyHelping Your Body Create the Best Environment for Your BabyPregnancy is an incredible journey, but it also places tremendous stress on your body. As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts, your ligaments soften, and your pelvis adapts to make room for birth. Sometimes those changes occur smoothly. Other times, the pelvis becomes unbalanced, creating discomfort for mom and reducing the space available for baby to move freely.
The Webster Technique is a gentle chiropractic analysis and adjustment designed specifically for pregnancy. Its purpose is to improve the function and balance of the pelvis, sacrum, and surrounding muscles and ligaments. When the pelvis is balanced, it may help reduce tension affecting the uterus and allow your baby the greatest opportunity to find an optimal position for birth.
Many mothers also experience less low back pain, hip pain, sciatica, pelvic discomfort, and improved comfort throughout pregnancy.
What Is the Webster Technique?The Webster Technique is a specialized chiropractic protocol developed to evaluate and reduce restrictions within the pelvis during pregnancy. Rather than focusing on the baby, Webster focuses on mom—restoring proper movement and balance to the joints, muscles, and ligaments that support the uterus.
Think of it like preparing a nursery. You can't make a baby crawl into the crib, but you can make sure the room is safe, comfortable, and ready. Webster works the same way. We aren't trying to "move the baby." We're helping your body provide the best possible environment for your baby to move naturally.
What Does My Pelvis Have to Do With My Baby's Position?Your pelvis is much more than a collection of bones. Muscles and ligaments attach to your pelvis and connect with the uterus and cervix. When the pelvis becomes unbalanced, those tissues can develop uneven tension.
Imagine pitching a camping tent. If one corner rope is pulled tighter than the others, the tent leans and the space inside becomes distorted. Loosen that tight rope, and the tent naturally returns to its proper shape.
Your uterus works much the same way. When unnecessary tension is reduced, your baby often has more freedom to move into an ideal position for birth.
How Do I Know If Pelvic Imbalance May Be Affecting My Pregnancy?Many pregnant women who benefit from the Webster Technique experience one or more of the following:
Is the Webster Technique Safe?Yes. The Webster Technique is specifically designed for pregnant women.
We use pregnancy-specific adjusting tables, supportive pillows, and gentle techniques that allow you to remain comfortable throughout your visit. Every adjustment is modified to fit your stage of pregnancy.
Our goal is to help you feel more comfortable—not add stress to your body.
Can Webster Turn a Breech Baby?This is one of the most common questions we hear.
The Webster Technique is not a procedure to turn breech babies.
Instead, Webster is designed to improve the balance and function of the pelvis. When restrictions are reduced, some babies naturally move into a head-down position because they simply have more room to do so.
Every pregnancy is unique, and no chiropractor can guarantee fetal positioning. However, creating a balanced pelvis gives your baby the best opportunity to assume an ideal position on their own.
When Should I Start Webster Care?Earlier is almost always better.
Many of our patients begin prenatal chiropractic care during the second trimester and continue throughout pregnancy. Regular care helps your body adapt as your baby grows and may prevent many common pregnancy aches before they become significant problems.
If your provider identifies your baby as breech or notices concerns with positioning later in pregnancy, we can adjust your care plan accordingly.
When Do We Become Concerned About Breech Position?Every provider manages breech pregnancies a little differently.
While some providers wait until around 36 weeks to discuss breech positioning, our office begins paying close attention between 32 and 34 weeks.
If your OB or midwife confirms your baby is not yet head down around this time, we often recommend increasing the frequency of Webster care. In our experience, addressing pelvic balance earlier provides more opportunities for your baby to move naturally before birth.
How Often Will I Need Adjustments?Every pregnancy is different, but a typical schedule looks like this:
Early Pregnancy (Second Trimester):
Visits are usually scheduled about as often as your OB or midwife appointments.
Third Trimester:
As your body changes more rapidly, care may become more frequent depending on your symptoms and examination findings.
Confirmed Breech (Approximately 24–34 Weeks):
We commonly recommend visits twice each week while monitoring your progress.
Late Third Trimester or Prior to an ECV:
If you're preparing for an External Cephalic Version (ECV) or have a scheduled Cesarean birth, we may recommend daily visits or multiple visits in a day depending on your examination findings and Webster indicators.
Your care plan is always individualized based on your needs.
Frequently Asked QuestionsDoes the adjustment hurt?No. Webster adjustments are gentle and specifically adapted for pregnancy. Most mothers describe them as comfortable and relaxing.
Can I receive Webster care throughout my entire pregnancy?Yes. Webster can safely be performed throughout pregnancy and is often most beneficial when begun before problems develop.
Do I have to be in pain to benefit?Not at all. Many women seek Webster care simply to maintain pelvic balance and prepare for labor.
Can Webster help with back pain and sciatica?Many patients notice significant improvement in low back pain, hip pain, pelvic pain, and sciatica as pelvic mechanics improve.
Will my insurance cover Webster?Coverage depends on your insurance plan. Our office is happy to help you understand your benefits before beginning care.
Why Families Choose Our OfficeDr. Joshua Welch has completed extensive postdoctoral training through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), including most of its advanced pediatric and prenatal coursework.
We work closely with many local OB providers, midwives, doulas, lactation consultants, and pediatric healthcare professionals to help mothers receive collaborative, evidence-informed care throughout pregnancy.
Our goal isn't simply to help you feel better today. It's to help your body function at its best so you can enjoy a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy and prepare confidently for birth.
If you're pregnant and wondering whether the Webster Technique is right for you, we'd love to answer your questions and help you determine the best plan for your pregnancy.
Dr. Joshua Welch has taken most of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) courses and works with many local midwives and pediatricians in the area.
