By Dr. Andrea Toppin, DC
Throughout pregnancy, a lot is going on in a woman’s body. Their body is ever changing,
adapting to the increase in hormones and the postural/biomechanical changes that come along with it. These postural and biomechanical changes can create more tension and pressure throughout their body - specifically the sacrum, pelvis, lower back, and supporting network of ligaments (round ligament most importantly), tendons, muscles (iliopsoas and piriformis), and associated nerves (sciatic). The resulting torsion and tension of the supporting muscles and ligaments of the uterus prevent the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for birth. How does prenatal chiropractic care help this? What is the Webster Technique?
What is the Webster Technique?
Prenatal chiropractic via the Webster Technique helps to level out or balance mom’s pelvis and create optimal space for baby to grow, develop, and position themselves for a smooth and healthy birth. Our doctors at WPC are all certified Webster Technique practitioners and experts in supporting women throughout pregnancy. They use gentle and diversified techniques to help women throughout every stage of pregnancy. Prenatal chiropractic care is geared to promote a healthy pregnancy with an uneventful, smooth labor and delivery.
This technique focuses on your sacrum (tailbone), surrounding ligaments (round ligament +
sacrotuberous ligament), hip flexors (iliopsoas), pelvis, low back, and pubic symphysis. The
technique involves muscle and ligament work in conjunction with pregnancy specific
chiropractic adjustments with a comfortable and specialized pregnancy pillow. This relieves
tension off mom and baby leading to a smooth pregnancy and birth.
Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic Care
Decrease of pain in the lower back, hips, pelvis, sacrum, and groin (SPD – Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction)
Helps with sciatic pain
Better sleep and mobility
Reduction of tension in the muscles (iliopsoas + piriformis) and ligaments (round ligament + sacrotuberous ligament) supporting the uterus and pelvis during pregnancy
Balances the muscles, ligaments, and bony structures of the pelvis – making it easier for the pelvic girdle to expand for an easier birth
Removing tension on the supporting ligaments of the uterus to reduce the risk of uterine torsion (avoid intrauterine constraint/twisting/rotation).
Creates more space in the pelvis for baby to move freely, engage, and position properly head down/occiput anterior for a smooth and safe birth (avoid a breach, sunny side up, and sideways – transverse baby)
What WPC Offers for Pregnant Mamas
Prenatal Chiropractic Care
Gentle, diversified techniques geared towards pregnancy
Manual Therapy (Graston Technique or Myofascial Release used to help with soft tissue pain such as glute pain, hip pain, rib pain, groin pain, and any other muscle/ligament pain that may occur during pregnancy)
Prenatal Kinesiology Taping (can be applied many ways to support and provide relief for pubic bone, pelvic floor, lower abdominal, belly, and rib pain)
Prenatal Acupuncture, Massage, Nutrition. Read more about these services HERE
Frequency of Prenatal Chiropractic Care
If you are experiencing acute symptoms, we recommend treatment 1-2x per week until resolved. During a more routine pregnancy, we recommend chiropractic care at the following recommended frequencies:
First Trimester
Chiropractic Wellness treatment every 2-4 weeks
Second Trimester
Chiropractic care + Webster Technique every 2 weeks
Third Trimester
Chiropractic care + Webster Technique every 1-2 weeks
Frequency increasing to 1x per week at 34 weeks
Focus on preparation for labor and delivery
Discuss birth plan, goals, and postpartum questions
Postpartum
We recommend you schedule your first postpartum appointment 2 weeks after a vaginal birth or 4 weeks after a Cesarean birth.
BONUS! Get baby checked as well! Dr. Toppin and Dr. Goodman are experts in the field of infant chiropractic. We will waive baby’s exam fee if parents are patients at WPC. Read about the importance of Newborn Infant Chiropractic care HERE!
Pregnant mamas what are you waiting for?!?!
Book your prenatal chiropractic appointment with Dr. Goodman, Dr. Johnston, or Dr. Toppin
today to feel like a rockstar during your pregnancy!
Call or text our office at 303-744-7100 or book online today!
Video of a Webster Technique Session
Watch this video of Dr. G to see what a typical treatment looks like:
Andrea Toppin, DC, FRC, SFMA is a sports chiropractor with an emphasis in women’s health (prenatal and postpartum) and pediatrics. As a former division 1 collegiate runner and a current elite marathoner, she uses her own experience as an athlete to help patients get out of pain and get back to their active lifestyles. Areas of special interest include running injuries, prenatal and postpartum care, pediatric care, instrument assisted soft tissue techniques, and rehab/strength training. Stay connected with Dr. Toppin on Instagram @washparkchiro or @doctordre____.
References
“About the Webster Technique.” ICPA, icpa4kids.com/about/webster_technique.htm.
Accessed 5 July 2023.
Alcantara, Joel, et al. “The Use of the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information
System and the Rand VSQ9 to Measure the Quality of Life and Visit-Specific Satisfaction
of Pregnant Patients under Chiropractic Care Utilizing the Webster Technique.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.), Jan. 2018,
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5779240/.
Editor. “Chiropractic Care during Pregnancy.” American Pregnancy Association, 8 June 2022,
americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/chiropractic-care-during-pregnancy/. Gabe. “Webster Technique Ameliorates High-Risk Pregnancies.” Pathways to Family Wellness,
11 Jan. 2022, pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Pregnancy-Birth/for-many-pregnant-momswebster-technique-is-the-key-to-a-safer-birth.html.
Pistolese, Richard A. “The Webster Technique: A Chiropractic Technique with Obstetric
Implications.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2002, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12183701.
Comments