Webster Chiropractic Technique: How Structural Correction Supports a Healthier Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most remarkable transformations a woman’s body will ever experience. Every system from structural, hormonal, to neurological adapts to support new life. But with these rapid changes often come new stresses on the spine and pelvis. The Webster Technique is a gentle, specific chiropractic approach designed to support a mother’s structural alignment during pregnancy so that her body can function and adapt to these miraculous and wonderful changes at its very best.

Understanding the Webster Technique

The Webster Technique is a specialized chiropractic protocol that focuses on the alignment and function of the pelvis, sacrum, and surrounding ligaments during pregnancy. It was developed by Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), after observing how pelvic misalignment could contribute to discomfort and sometimes affect how a baby is positioned in utero.

Rather than being a “baby-turning” technique, as it’s sometimes misunderstood, Webster is a maternal structural correction method with the goal of restoring proper balance and motion to the pelvis and supporting structures so that the uterus has the optimal environment for baby’s growth and positioning. The technique primarily focuses on the sacroiliac joints, sacrum, and round ligaments. When the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) shifts or loses normal motion, it can create torsion or tension through the connected ligaments and muscles. This imbalance can distort the shape of the pelvic opening and create tension within the uterine ligaments.

Imagine a tent held up by ropes. If one rope is pulled too tight, the entire tent leans. Similarly, if one round ligament or pelvic joint is under extra tension, the uterus can twist slightly, affecting both comfort and baby’s room to move. Correcting these structural imbalances helps even out the tension so that the body can function in a state of balance.

Structural Correction vs. Symptom Relief

Many expectant mothers seek chiropractic care when they begin to experience back pain, sciatica, or hip discomfort. While Webster-certified chiropractors certainly help with those symptoms, the purpose of care goes far deeper. At Align Chiropractic, we focus on structural correction—that means identifying and correcting underlying shifts or imbalances that interfere with the body’s ability to function as designed.

During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin increases joint mobility to accommodate a growing baby. Combine that with postural changes, such as the forward shift in weight and the softening of pelvic ligaments, and it’s easy for structural shifts to develop. These shifts can alter how the pelvis supports the uterus, and in turn, how the uterus supports the baby. Through precise structural correction using Webster protocols, the goal is to restore balance and allow both mom and baby to experience optimal function, not just temporary comfort.

Research on Webster and Pregnancy Outcomes

While every pregnancy is unique, studies and case reports suggest that women under regular chiropractic care often experience improvements in comfort, labor efficiency, and overall well-being.

A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT, 2002) reported that women receiving chiropractic care during pregnancy experienced a 25–31% reduction in labor time compared to those who did not receive care. Another study found that 84% of women receiving Webster care reported relief from pregnancy-related back pain. While chiropractic care isn’t a treatment for fetal positioning, better pelvic balance and nervous system function can often create conditions that naturally allow for optimal fetal positioning.

A Holistic Approach to Prenatal Care

At Align Chiropractic, we view pregnancy care as more than symptom management. It’s about optimizing structure and function to create the best environment for both mom and baby. That’s why every new patient begins with a Structural Exam. This detailed analysis helps us measure and monitor progress, evaluating spinal alignment, pelvic balance, and neurological integrity. From there, we use Upper Cervical and Webster protocols to gently correct the structural foundation and verify that changes are holding over time.

Expecting mothers often notice more than just reduced pain. Many report better sleep, easier breathing, improved digestion, and a greater sense of balance as their pregnancy progresses. These are signs of a body functioning closer to its design.

When choosing a chiropractor during pregnancy, certification matters. The Webster Technique requires post-graduate training through the ICPA to ensure doctors understand the unique biomechanics of pregnancy and the appropriate protocols for each trimester. As Webster Certified Chiropractors, Dr. Jennifer Hickman and Dr. Sean Hickman are trained to provide care that is both gentle and specific, designed to support structural and neurological balance through all stages of pregnancy.

Your Baby’s Movements are Building Their Brain—Literally

From the moment your baby enters the world, their tiny movements, those automatic kicks, stretches, and grips, aren’t just adorable, they serve a larger purpose. They are critical neurological building blocks that lay the foundation for lifelong development. But did you know it starts even earlier than their birth day? It starts in the womb.

By the third week of pregnancy, your baby has already formed the basic shape and structure of their brain and spinal cord. Not only are these structures formed, but they’re also performing important tasks for future brain development. Primitive reflexes are automatic, innate movements that babies develop in the womb to help with adaptation to the world.

These primitive reflexes aren’t random reactions. They are precisely wired programs within the nervous system, helping to create the neural connections that will shape everything from reading and writing skills to emotional regulation and physical coordination. It’s further evidence of the innate intelligence of the mother-baby connection.

Labor and birth are a baby’s first major workout. The twists, turns, and movements they make during delivery are essential in activating their nervous system and building neural pathways. Baby must first descend into the pelvis and vaginal canal, tuck their head, rotate to align with the mother’s pelvis, extend as their head is born, rotate again but in the other direction, then the rest of their body is born. These innately coordinated movements are called the cardinal movements of labor. While all of this is going on, the baby is activating their reflexes to aid in the process. During the moro reflex, you may notice when a baby is startled by a loud noise or sudden change in their position, they take a deep breath in, raise their arms quickly, and begin to cry in search of their mother. This reflex is essential for survival for the newborn, ensuring connection with caregivers and even preventing SIDS. This reflex is activated in labor by the sensation of pressure of contractions and position changes in the womb. Another reflex, called the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex, plays an important role by helping baby rotate through the birth canal. This reflex (also called ATNR) helps children drive motor skills, eye tracking, reading, writing, and overall coordination. The rooting reflex, which is essential for showing hunger cues and latching at the breast, is activated in labor to help the baby rotate as they descend down the birth canal. The palmar grasp reflex (you know the one where the baby so sweetly holds your hand) actually helps them navigate the birth canal, and will help with fine motor and handwriting skills throughout their childhood. The spinal Galant reflex, which helps the baby crawl, develop and maintain posture, transmit sound to the ears while in the womb, and aids in bladder and bowel control, also helps with the descent during the pushing phase of labor.

