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
http://www.icpa4kids.com/seminars/webster_technique.htm
http://www.icpa4kids.org/research/pregnancy/webster.htm