Chiropractic Care for Optimal Fetal Positioning: Preparing for a Smooth Birth

Pregnant women experience varying levels of discomfort as their bodies go through drastic changes. Alternative holistic care can reduce pregnancy discomfort. Many women visit a chiropractor to enjoy a comfortable pregnancy and smooth birth. 

As the delivery date draws close, the baby should move into the optimal position for birth. When this fails to happen, it can lead to delivery complications. 

Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy 

Chiropractic care during pregnancy can help relieve nausea, swelling, and posture issues. When a woman is ready to deliver, the baby should have turned to approach the birth canal headfirst. When this fails and the baby is in the breech, the doctors may attempt to turn the baby during delivery. 

They can also decide to perform a cesarean delivery or C-section to ensure the safe arrival of the baby. Chiropractic care during pregnancy can prevent breech presentation. The specific method used is known as the Webster technique.

Understanding the Webster Technique 

The technique focuses on the pelvis and sacrum and targets the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Intrauterine constraints can restrict the baby’s movement in the uterus. It can lead to discomfort for the mother and possible complications for the baby during delivery. 

Webster technique addresses misalignment, or subluxations, creating more room in the pelvis. It allows the baby to move freely in the uterus, helping with easier labor and delivery. Gentle adjustments can help turn the baby’s position from breech to head down.

Who Can Benefit from the Care?

Many women can benefit from chiropractic care during pregnancy. If your baby is in the breech, the Webster technique can help ensure smooth delivery. If you have a history of breech babies, visit a chiropractor during your pregnancy. 

Women concerned about their sacrum or pelvis while pregnant can benefit from chiropractic care. The technique is less invasive than the traditional procedure doctors use to turn the baby, known as external cephalic version. 

Optimal Fetal Positioning 

During the Webster technique, the chiropractor will provide a special pregnancy pillow. It will allow you to comfortably lie face down on the chiropractic table. The cutout in the pillow supports the belly and the baby to enhance safety. Some tables have a drop-down section allowing for additional comfort and space. 

The chiropractor will assess your condition by looking at your feet and bending them backward. If the feet do not meet evenly, it may be due to a misaligned pelvis. The chiropractor can use a special adjusting device on the affected area. The chiropractor may also ask you to turn in to check for front misalignments. It involves massaging soft tissues such as abdomen muscles and ligaments surrounding the uterus. 

Preparing for a Smooth Birth

The goal of chiropractic care for breech presentation is not to turn the baby but to create space in the pelvis. The additional space allows the baby to move freely into optimal position. The Webster technique is gentler than the external cephalic and has a high success rate. It is safe and can be helpful throughout the pregnancy. It can also help relieve leg pain and tightness, back pain, and issues linked to a narrow birth canal.

Women who get chiropractic care during pregnancy are less likely to require a C-section. It reduces the risk associated with surgery. 

For more on chiropractic care for optimal fetal positioning and smooth birth, visit Chiropractic Nashville at our Nashville, Tennessee office. Call (615) 205-1022 to schedule an appointment today.