Webster Technique for Pregnancy

Prenatal Chiropractic Care by Dr. Sura Corrigan, DC, Webster Certified
Far Hills Family Chiropractic – Serving Far Hills & Jersey City, NJ

Pregnancy is a time of profound physical and emotional transformation. As the body adapts, the structures of the pelvis, spine, and supporting ligaments undergo continuous change to accommodate a growing baby. At Far Hills Family Chiropractic, the Webster Technique is offered as a gentle, specialized method of prenatal chiropractic care designed to support comfort, balance, and optimal pelvic function throughout pregnancy.

What Is the Webster Technique?

The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that focuses on the sacrum, pelvis, and surrounding soft tissues, including the uterine ligaments. Its goal is to:

• Improve pelvic alignment

• Reduce tension in key muscles and ligaments

• Support balanced biomechanics

• Enhance nervous system function

The Webster Technique is gentle, precise, and specifically adapted for pregnancy. It does not involve manipulating or attempting to turn the baby. Instead, it supports the mother’s body by creating a more balanced and relaxed environment that allows the baby to move and settle naturally.

History of the Webster Technique

Developed over thirty years ago by Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), the Webster Technique arose from his desire to better support pregnant women after witnessing his daughter’s difficult labor.

He created a protocol focused on sacral and pelvic alignment and the ligaments connected to the uterus. Over time, chiropractors observed that balanced pelvic function often correlated with improved comfort and more easeful pregnancies. Today, chiropractors must complete advanced prenatal training through the ICPA to become Webster Certified, ensuring a high level of competency, safety, and understanding of prenatal anatomy and physiology.

What a Webster Technique Visit Looks Like

At Far Hills Family Chiropractic, the Webster Technique is performed gently and safely, supporting the body’s natural ability to adapt and align during pregnancy.

1. Prenatal Assessment

The visit begins with an evaluation of:

• Pelvic and sacral alignment

• Posture and gait

• Muscle tone and ligament tension

• Areas of imbalance or discomfort

• Stage of pregnancy and baby’s known position

This assessment guides the customized adjustment.

2. Comfortable Pregnancy Positioning

Supportive pregnancy cushions safely accommodate growing bellies and ensure comfort in every trimester. Many pregnant women say they love the pillows and find them wonderfully relaxing.

3. The Webster Adjustment

The Webster protocol includes two main steps:

Sacral Adjustment
A gentle, targeted adjustment is applied to the sacrum to restore proper motion and balance.

Soft Tissue Release
Tension in the ligaments and musculature supporting the uterus—particularly the round ligaments—is gently addressed through light pressure and soft-tissue techniques.

4. How It Feels

Webster adjustments are typically described as:

• Gentle

• Relieving

• Calming

• Balancing

Plan for a 30-minute first visit; additional appointments are usually about 10 minutes each.

Safety of the Webster Technique During Pregnancy

The Webster Technique is safe, non-invasive, and appropriate throughout all stages of pregnancy when performed by a trained prenatal chiropractor.

It does not involve:

• Twisting the abdomen

• Forceful manipulation

• Any attempt to manually change the baby’s position

Instead, the focus is entirely on the mother’s pelvic balance, allowing her body to function optimally during pregnancy.

How the Webster Technique Supports Pregnancy

The Webster Technique supports the natural physiological changes of pregnancy by:

1. Reducing Pelvic and Lower Back Discomfort

Pelvic imbalance can contribute to low-back pain, sciatic-type discomfort, sacral tension, and pubic symphysis irritation. Balancing the pelvis often leads to improved comfort and mobility.

2. Improving Pelvic Biomechanics

A balanced pelvis moves more efficiently, distributes weight evenly, and supports the spine as posture changes throughout pregnancy.

3. Supporting the Uterine Environment

Balanced ligaments help the uterus sit more centrally, reducing torsion or pulling that can contribute to discomfort or restriction.

4. Enhancing Nervous System Function

Chiropractic adjustments help regulate the nervous system, supporting the body’s ability to adapt to the demands of pregnancy.

5. Creating Space for Baby’s Natural Movement

When pelvic alignment is optimized, babies often have more room to move freely and settle into positions that support healthy labor and delivery.

Webster Technique and Breech Presentation

The Webster Technique is regarded as one of the most supportive approaches for encouraging ideal baby positioning. By improving pelvic alignment and easing tension around the uterus, it often creates the spacious, balanced environment that allows babies to move comfortably. Many babies naturally shift into a better position once the mother’s body is aligned. Importantly, the Webster Technique does not manually turn the baby. Its purpose is to reduce muscular and ligamentous imbalance—known as intrauterine constraint—that may otherwise limit a baby’s natural ability to move.

By reducing these imbalances, the Webster Technique:

• Helps create more space for natural movement

• Eases tension around the uterus

• Supports optimal pelvic mechanics

• Allows the baby the opportunity to shift position naturally if space permits

While results vary, many women experience a high rate of success as their bodies become more balanced and aligned.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should a pregnant woman start the Webster Technique?

Women may begin at any point—early in pregnancy for wellness, or later for specific concerns.

How often are visits recommended?

Frequency depends on the patient’s needs, comfort, and stage of pregnancy. Care plans are customized after the initial assessment.

Does it hurt?

No. The Webster Technique is soft, precise, and tailored for pregnancy, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience.

Can it be used along with care from an OB or midwife?

Yes. Chiropractic care works beautifully alongside obstetric or midwifery care and is often integrated into the overall prenatal plan.

Prenatal Chiropractic Care in Far Hills, NJ

Far Hills Family Chiropractic proudly supports pregnant women and families throughout Far Hills, Basking Ridge, Bernardsville, Bedminster, Tewksbury, and Somerset County, NJ.
With extensive prenatal certifications—including Webster Certification through the ICPA, Lamaze childbirth education training, doula training, and specialized bodywork modalities—Dr. Sura Corrigan offers an elegant, holistic approach to pregnancy wellness.

The body is designed to adapt to pregnancy with intelligence and ease. The Webster Technique simply helps restore the balance that allows that process to unfold naturally.

Whether you are looking for more comfort, greater pelvic balance, or support for optimal baby positioning, the Webster Technique offers a calm and gentle path forward. To begin care, simply contact Far Hills Family Chiropractic to schedule an appointment. We are honored to support you through a healthy and aligned pregnancy.