Prenatal Chiropractic (Webster) – Services

Pregnancy reshapes your posture and movement day by day. Our approach is gentle and trimester-specific: balance the pelvis and sacrum, calm the nervous system, and reduce common strains so walking, sleeping, and breathing feel easier. Using the Webster Technique plus light soft-tissue work, we focus on your comfort and pelvic mechanics, coordinated with your OB/midwife plan.

Focus: Gentle, pregnancy-specific chiropractic adjustments first; supported by movement-based physiotherapy, soft-tissue work, and simple home exercises. Drug-free, natural care that complements your OB/midwife plan.

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At a Glance

• Who it’s for: Expecting parents from preconception through the 3rd trimester who want less tension, better mobility, and an easier daily rhythm during pregnancy.
• Primary goals: Balance the pelvis and sacrum, reduce ligament/muscle tension, calm the nervous system, and support optimal biomechanics for both parent and baby.
• Signature method: Webster Technique—a gentle, pregnancy-specific protocol to address sacral/pelvic joint function and soft-tissue tension patterns.

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What to Expect (First Visit)

1. Prenatal Intake & History – We review your trimester, activity level, prior pregnancies/births, current symptoms (low-back or pelvic pain, pubic symphysis discomfort, rib tightness, hip pain, postural fatigue), and goals.
2. Gentle Movement & Posture Screen – Standing and side-lying checks, gait and balance, and prenatal-safe orthopedic tests.
3. Chiropractic Exam – Focused sacroiliac/pelvic alignment, sacral listings, lumbar/rib mobility, and tension mapping of the round ligament, psoas, glutes, and pelvic floor referral patterns (external only).
4. First Adjustment (if appropriate) – Trimester-appropriate, low-force techniques; pregnancy pillows and drop-table as needed.
5. Home Plan – 2–3 simple movements, breath work, and positioning tips (sleeping, sitting, car rides).

Visit cadence: In many cases, weekly or every-other-week care is recommended during times of higher change (early 2nd trimester and late 3rd trimester). We’ll personalize your plan based on response and goals.

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Phases of Prenatal Care

0) Preconception / Early Planning

• Aim: Create balanced pelvic mechanics before the rapid changes of pregnancy.
• Care focus: Gentle sacroiliac and lumbar adjustments, hip mobility, breathing mechanics, and core activation cues.

1) First Trimester (Weeks 1–12)

• Common themes: Postural shift begins; fatigue/nausea; rib and upper-back tension from breathing pattern changes.
• Care focus: Very gentle adjustments, rib and thoracic mobility, diaphragmatic breathing, and rest-centric home care.

2) Second Trimester (Weeks 13–27)

• Common themes: Growth accelerates; more visible postural change; pelvic and pubic symphysis stress may increase.
• Care focus: Pelvic balance and sacral alignment, hip mechanics, glute chain activation, and daily movement "techniques."

3) Third Trimester (Weeks 28–Birth)

• Common themes: Center of gravity shifts forward; ligaments are more pliable; sleep and walking positions matter more.
• Care focus: Frequent but light tune-ups to maintain comfort; side-lying rib work; ergonomic coaching for sleep/standing; strategies for getting in/out of car/bed with less strain.

Note: We coordinate with your birth team’s guidance. Our role is musculoskeletal and neuromechanical—no obstetric claims or procedures.

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The Webster Technique (Pregnancy-Specific)

What it is: A defined protocol combining a gentle sacral analysis/adjustment with soft-tissue release for related ligaments and muscles. It’s designed to improve pelvic balance and sacral mechanics, which can decrease tension patterns that contribute to discomfort.

What it isn’t: It is not a treatment for fetal position. While many people seek Webster during pregnancies where baby position is a topic of conversation, our clinical intent is to optimize the parent’s pelvic function and comfort.

How it feels: Light, controlled, and precise. We use pregnancy pillows and side-lying positions for safety and comfort.

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Techniques We Use (Trimester-Appropriate)

• Chiropractic Adjustments (Primary): Diversified (light), Drop-Table, Activator/Instrument, gentle mobilizations.
• Targeted Soft-Tissue: External work for glutes, hip rotators, psoas region, round-ligament tension points, and diaphragm/rib interfaces.
• Movement & Physiotherapy (Low-tech, High-touch): Balance disc cues, breath-to-pelvis drills, banded hip openers, pelvic tilts, cat-camel variations, wall angels.
• Laser Therapy (Low-Level/LLLT): As appropriate for pregnancy and only in approved regions for comfort and tissue recovery.

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Home Care & Everyday Tips

• Breathing & Posture: 3–5 slow diaphragmatic breaths before standing; exhale on exertion.
• Sleep Positions: Side-lying with pillow support between knees and under belly; log-roll to get out of bed.
• Car & Work Ergonomics: Hips slightly higher than knees; micro-breaks every 45–60 minutes.
• Gentle Mobility: Daily hip circles, pelvic tilts, and short walks as tolerated.

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Safety & Coordination

• We use pregnancy-specific positioning and avoid high-force maneuvers.
• We’ll refer or co-manage if red-flag symptoms arise (sudden swelling, severe headache, visual changes, unusual pain patterns, etc.).
• You remain under the medical guidance of your OB/midwife; chiropractic supports comfort, mobility, and nervous-system balance.

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FAQs

Is prenatal chiropractic safe? When performed by a trained chiropractor using pregnancy-appropriate methods, it is considered safe for most pregnancies. We tailor care to your trimester and comfort.

Will this help with pubic symphysis or SI pain? Many patients report relief as pelvic balance and muscle tension improve. Results vary, and your plan is individualized.

How soon should I start? Anytime—from preconception through the 3rd trimester. Earlier care can help you adapt more comfortably as changes accelerate.

Do you work with doulas/OBs/midwives? Yes. We’re happy to collaborate so your care remains coordinated and consistent.

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Booking & Visit Length

• Initial visit: ~45–60 minutes (history, exam, first adjustment if appropriate, home plan).
• Follow-ups: ~15–20 minutes, focused tune-ups and movement cues.

Bottom line: Prenatal chiropractic—centered on the Webster Technique—prioritizes comfort, balance, and calm so you can move through pregnancy with greater ease.