The Webster Technique
The Webster Technique:
A technique for pelvic balance in pregnancy
Jeanne Ohm, DC
The Webster Technique, discovered by Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), is a specific chiropractic adjustment for pregnant mothers. It is a chiropractic technique designed to assisst in pelvic alignment and balance for safer, easier births.
Formerly known as an "In-Utero Constraint Technique" or" Breech Turning Technique," the Webster Technique was developed by Dr. Webster in 1978. For over 30 years, it has been highly successful in relieving the causes of intrauterine constraint and allowing babies to get into the best possible position for birth.
What is intrauterine constraint? Intrauterine constraint is defined as any forces external to the developing fetus that obstructs the normal movement of the fetus. Intrauterine constraint can prevent the developing fetus from attaining optimal positioning. This is a primary cause of dystocia (difficult labor) and frequently leads to operative deliveries and c-sections.
Performance of the Webster Technique involves analysis of the relationship of the bones of the pelvis, and correction of aberrant biomechanics through the use of a light force chiropractic adjustment of the sacrum (Step 1). It also involves analysis and relief of specific abdominal muscle tension and ligament tension caused by the pelvic misalignment. (Step 2). Both steps are intended to relieve the musculoskeletal causes of intrauterine constraint that may lead to dystocia, operative delivery or cesarean section delivery.
It is important to stress at this time that the Webster Technique is not to be misconstrued as the practice of obstetrics. The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic adjustment intended to maximize female pelvic biomechanics, and is well within the chiropractor's scope of practice. At no time does the chiropractor attempt to change the position of the fetus as is done in external cephalic version (ECV). Untrained individuals should not attempt the Webster Technique.
The ICPA maintains the only database of chiropractors certified in the proper performance of the Webster Technique. In addition, the ICPA currently offers the only courses to certify chiropractors in the proper performance of it.
The World Health Organization (WHO) proposes 15% as the highest acceptable limit for cesarean section rates. This figure was based on the cesarean section rates of countries with the lowest perinatal mortality rates in the world. In 1991, the figure was adopted as a goal for the year 2000 by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Instead, we have seen the rate of c-section increase drastically in the western world to rates of 33% or more.
Currently, approximately 4.6 % of all singleton pregnancies develop into breech presentation and the incidence of perinatal mortality with breech presentation is approximately four times that of a vertex presentation. While many infants in breech presentation before 34 weeks will convert spontaneously to a cephalic presentation, few will do so afterward. Additionally, the rate of posterior presentation is increasing, and many women whose babies turn posterior have difficult labors leading to operative deliveries and c-sections.
The importance of preventing intrauterine constraint and subsequent cesarean section delivery is apparent, considering in the United States approximately 33% of all births were cesarean section deliveries. The Webster Technique is a chiropractic means of reducing the causes of dystocia and therefore decreasing the number of caesareans.
Growing awareness of the Webster Technique is demonstrating the increased demand for doctors of chiropractic trained to perform it. Because of its ability to facilitate easier, safer deliveries for both mother and baby, many birth care providers are actively seeking doctors of chiropractic with the skills in this technique. Daily, the ICPA receives many requests for referrals and many ICPA members have formed collaborative relationships with birth providers in their areas.
If you would like to find a Webster Technique certified docotr in your area, please visit: seminar in your area, or be referred to a chiropractor trained in the Webster Technique, please visit http://www.icpa4kids.org/locator/index.php
Read more about the Webster technique here:
http://www.icpa4kids.com/about/webster_technique.htm
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