So you can see how these movements are priming your baby’s future development. I also see these as little signs of communication. They’re signals from baby to mama communicating their perfect symbiosis, sharing their rhythm and ensuring their presence. It’s a silent conversation, an unspoken secret language deepening their bond.

A smooth birth process helps ensure that these movements can activate their reflexes and their reflexes Chiropractic Newsletter Discover Chiropractic Continued on page 2 Provided and published by ICPA. For more information, visit discoverkidshealth.com 2 are integrated properly, setting the stage for optimal brain development. However, if the birth process is difficult, whether due to prolonged labor, interventions, or positioning issues, it can interfere with these natural movements. In addition to that, the forces of birth can potentially lead to subluxations (misalignments in the spine) that affect the baby’s ability to process and respond to their environment. This creates modified movement patterns and neurological input, which can alter the trajectory of their brain development.

This is where pediatric chiropractic care plays an essential role. These reflexes need to be fully activated at certain times, and in certain orders, then they need to integrate or disappear at certain times, and this process allows a child to access higher, more sophisticated cortical functions. By ensuring the nervous system is functioning optimally, chiropractic adjustments help babies integrate reflexes properly, supporting coordination and development, and improve nervous system communication. This impacts learning and sensory processing, enhancing movement patterns, making milestones like crawling and walking smoother. Pediatric chiropractic allows a greater sense of connection to oneself, which leads to more ease with learning, emotional regulation, and development.

For pregnant mothers, Webster perinatal chiropractic care is a game changer. This specific approach helps balance the pelvis and sacrum, reducing nervous system stress and easing the birth process for both mom and baby. A balanced pelvis means the baby may have more room to move and develop those essential in-utero reflexes.

A baby’s nervous system is like an open highway for growth, learning, and connection. But subluxations create roadblocks, interfering with this natural process. When spinal misalignments disrupt nervous system communication, babies may experience difficulty latching and feeding, increased fussiness or colic, and even delayed milestones or poor coordination. Your baby’s early reflexes aren’t just movements, they are laying the groundwork for lifelong learning, emotional resilience, and physical spatial awareness. Ensuring their nervous system is functioning at its best through pediatric chiropractic care allows them to grow, develop, and thrive.

We know that movement is life. Even if your baby didn’t experience all the cardinal movements of labor, you can help activate these neural pathways once they’re born by doing things like the breast crawl, skin-to-skin contact, and baby wearing. The more input they have through movement, touch and connection, the more likely we are to assist their brain development.

When in doubt, snuggle that baby. You have that sacred unspoken language that only the two of you share. Trust in the power of this innate bond; it’s yours to nurture with love and presence. -

Stephanie Libs, DC

Appears in Pathways to Family Wellness Magazine Issue #85

Holiday Health Tips: Maintaining Spinal Health and Wellness

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but it can also be a time of increased stress, travel, and physical strain. As you navigate the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it's important to prioritize your spinal health and well-being. In this blog post, we'll offer some helpful tips for maintaining spinal health during the holiday season, including travel tips and stress management techniques.

1. Practice Proper Ergonomics

Whether you're sitting down for a holiday meal, standing in line for last-minute shopping, or wrapping gifts, be mindful of your ergonomics. Sit up straight, keep your shoulders relaxed, and avoid slouching to reduce strain on your spine. Maintaining proper ergonomics supports your spinal health and can help prevent back pain or discomfort during long periods of sitting or standing.

2. Take Regular Breaks

If you're traveling long distances by car or plane, be sure to take regular breaks to stretch and move around. Sitting for extended periods can put pressure on your spine and increase the risk of stiffness and discomfort. Take breaks to stand up, walk around, and perform simple stretches to relieve tension and improve circulation.

3. Pack Light and Use Proper Lifting Techniques

When packing for holiday travel or carrying gifts and packages, avoid overloading your bags and suitcases. Pack only the essentials and use lightweight luggage with wheels to reduce strain on your back and shoulders. When lifting heavy objects, remember to bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your spine.

4. Stay Active

Even amidst the holiday festivities, make time for regular physical activity to keep your spine strong and healthy. Whether it's going for a walk, practicing yoga, or hitting the gym, staying active can help alleviate stress, improve posture, and reduce the risk of back pain and discomfort.

5. Practice Stress Management Techniques

The holiday season can be a stressful time for many people, leading to tension and tightness in the body. Incorporate stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness practices to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. Taking time to unwind and de-stress can have a positive impact on your spinal health and overall well-being.

6. Schedule Regular Structural Corrections

Consider scheduling a structural correction check before or after the holiday season to keep your spine aligned and functioning optimally. Structural chiropractic care can help alleviate tension, improve mobility, and promote overall spinal health, allowing you to enjoy the holidays with greater comfort and ease.

Conclusion

By following these tips for maintaining spinal health during the holiday season, you can navigate the festivities with greater comfort, ease, and enjoyment. Whether you're traveling, shopping, or spending time with loved ones, prioritize your spinal health and well-being to ensure a happy and healthy holiday season for you and your family.