Pregnancy is a very unique time for mom-to-be: The body is undergoing incredible changes to accommodate the new life growing over the coming months. Your body is different physiologically, so it makes sense that the way you are adjusted should change with it. Webster Technique is a chiropractic assessment and treatment technique specifically for use in pregnancy, with the primary goal of balancing the pelvis in preparation for birth.
With regard to pregnancy, a state of balance in the pelvic bony structures, muscles and ligaments is vitally important for several reasons
< Dr. Leake @ 35 Weeks. Seemed appropriate for Super Bowl weekend :)
>> Minimizing pain and discomfort for mom as baby grows and ligaments become more lax during pregnancy:
Generally speaking, the sacroiliac joints are fairly stable and move very little. However with the ligamentous laxity created by changing hormones in the pregnant body, these normally stable joints become much looser and thus create potential for dysfunction. Pain and discomfort in the low back, pelvis and down into the glutes and legs is a very common complaint in the pregnant population due to this excess movement. This, in addition to a quickly shifting center of gravity, exaggerated curvature of the lumbar spine, and the obvious addition of the weight of the baby all create potential for mom’s discomfort. Balancing the pelvis with Webster Technique in specific helps to restore proper joint biomechanics, maintain proper nerve function and minimize pain.
>> Creating ideal environment and space for baby grow unrestricted and to move naturally to the proper position before birth:
The uterus is suspended by ligaments that attach to various points on the bony pelvis, including the sacrum and ilia. Any change in the positioning of these anchor points can cause excess strain and torsion one or more areas of the uterus, even decreasing space in the uterus available for baby’s growth and development. This is incredibly important, especially in such a rapid stage of neuromusculoskeletal development. Correcting mom’s pelvic position by utilizing the Webster Technique, helps to provide the ideal environment for baby to move more easily into the desirable head down position in preparation for a healthy, more natural birth. And while this is not considered a baby turning technique, babies have been known to turn to proper position following consistent implementation of Webster chiropractic care.
>> Preventing dystocia/difficulty in labor progression, ideally preventing unnecessary intervention:
Pelvic positioning can create both localized discomfort for mom, and can structurally delay labor as it can cause abnormalities in the expulsive forces of the uterus. This imbalance can lead to uterine forces that are insufficiently strong or inappropriately coordinated, causing abnormalities in cervical effacement and dilation and/or ineffective voluntary uterine contractions in the second stage of labor. The torque on the uterus can delay labor and thus increase the odds that medical/surgical interventions will need to be utilized. By assessing and maintaining ideal pelvic function throughout pregnancy with the Webster Technique, we hope to aid in providing both mom and baby with the safest, most natural labor and birth process possible.
Seeing a Webster technique certified chiropractor throughout pregnancy can provide a tremendous benefit for both mom and baby… In preparation for birth, through the birth process, in the postpartum recovery process, and for generations to come. These doctors in particular have undergone extra training in prenatal care and have been observed and tested to be proficient in the technique and assessment. Come see Dr. Leake, or check out this ICPA link to find a Webster technique certified doc in your area.
>> Stay tuned for future blog posts on postnatal recovery, epigenetic effects of the birth process for future generations, fitness in the perinatal period and much MUCH more. And be sure to subscribe to be sure you don’t miss a beat!
References:
Anatomy of the female pelvis: http://download.videohelp.com/vitualis/med/female_int_genitalia.htm
Dashtkian HD, Whittle-Davis HW. Resolution of breech presentation following application of webster technique:a case report. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health- Chiropr 2011 SPR; 2011(2):40 -42
Stone-McCoy PS, Sliwka MS. resolution of breech presentation confirmed by ultrasound following the introduction of Webster technique: a case study & selective review of the literature. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health- Chiropr 2010 WIN; 2010(1):11-17
Alcantara J, Ohm, Ohm J. chiropractic care of a patient with dystocia & pelvic subluxation. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health- Chiropr 2009 WIN; 2009(1)
Drobbin DD, Welsh CW. chiropractic care of a pregnant patient presenting with intrauterine constraint using the webster in-utero constraint technique: A Retrospective Case Study. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health- Chiropr 2009 SPR; 2009(2)
Alcantara J, Martingano S, Keeler V, Schuster L, Ohm J. Resolution of Breech Presentations Following Adjustment of Subluxations Utilizing the Webster Technique: A Case Series. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health- Chiropr 2011 WIN; Dec 12, 2011: 132-138
Pistolese RA. The Webster Technique: A Chiropractic Technique with Obstetric Implications. J Manipul Physiol Ther 2002; 25(6):E1- 9
"Effect of pressure...for inhibition of lumbar myalgia during labor". Guthrie RA, Martin RH. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. 1982: 82(4): 247-251.)
"Back pain during pregnancy and labor". Diakow PR, et al. Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics, 1991: 14(2): 116-118.)
"Sacroiliac subluxation: a common, treatable cause of low-back pain in pregnancy". Daly JM, et al. Family Practice Research Journal, 1991: 11(2) 149-159.)
http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/the-webster-technique-results-from-a-chiropractic-practice-based-research-program.html
Williams Obstetrics Ch. 18 21st edition