What Is the Webster Technique? A Guide to Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Pregnancy brings significant changes to the body. As your baby grows, your posture, movement, joints, muscles, and ligaments adapt to accommodate those changes. These changes can sometimes contribute to discomfort in the lower back, hips, pelvis, or other areas.

Prenatal chiropractic care is one approach that may help support comfortable movement during pregnancy. One technique commonly used by chiropractors with specialized prenatal training is the Webster Technique.

But what exactly is it, and what should expecting mothers know?

What Is the Webster Technique?

According to the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), "The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment. Its goal is to address sacral and/or sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction and support neurobiomechanical function in the pelvic region."

In simple terms, the Webster Technique focuses on aligning the mother's pelvis and sacrum allowing better movement for both mom and baby, not directly manipulating the baby.

The technique is designed to support normal movement and function as the body adapts to pregnancy.

Why Does Pelvic Function Matter During Pregnancy

As pregnancy progresses, your center of gravity changes and everyday movement can feel different. Hormonal changes also affect the joints and tissues that support the pelvis.

These changes may affect areas such as:
Lower back

• Sacrum

• Hips

• Pelvis

• Pubic Symphysis

• Muscles and ligaments surrounding the pelvis

Prenatal chiropractic care focuses on supporting comfortable movement and function as these changes occur.

How Does the Webster Technique Work?

A Webster Technique assessment begins with a chiropractor who has appropriate prenatal training and certification to assess the sacral and pelvic region. This technique can be utilized throughout the pregnancy to bring restorative movement to the mother easing discomfort, improving sleep, and overall quality of her pregnancy.

The technique is individualized rather than following the exact same approach for every patient.

At Optimal Health & Wellness, prenatal care is adapted to each mother's needs, with comfort and appropriate positioning kept in mind throughout the visit.

Can the Webster Technique Turn a Breech Baby?

This is one of the most common questions about Webster Technique.

The Webster Technique is not intended to physically turn a breech baby.

The ICPA states that it does not endorse using Webster as a treatment for fetal malposition or in-utero constraint. Instead, the technique focuses on the mother's sacrum and pelvis. The goal is to support pelvic and neurobiomechanical function, not the manually change the baby's position.

If your baby is breech or you have concern about fetal position, your obstetric provider or midwife should help you understand your options and monitor your pregnancy.

What Are Potential Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic

Every pregnancy is different and chiropractic care cannot guarantee a specific pregnancy or birth outcome.

Depending on your individual needs, prenatal chiropractic care may be used to support:

Pregnancy Comfort: Addressing areas of restricted movement or dysfunction may help support comfort as your baby changes.

Pelvis and Spinal Function: The Webster technique focuses specifically on the sacral and pelvic region.

Mobility: Maintaining comfortable movement can become increasingly important as pregnancy progresses.

Individualized care: A chiropractor trained in prenatal care can adapt positioning and technique to your stage of pregnancy and comfort.

When Should You Start Prenatal Chiropractic Care?

There is no single week of pregnancy when everyone should begin chiropractic care.

Some women seek care early to support their changing bodies, while others seek care later when discomfort develops or they have questions about movement and pelvic function.

The right approach depends on your individual health history, pregnancy, and goals. If you are considering prenatal chiropractic care, discuss your care with your healthcare provider and choose a chiropractor with appropriate prenatal training.

What Happens During A Webster Assessment?

If you have never experienced prenatal chiropractic care, you may wonder what to expect.

Your appointment may include:

Discussing your concerns, health history, and pregnancy.

• Assessing your spinal and pelvic function.

• Identifying areas of tension or restricted movement.

• Determining whether an adjustment is appropriate.

• Adapting positioning and techniques for your comfort.

• Discussing ways to support comfortable movement during pregnancy.

Supporting Your Pregnancy With Personalized Care

Your body goes through constant changes during pregnancy, and your care should be able to change with you.

The Webster Technique is one approach used in prenatal chiropractic care to support the function of the pelvis and sacrum. it does not involve directly manipulating the baby or serve as a technique for turning a breech baby.

If you are considering prenatal chiropractic care, a trained provider can discuss whether it may be appropriate for you based on your individual needs and pregnancy.

References:

• The Webster Technique: Definition, Application and Implications. (2012, May 10). Jeanne Ohm, D.C.1 & Joel Alcantara, D.C.2. Retrieved August 27, 2026, from https://icpa-research.s3.amazonaws.com/webster_technique_definition.pdf

• Magazine, P. (2026, February 1). Can chiropractors turn breech babies? Pathways to FamilyWellness.http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Chiropractic/can-chiropractors-turn-breech-babies.html

• Whitehead, N. (2023, December 19). For many pregnant moms, Webster technique is the key to a safer birth. Pathways to Family Wellness. https://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/chiropractic/for-many-pregnant-moms-webster-technique-is-the-key-to-a-safer-birth.html

• Mt. Lookout Chiropractic & Sports Injury, & Gomez, K. B. (2025, January 29). Understanding chiropractic care and the Webster technique: supporting moms and babies. Mt. Lookout Chiropractic & Sports Injury Center. https://mtlookoutchiro.com/chiropractic-care-and-the-webster-technique/

• Hbfcdev. (2024, July 3). Discover the benefits of the Webster technique for prenatal chiropractic care in Gilbert, AZ. Healthy Beginnings Family Chiropractic. https://healthybeginningsfamilychiro.com/benefits-webster-technique/

• Webster Technique: Chiropractic Support for Pregnancy | Mountain Movement Center. (n.d.). https://www.mountainmovementcenter.com/post/understanding-the-webster-technique-for-expecting-mothers

• Clark, S. (2024, May 23). The growing role of chiropractic in childbirth education. Pathways to Family Wellness. https://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Chiropractic/the-growing-role-of-chiropractic-in-childbirth-education.html