Chiropractic and Pregnancy
- Dr. Amy and Dr. Chante are both certified in the Webster
Technique through the International Chiropractic Pediatric
Association. The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic
analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the
adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/ SI
joint dysfunction during a mother's pregnancy. In so doing,
neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is improved
(See below for a description and link about the Webster
technique).
Additionally, because of the effect the chiropractic
adjustment has on all body functions by reducing nerve
system stress, pregnant mothers may have significant benefit
by having their spines checked regularly throughout
pregnancy, optimizing health benefits for both the mother
and baby.
The Webster Technique, discovered by Dr. Larry Webster, in
1978, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric
Association (ICPA), is a specific chiropractic adjustment to
eliminate sacral misalignment and improve nerve system
function. He developed it as a specific sacral adjustment for
pregnant women to help balance pelvic muscles and
ligaments and potentially improve birth outcome. The first
woman who came into his practice and had this technique
applied was pregnant with a breech baby. Shortly after
beginning care, the baby turned to a head down position. Dr.
Webster continued to offer this adjustment for all pregnant
mothers in his practice. For those presenting breech, he
claimed a 95% rate of these babies assuming a more optimal
positioning for birth. This led to great interest by
chiropractors, birth providers and mothers seeking options
for safer, easier natural births.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12183701
Some benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy:
-Decreased labor and delivery time
-Neck, back, hip, leg and joint pain relief-
-Decreased need for pain medication
-Decreased need for medical interventions, like C-sections
-Maintenance of a healthy pregnancy
-Helps reduce the risk of post-partum depression
-Reduces risk for breeched presentation
-Relief from many common discomforts such as heartburn, swollen- ankles and feet, headaches, and constipation
-Better sleep and relaxation-
-Greater comfort for mother and baby
-The potential for an easier delivery- -Increase the mother's overall quality of life