Episode 6 The Prenatal Path: Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

The Prenatal Path: Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Welcome back to Ask the Chiropractor! I am Dr. Brant Hulsebus. In our last episode, we talked about the dangers of sitting all day and why desk workers need to stay active. However, there is one specific group of people who absolutely cannot afford to stay sedentary: pregnant women.

Today, we are discussing the “Prenatal Path” and why chiropractic care is one of the most effective, natural ways to ensure a happy, comfortable pregnancy.

A Family Legacy Rooted in Fertility

Taking care of pregnant women is something I am deeply passionate about, and it is actually the reason I exist today. My grandmother was unable to conceive. Desperate for help, my grandfather drove her to Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, where she was treated by Dr. B.J. Palmer himself.

Shortly after receiving care, she became pregnant. That experience inspired my grandfather to enroll in chiropractic school, and three generations later, here I am. So, whenever we studied prenatal care in school, I paid close attention—it was my family’s story.

What is the Webster Technique?

If you have ever researched chiropractic and pregnancy, you have likely heard of the Webster Technique. I became certified in this advanced technique early in my career.

Contrary to what you might see in viral videos, we do not physically turn or manipulate the baby. The mother’s womb is perfectly designed to grow and position the baby naturally. However, when a mother has a pelvic subluxation (misalignment), it creates tension in the surrounding ligaments and muscles, which can stress the womb and prevent the baby from turning into the proper, head-first position.

The Webster Technique involves:

• Adjusting the mother’s tailbone (sacrum) to remove subluxations.
• Calming the piriformis muscle on the backside.
• Releasing tension in the hip flexors.
• Performing a gentle trigger point release on the round ligament of the uterus.

When this tension is released, the baby has the room it needs to naturally flip into the correct position.

Prevention is Better Than Correction

The Webster Technique used to be something we only did after we found out a baby was breech. But as chiropractors, our entire philosophy is built on prevention. Why wait until there is a problem?

Now, we begin applying these gentle balancing techniques the moment a mother finds out she is pregnant. By maintaining proper pelvic alignment throughout the entire pregnancy, we provide the best possible environment for a natural birthing process.

Is Chiropractic Safe During Pregnancy?

Absolutely. Because expecting mothers want to avoid unnecessary medications and narcotics, chiropractic offers a completely natural, drug-free way to manage the physical changes of pregnancy.

Two common issues we treat:

• Lower Back & Pelvic Pain: As the baby grows, your center of gravity shifts, putting immense strain on your lower back. Regular adjustments keep your spine healthy and aligned.
• Pregnancy Carpal Tunnel: As your rib cage expands to make room for the baby, it can compress the nerves where your neck and thoracic spine meet, leading to numbness and tingling down your arms. We can easily adjust this area to provide relief.

When Should You Start?

If you are pregnant, there is no better time to start. However, if you are planning to become pregnant, coming in beforehand is a huge advantage. Because we cannot take X-rays once you are pregnant, getting baseline X-rays before conception gives us a clear picture of your spinal health so we can provide the best possible care throughout your journey.

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Pregnancy should be a time of joy, not a time of suffering. If you are expecting, make sure you look for a chiropractor certified in the Webster Technique. Contact our Rockford clinic today to learn how we can support you on your prenatal path!