If you are an expecting mother and are facing a possible breech presentation at delivery, there is a safe, effective way to allow the baby to turn in the “head down” position for childbirth. The Webster Technique, discovered by Dr. Larry Webster, is a specific chiropractic adjustment for pregnant mothers. Formerly known as Webster’s “In-Utero Constraint Technique” or “Webster’s Breech Turning Technique,” the Webster Technique was developed by Dr. Webster in 1978. It is a chiropractic technique designed to relieve intrauterine constraint and help to convert breech presentations to cephalic presentation.
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 a head down vertex position and achieving a vaginal birth, resulting in cesarean section delivery. Today, nearly 13% of all cesarean deliveries performed are due to breech presentation.
The Webster Technique is a chiropractic means of decreasing the number of caesareans for breech presentation. The Webster Technique is defined as a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nerve system and facilitates biomechanical balance in pelvic structures, muscles and ligaments. This has been shown to reduce the effects of intrauterine constraint, allowing the baby to get into the best possible position for birth.
The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported in the July/August 2002 issue an 82% success rate of babies turning head down when doctors of chiropractic used the Webster Technique. Further, the results from the study suggest that it may be beneficial to perform the Webster Technique as early as the 8th month of pregnancy when a woman has a breech presentation.
To summarize, if you have a breech baby and are concerned about the possibility of a cesarean, the Webster Technique is a safe and effective treatment.
Dr. Whidden is a former U.S. Navy pilot turned chiropractor in Destin, Florida. Emerald Coast Chiropractic, finding solutions to today’s health care issues, Who’s YOUR Chiropractor?
Ken Whidden, DC
Emerald Coast Chiropractic
Due to the positive effect of chiropractic care on the nervous system, pregnant mothers should have their spines checked regularly throughout pregnancy, which will optimize health benefits for both the mother and baby.
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