The Webster Technique is a gentle chiropractic analysis and adjustment designed specifically for pregnancy. Its purpose is to improve the function and balance of the pelvis, sacrum, and surrounding muscles and ligaments. When the pelvis is balanced, it may help reduce tension affecting the uterus and allow your baby the greatest opportunity to find an optimal position for birth.
Many mothers also experience less low back pain, hip pain, sciatica, pelvic discomfort, and improved comfort throughout pregnancy.
What Is the Webster Technique?The Webster Technique is a specialized chiropractic protocol developed to evaluate and reduce restrictions within the pelvis during pregnancy. Rather than focusing on the baby, Webster focuses on mom—restoring proper movement and balance to the joints, muscles, and ligaments that support the uterus.
Think of it like preparing a nursery. You can't make a baby crawl into the crib, but you can make sure the room is safe, comfortable, and ready. Webster works the same way. We aren't trying to "move the baby." We're helping your body provide the best possible environment for your baby to move naturally.
What Does My Pelvis Have to Do With My Baby's Position?Your pelvis is much more than a collection of bones. Muscles and ligaments attach to your pelvis and connect with the uterus and cervix. When the pelvis becomes unbalanced, those tissues can develop uneven tension.
Imagine pitching a camping tent. If one corner rope is pulled tighter than the others, the tent leans and the space inside becomes distorted. Loosen that tight rope, and the tent naturally returns to its proper shape.
Your uterus works much the same way. When unnecessary tension is reduced, your baby often has more freedom to move into an ideal position for birth.
How Do I Know If Pelvic Imbalance May Be Affecting My Pregnancy?Many pregnant women who benefit from the Webster Technique experience one or more of the following:
- One-sided low back pain
- Sciatica
- Hip pain
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
- Pubic bone pain or pelvic girdle pain
- Round ligament discomfort
- Your baby consistently rests on one side of your abdomen
- Your baby seems to sit unusually far forward
- A history of falls, sports injuries, or previous pelvic trauma
- Previous difficult labor or a baby that remained in a posterior or breech position
Is the Webster Technique Safe?Yes. The Webster Technique is specifically designed for pregnant women.
We use pregnancy-specific adjusting tables, supportive pillows, and gentle techniques that allow you to remain comfortable throughout your visit. Every adjustment is modified to fit your stage of pregnancy.
Our goal is to help you feel more comfortable—not add stress to your body.
Can Webster Turn a Breech Baby?This is one of the most common questions we hear.
The Webster Technique is not a procedure to turn breech babies.
Instead, Webster is designed to improve the balance and function of the pelvis. When restrictions are reduced, some babies naturally move into a head-down position because they simply have more room to do so.
Every pregnancy is unique, and no chiropractor can guarantee fetal positioning. However, creating a balanced pelvis gives your baby the best opportunity to assume an ideal position on their own.
When Should I Start Webster Care?Earlier is almost always better.
Many of our patients begin prenatal chiropractic care during the second trimester and continue throughout pregnancy. Regular care helps your body adapt as your baby grows and may prevent many common pregnancy aches before they become significant problems.
If your provider identifies your baby as breech or notices concerns with positioning later in pregnancy, we can adjust your care plan accordingly.
When Do We Become Concerned About Breech Position?Every provider manages breech pregnancies a little differently.
While some providers wait until around 36 weeks to discuss breech positioning, our office begins paying close attention between 32 and 34 weeks.
If your OB or midwife confirms your baby is not yet head down around this time, we often recommend increasing the frequency of Webster care. In our experience, addressing pelvic balance earlier provides more opportunities for your baby to move naturally before birth.
How Often Will I Need Adjustments?Every pregnancy is different, but a typical schedule looks like this:
Early Pregnancy (Second Trimester):
Visits are usually scheduled about as often as your OB or midwife appointments.
Third Trimester:
As your body changes more rapidly, care may become more frequent depending on your symptoms and examination findings.
Confirmed Breech (Approximately 24–34 Weeks):
We commonly recommend visits twice each week while monitoring your progress.
Late Third Trimester or Prior to an ECV:
If you're preparing for an External Cephalic Version (ECV) or have a scheduled Cesarean birth, we may recommend daily visits or multiple visits in a day depending on your examination findings and Webster indicators.
Your care plan is always individualized based on your needs.
Frequently Asked QuestionsDoes the adjustment hurt?No. Webster adjustments are gentle and specifically adapted for pregnancy. Most mothers describe them as comfortable and relaxing.
Can I receive Webster care throughout my entire pregnancy?Yes. Webster can safely be performed throughout pregnancy and is often most beneficial when begun before problems develop.
Do I have to be in pain to benefit?Not at all. Many women seek Webster care simply to maintain pelvic balance and prepare for labor.
Can Webster help with back pain and sciatica?Many patients notice significant improvement in low back pain, hip pain, pelvic pain, and sciatica as pelvic mechanics improve.
Will my insurance cover Webster?Coverage depends on your insurance plan. Our office is happy to help you understand your benefits before beginning care.
Why Families Choose Our OfficeDr. Joshua Welch has completed extensive postdoctoral training through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), including most of its advanced pediatric and prenatal coursework.
We work closely with many local OB providers, midwives, doulas, lactation consultants, and pediatric healthcare professionals to help mothers receive collaborative, evidence-informed care throughout pregnancy.
Our goal isn't simply to help you feel better today. It's to help your body function at its best so you can enjoy a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy and prepare confidently for birth.
If you're pregnant and wondering whether the Webster Technique is right for you, we'd love to answer your questions and help you determine the best plan for your pregnancy.
Dr. Joshua Welch has taken most of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) courses and works with many local midwives and pediatricians in the area.
