(Photo | by Suhyeon Choi on Unsplash)
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is a commonly recommended practice among soon-to-be mothers and veteran mothers alike. Because the body changes and undergoes a great deal of strain during pregnancy, continued chiropractic care not only helps the mother, but the unborn child as well. Because a healthy mommy equals a healthy baby!
Today, we’re going to look at one particular technique that is used primarily to treat pregnant mothers during every stage of pregnancy in order to prepare them for eventual birth. It’s called the Webster Technique.
Elk Ridge Chiropractic & Wellness Center’s Doctor of Chiropractic, Kristin Costanzo, tells us a little bit about what this technique entails.
“Webster is a technique designed to work with the pregnant pelvis. It assesses and addresses structure, soft tissue, and ligaments of the pelvis to create space, giving the baby the best chance to get in an optimal position for birth.” In other words, Webster prepares the runway, so to speak, for a healthy, productive pregnancy leading up to birth.
The Chiropractic Arts Center of Austin, P.C., tells us further that, “The Webster Technique begins the process of realigning the sacrum, which may relieve the pull that creates tension in the uterus. This adjustment involves no external forces on the baby directly, and it is very comfortable and extremely safe.” Echoing Dr. Kristin’s words, Chiropractic Arts goes on to say that the technique works in “balancing the pelvis so that the baby can move as it needs to. It has developed quite a reputation for its safety and effectiveness.”
One common misconception is that the Webster Technique is used to treat breech babies, however we have a few things to say about that. But first, let’s explain what the word ‘breech’ means.
Breech is when the baby is lying head up, rather than head down, in the womb. Oftentimes, babies like to move around a bit during pregnancy, which is not uncommon. When this happens, it’s best to get them back into the correct position prior to birth.
As a rule, doctors of chiropractic do not turn breech babies. Chiropractic Arts tells us that, “the adjustment simply facilitates a state of pelvic balance, decreasing tension to the uterus, allowing more room for the baby to move as needed to get into the best possible position.” However, babies do tend to shift in the womb when undergoing this form of treatment, and mothers have seen veritable results in turning their babies the past. But success does vary. As every body and every pregnancy is different, the Webster Technique may or may not be the ticket to getting that stubborn baby to flip. Worst case scenario, it is conducive to a healthier birthing experience. Nothing wrong with that!
Pregnant mothers currently undergoing chiropractic care should consult with their doctors first to see if this treatment is right for their particular needs, especially when a breech baby is concerned. Doctors may recommend seeking primary care instead for an inversion, which is a treatment specifically intended to turn breech babies.
But for general chiropractic care for expectant mothers, the Webster Technique is proven as a safe and effective tool in preparation for birth and eventual recovery. If you are seeking chiropractic care as a new patient, Elk Ridge Chiropractic & Wellness Center is here to help! Dr. Kristin Costanzo regularly provides the Webster Technique to pregnant mothers, and is currently taking on new patients. Call our clinic at 541-388-3588, or email us at elkridgechiropractic@gmail.com to schedule an appointment!
Source: The Chiropractic Arts Center
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