What are the benefits of prenatal chiropractic care?
Pregnancy can lead to misalignment of the spine and pelvis, which subsequently causes pain and affects the position of the uterus. Prenatal chiropractic care improves spinal misalignments and relieves pressure on muscles, nerves, and blood vessels in the pelvic region. As a result, it can prevent or relieve discomfort caused through:
Posture changes: As the baby grows, the mother’s posture also changes, which increases the strain on back muscles and can cause spinal misalignment.
Extra pressure: Normal weight gain during pregnancy puts additional pressure on the spine and back muscles. The pressure on these structures during pregnancy can be twice the normal pre-pregnancy pressure, causing spinal curvature and pain.
Ligament laxity: Ligaments naturally relax to accommodate pregnancy and delivery. However, loose ligaments don’t properly support the pelvic region, which leads to discomfort and joint instability in the spine and pelvic region.
What is the Webster technique?
The Webster technique is particularly helpful for breech babies. When it’s time to deliver, the baby’s head needs to be the first part of the body to enter the birth canal. A breech position occurs when the feet lead the way, and when this happens, the baby has a higher chance getting injured during delivery. They’re also more likely to develop umbilical cord complications, which pose serious risks to their health.
The Webster technique is a chiropractic treatment that improves balance and alignment in the pelvic region. While this is beneficial throughout pregnancy, and it helps make delivery less painful, it also eliminates restrictions within the soft tissues of the uterus and pelvic area, naturally allowing the baby to shift to the proper position for delivery. Following a Webster procedure, most breech babies naturally adjust their position within a short period of time.
How does the Webster technique work?
The uterus is attached to the pelvic bones, so any stress, misalignment and muscle tension in the region affect the position of the uterus, which in turn impacts the position of the baby.
The Webster technique uses a few simple chiropractic techniques — adjustment to the lower spine and trigger point pressure applied to specific abdominal muscles — to relax and rebalance structures in the pelvic region.
As the Webster technique rebalances pelvic structures, the uterus assumes a normal position. In most women, the baby then turns out of breech position and into the proper birthing position.
Why should you visit Dr. Colopy for prenatal chiropractic care?
Dr. Colopy is dedicated to supporting the health of pregnant patients, their babies, and children. To ensure you get the best possible care, he attended extensive training and received certification in the Webster technique from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA).