The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic technique used in pregnancy to help optimize the mother's pelvic function. Chances are, if you have been visiting natural birthing websites, you have heard of it.

The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic adjustment to correct sacral misalignment and improve nerve system function. It was developed by Dr. Larry Webster in 1978 as a specific sacral adjustment for pregnant women to help balance pelvic muscles and ligaments and potentially improve birth outcome.

With the growing amount of interventions pregnant women are exposed to during pregnancy and birth, it is becoming harder for women to have natural childbirths. Women are increasingly seeking health care options that support natural childbirth as more is learned about the potential harm and lack of evidence to support all these interventions.

The World Health Organization (WHO) proposed 15 percent as the highest acceptable limit for cesarean section rates. Currently, the C-section rate is about 35 percent in the US. Preliminary findings are showing that chiropractic care throughout pregnancy improves the mother's overall function, her quality of life and may contribute to easier, safer births with less intervention.

The obstetric literature has determined that correct positioning of the baby in utero affects birth outcome and decreases the potential for undue stress to the baby's developing spine and nerve system. Obstetric literature has also determined the importance of normal pelvic neuro-biomechanics for the prevention of dystocia (difficult birth).

Sacral dysfunction is common in pregnancy due to weight gain, increased hormones and postural changes and can lead to symptoms of low back pain or sciatic neuralgia. The Webster Technique involves an analysis to confirm sacral alignment and a light force thrust applied to the sacrum for correction. The adjustment is gentle and effective in establishing alignment in the pelvis which is imperative for easier natural births.

Because of its potential to facilitate easier, safer deliveries for both mother and baby, many birth care providers and mothers are actively seeking doctors of chiropractic with the skills in this technique.

Dr. Wendy is certified in Webster Technique. For more information email Dr. Wendy at haydenhealth@gmail.com.