The announcement of a baby on the way is an exciting time and also one of the most important times for a woman to be receiving chiropractic care. From the moment of conception, your body goes through a series of remarkable changes. Some are easy to spot: a growing belly, changes in posture, and the changes in gait – that characteristic pregnancy “waddle”.

What we cannot see are the millions of different hormonal changes and chemical reactions occurring both in the mother and the developing baby, all of which are controlled and coordinated through the nervous system. Now more than ever, during pregnancy, you need a nervous system that responds and adapts to changing requirements in all parts of your body; therefore, you need a healthy spine!

While some moms seek out chiropractic care due to low back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction or other issues that arise during pregnancy, I also want to help mothers become more familiar with the birth process, trust, and understand their bodies. In particular, we educate mothers about normal physiology, neurology, and how chiropractic supports these processes.

The Webster technique is a chiropractic protocol used to safely adjust pregnant women, correct pelvic alignment, reduce nervous system stress and prepare both mom and baby for a healthier and more comfortable delivery. The Webster Technique alleviates structural strains so the mother and baby can achieve the best positioning prior to birth.

Among the many factors that go into a healthy pregnancy and birth, the Webster Technique covers two essentials:

 1. Improved uterine spacing, ligament function, and pelvic balance

 2. A healthy nervous system to promote normal physiology, optimal growth and development

As your baby develops, your uterus enlarges to accommodate the rapid growth. So long as the pelvis is in a balanced state, the ligaments connected to the uterus maintain an equalized, supportive suspension for the uterus. If your pelvis is out of balance, these ligaments become torqued, a condition known as intra-uterine constraint.

This constraint limits the space of the developing baby. Any compromised position for the baby throughout pregnancy will affect his or her optimal development, as well as your overall comfort.

Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy restores balance to your pelvic muscles and ligaments, and therefore leads to safer and easier deliveries for you and your baby. Published studies have indicated that chiropractic care does in fact reduce labor time. The more ideal your delivery and the less interventions required, the more ideal your postpartum journey and healing will be.

Beginning chiropractic care early provides the greatest benefit in assisting your body with the many physical changes you’re going through. It is extremely safe and a trained professional can accommodate you with different adjusting techniques, tables, positions or pillows.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. I hope I have provided you with some basic knowledge and another resource to improve your pregnancy journey. You can find a chiropractor certified in the Webster technique near you at ICPA4KIDS.

Be well,

Dr. Katrina Greer, DC

Dr. Katrina is certified in the Webster technique and is constantly pursuing further education around pediatric and perinatal care through the ICPA (International Chiropractic and Pediatric Association). She loves working with moms, their kids and helping with recovery and function post-partum.