Webster Technique

What Is The Webster Technique?

Most moms-to-be seek out the Webster Technique when they discover that their baby is in a breech or transverse position and want to avoid a c-section. Sometimes their OB’s, midwives, or doulas will recommend the Webster Technique to try to get the baby to assume a better position. But how can chiropractic change the position of a baby without touching the baby?

In order to understand the Webster Technique, you need to understand a little anatomy. The uterus is firmly attached to the pelvis by several ligaments. The pelvis itself is comprised of three large bones- two ilia and one sacrum (tailbone). They are joined by two sacroiliac joints in the back and one pubic joint in the front.

During pregnancy, the mother’s body releases a hormone called relaxin, which relaxes and softens the ligaments all over the body but especially the pelvis. It does this so that the mom’s body will be able to accommodate the growing baby and eventually birth it. This is a good and normal process, but it can lead to some problems. With looser ligaments, the pelvis becomes less stable and more likely to become misaligned. This can lead to lower back pain, pubic joint pain, and sciatica.

During the third trimester, there is not much free room left in the uterus for baby to maneuver. If the pelvis is misaligned, the uterus can also become slightly torqued, making it even harder for the baby to move around. The baby may find itself stuck in a breech or transverse position, which is definitely not optimal for birth!

How Does The Webster Technique Work?

The Webster Technique works by restoring proper alignment and movement to the pelvis, thereby creating more space in the uterus and allowing the baby more freedom of movement. If the baby is trying to get into the head-down position, this will give it the best chance of doing so. We use a few different methods to achieve this:

• Gentle chiropractic adjustments – During pregnancy less force is needed to adjust the joints because the ligaments are already looser. We use a drop piece or pillows to accommodate the pregnant belly and use either Impulse (the “clicker”) or gentle drop table adjustments to the pelvis after checking for misalignments.

• Soft tissue release – This may include trigger point release to the glutes, pelvic ligaments, hip flexors, or round ligaments of the uterus.

• Home exercises – We can advise you on stretches and exercises to do at home to further encourage baby to flip.

It is important to note that during the Webster Technique, the chiropractor is not actually “flipping the baby”. That would be considered an external cephalic version (ECV) and can only be performed by an obstetrician in a hospital setting. The chiropractor does not actually touch the baby at all, only the pelvis and surrounding soft tissues (although sometimes the baby will kick the chiropractor if we are working on the hip flexors!)

At King Chiropractic & Laser, we have observed about a 75% success rate of babies flipping after performing the Webster Technique. Sometimes this happens after just one treatment, sometimes it takes several. It is never too late- we have even seen twins flip as late as 40 weeks! In cases when the baby does not flip, we usually find out later that there was an underlying reason. Usually either the cord was wrapped around the baby or there was a lack of amniotic fluid.

The Webster Technique is low risk and effective. If your baby is in a sub-optimal position and you are hoping for a vaginal delivery, it is certainly worth a try!

Webster Technique At King Chiropractic & Laser

Whether you are trying to get a stubborn baby to flip or you just want a more comfortable pregnancy and delivery, the Webster Technique is what you need.
To learn more about what our team has to offer, please take the time to contact us and book an appointment as soon as possible.