Newcastle chiropractor on pregnancy care

Chiropractic Webster technique for Pregnancy

More women are discovering the many benefits of chiropractic care during their pregnancy. Expectant mothers are also taking it upon themselves to research and question the best approaches to support their health during this time. At least 50% of expectant mothers will experience low back pain during their pregnancy, with the sacroiliac joint and the pelvis being the most common affected areas.  One of the most specific techniques that can be used to benefit an expectant mum is the Webster technique. Let’s have a closer look at what this technique can offer.

“Round ligament pain is a sharp, jabbing pain, sometimes spasms like on one or both sides of your abdomen”.

The Webster technique is a specific sacral analysis and adjustment technique that helps improve a mother’s pelvic alignment and nervous system function. Its aim is to balance the pelvic muscles and ligaments to reduce torsion on the uterus.

Pregnancy is an exciting journey but can often have times or long periods of discomfort and pain as the body adapts to the changes occurring to grow your bub. As the baby develops and grows inside the womb, so does the mums belly.  The expansion of the belly will directly affect the spine and pelvis alignment. The change in weight load leads to an increase lumbar curve (sway back) and many changes at the pelvis, sacrum and surrounding ligaments.

The hormone relaxin is an important hormone that will ramp up production. Its job is just as it sounds, to relax and loosen the ligaments, especially in the pelvic area. This accommodates the

expansion of the growing bub and uterus. Ligament laxity can make the pelvic bones very unstable and allow for easy misalignment which can be quite painful. Often past traumas or accumulated life stressors will also influence the pelvic balance.

Sacral misalignments and/or restrictions can result in a torsion or increased tension within specific pelvic ligaments or muscles which can then influence the uterus. One of these ligaments is the round ligament, it holds the uterus in suspension within the abdomen. It can become thin and tight like a rubber band and is often the cause of sharp sudden jabs of pain in the lower belly. By the second trimester this ligament is often tight enough to start causing pain. A tight round ligament can anatomically restrict the space a baby has to manoeuvre within the womb.

Pregnancy is a exciting period of any woman’s life. In our experience a pregnancy supported by a well-functioning spine and pelvis will be more comfortable and enjoyable. If you’re seeking a non-invasive, drug free approach to help support your pregnancy it would be our privilege to meet you.