Webster Chiropractic Technique: How Structural Correction Supports a Healthier Pregnancy
Sean&Jennifer Hickman
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.
