chiropractic care during pregnancy

Doctors of Chiropractic seek to correct spinal imbalance or misalignments so that the body functions at its optimum. During pregnancy, the spine and pelvis are under considerable strain as the structures cope with the rapid physiological changes taking place. The International Chiropractic Paediatric Association (ICPA) states that biomechanical faults (misalignments) of the pelvic joints can introduce imbalance to the surrounding structures, which can then introduce torsion to the uterus. According to the ICPA, this torsion can limit the fetus’ ability to properly position itself for birth, which can result in breech presentations.

In 1978 Dr. Larry Webster pioneered what would later be termed, “The Webster Technique”, a specific chiropractic method of analysing and adjusting the pelvis to improve function of the pelvic muscles and ligaments, which in turn allows the fetus to get into the best possible position for birth. According to the ICPA, Dr. Webster was highly successful in using his adjusting protocol to naturally turn breech babies back to a normal vertex position.

Today, this technique is no longer used as a “breech turning technique”, but is used to encourage proper, healthy pelvic function throughout pregnancy. The ICPA states that women should have their spine and pelvis checked regularly throughout their pregnancy to, “optimis[e] health benefits for both the mother and baby”. Research also shows that women under chiropractic care during pregnancy experience less low back pain (Diakow, et al. Back pain during pregnancy and labor. JMPT. 1991 Feb 14(2): 116-8).

The International Chiropractic Paediatric Association maintains a world-wide directory of Chiropractors who have been trained and certified in the Webster Technique. To find one in your area, go to www.icpa4kids.org/locator/index.php.

Dr. Jessica Seebauer practices at Coogee Chiropractic. She is trained in the Webster Technique.