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The pelvis changes early in pregnancy due to the release of estrogen and/or relaxin. These hormones cause the ligaments to relax and soften, which together with increased hormones and fluids widens the pelvic joint.  This increased mobility is not restricted to the pelvis; it may also be noticed in other joints and muscles.

As the uterus enlarges and expands forward, the center of gravity is changed. Improper support of the uterus may reduce the amount of room for the developing baby.

The term used to describe this is intrauterine constraint. This constraint restricts the baby’s positions during pregnancy and can hamper the baby’s developing spine and cranium. Additionally, constraint places limitations on the baby’s movement during pregnancy.

This constraint also means that head down position for birth may not happen. This ultimately leads to much longer and more painful labor and delivery.

Many times vaginal delivery is not even an option. Many physicians opt for surgical intervention, called C-section delivery, to ‘get the baby out’. Forceps and vacuum extraction may have to be used if vaginal delivery is attempted. The negative effects of both these delivery methods versus gravity assisted delivery are well documented.

The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nerve system in the pregnant mother's sacrum and pelvis.

This leads to an easier and safer delivery for both the mother and baby. In expectant mothers presenting breech, there has been a 75-95% reported success rate of the baby turning to the correct delivery position. Any other position of the baby may indicate the presence of subluxation and constraint. The Webster Technique may be able to help.

In a study by Irvin Hendryson, M.D., an AMA Board of Trustees member, it was shown that women who received chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy were able to carry and deliver children with more comfort.

Another study in 1991 study showed that chiropractic care during pregnancy reduced labor time. First time moms averaged a 24% shorter labor while moms who had already given birth experienced a 39% reduction.

Because of its ability to facilitate easier, safer deliveries for the mother and baby, many birth care providers are actively seeking chiropractors knowledgeable in this technique. Ask your Obstetrician and/or midwife if they know about the Webster Technique and share this information with them if they are not familiar with it.

Chiropractic care from conception and after birth for both mother and child gives many families an opportunity for greater health.