In preparation for birth, the baby should turn to the vertex or head down position a few weeks prior to delivery. If the baby remains in the head up position, it is termed breech. Breech positioning may increase the risks of complications during delivery. There are also abnormal stressors on the baby’s body while in the uterus when the baby is not in the vertex position after then. There are many options, both invasive and non-invasive, available for moms to help achieve the head down position for her baby.
Chiropractic care for expectant mothers is one very non-invasive option used by many pregnant women. The Webster Technique restores alignment and balance in the lower spine, pelvis, and ligaments supporting the uterus. This allows for the proper space and conditions for the baby to turn into the vertex position in preparation for birth. Many pregnant women whose babys’ are termed breech seek prenatal chiropractic care to help their baby prepare for a safe delivery. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported an 82% success rate of babies turning head down when doctors of chiropractic used this method.
However, it is best to see a chiropractor throughout pregnancy to ensure proper development of the baby. By maintaining proper alignment and balance in the low back, pelvis, and ligaments that support the uterus throughout pregnancy, breech presentation may be avoided altogether.
The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association defines the Webster Technique as “a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nerve system and balances maternal pelvic muscles and ligaments. This in turn reduces torsion in the uterus, a cause of intra-uterine constraint of the baby and allows for optimal fetal positioning in preparation for birth.”
Photo credit to: livestrong.com
