What is Webster Technique?

The Webster technique was developed by Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Many people think this is a technique used to flip breech babies to a head down presentation. However, this technique does not focus itself on flipping babies. The Webster technique was developed to help women have an easier time during labor and delivery. The technique is centered around balancing the pelvis and uterus by aligning the sacrum and releasing any tightness in the round ligaments of the uterus. The basic biomechanics is that as the sacrum rotates back on one side, the uterus is pulled slightly to that side. So in order to center and stabilize the uterus, the opposite side round ligament tightens in response. This causes pulling and slight twisting of the uterus. From this the baby can then experience in-utero constraint because there is less space for the baby to move and feel comfortable. This may even lead to a baby choosing to turn breech in order to get more comfortable.

The Webster technique focuses on balancing the sacrum and round ligament to optimize the space in the uterus so the baby will choose an optimal head down position. This technique becomes more necessary after 30-34 weeks in order to make sure that the pelvis is balanced, and the baby is in the best position for labor and delivery. However, it is a useful technique throughout pregnancy to alleviate discomfort and optimize fetal development by eliminating any in-utero constraint.

A good prenatal chiropractor will also check more than just the sacrum and round ligaments. When I adjust pregnant clients I make sure to release any tightness in the hip flexors as well as the muscles in the glutes, hips and low back. I also make sure to align the whole spine including the low back and pubic bones. Evidence based research shows that Chiropractic adjustments help reduce pain during pregnancy as well as pain during labor and delivery and shortens time of labor.