Chiropractic Care, Webster Technique, and Pregnancy: How It Helps

Pregnancy is a time of rapid change—physically, hormonally, and emotionally. As the baby grows, a woman’s body adapts in many ways, including postural shifts, increased spinal stress, and changes in pelvic alignment. These changes can sometimes contribute to discomfort like back pain, pelvic pressure, sciatica, and more. Supporting the nervous system and musculoskeletal balance during this time is essential—not only for maternal comfort, but also for optimal fetal positioning and function.

Chiropractic care during pregnancy focuses on gentle, non-invasive adjustments that help maintain proper alignment of the spine and pelvis, reduce stress on the nervous system, and support overall wellness. One specialized technique often used during pregnancy is the Webster Technique. This method is designed to gently assess and adjust the pelvis and surrounding ligaments, aiming to reduce intrauterine constraint and help the baby settle into an ideal head-down position naturally. While chiropractic does not treat pregnancy conditions or “flip” breech babies, the goal is to create balance in the mother’s pelvis and nervous system—encouraging an environment that supports a more comfortable pregnancy and efficient birth process.

The research below highlights case studies and clinical observations that explore how chiropractic care may positively impact pregnancy-related discomfort, labor duration, fetal positioning, and maternal well-being.

Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy May Support Natural Delivery

This article discusses the potential benefits of chiropractic care as part of a holistic prenatal routine. The author suggests that regular chiropractic adjustments, combined with proper nutrition, exercise, stretching, and stress management, may enhance the likelihood of a smoother, natural birth process. Chiropractic care is presented not as a treatment for disease but as supportive care to optimize maternal function.
Source: Vallone S. The Role of Chiropractic in Pregnancy. ICA Review. Summer 2002;47–51.

Low Back Pain During Pregnancy Linked to Future Pain Risk

This follow-up study examined women who experienced severe low back pain during pregnancy. Researchers found that these women were at a significantly increased risk for recurring and intensified low back pain during subsequent pregnancies and even when not pregnant. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing low back pain early in pregnancy to possibly reduce future complications.
Source: Brynhildsen J, Hansson A, Persson A, Hammar M. Follow-up of patients with low back pain during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 1998;91(2):182–186.

Spinal Curve Changes Linked to Preeclampsia Risk in Pregnancy

This study explored whether changes in the spinal curvature—specifically decreased lumbar lordosis (lower back curve)—were associated with preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy condition marked by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Researchers found a correlation between reduced lumbar curvature and increased risk of preeclampsia, as well as reduced blood flow to the iliac artery, which supplies the pelvis.
Source: Kanayama N, Maradny EE, Kajiwara Y, et al. Hypolordosis: a predisposing factor for preeclampsia. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 1997;75:115–121.

Chiropractic Care May Shorten Labor Time

Dr. Joan Fallon studied 65 women who received chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, starting from at least the 10th week until delivery. Women in their first pregnancy had labor times 24% shorter than the national average, while women with prior pregnancies had labor times 39% shorter. These results suggest that chiropractic care may help support more efficient labor and delivery.
Source: Fallon J. The Effects of Chiropractic Treatment on Pregnancy and Labor: A Comprehensive Study. Proceedings of the World Chiropractic Congress. 1991:24–31.

Chiropractic Care Reduces Back Pain and Back Labor

In this study of 170 pregnant women, 72% who experienced back pain during pregnancy also reported back labor. Among those who received chiropractic adjustments, 84% reported relief of back pain, and fewer experienced back labor. The findings suggest chiropractic care may reduce both pregnancy-related back pain and the chance of painful back labor.
Source: Diakow PRP, Gadsby TA, Gadsby JB, et al. Back pain during pregnancy and labor. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1991;14(2).

Shorter Labor Times with Chiropractic Care Confirmed Again

In a separate paper, Dr. Joan Fallon reaffirms that about half of all pregnant women report back pain, and that chiropractic adjustments throughout pregnancy may reduce labor time significantly. This emphasizes chiropractic care as a supportive tool to help women experience more comfortable pregnancies and deliveries.
Source: Fallon J. The Effect of Chiropractic Treatment on Pregnancy and Labor: A Comprehensive Study. Yeshiva University; 1991. World Chiropractic Congress Abstracts.

Neurological Conditions in Pregnancy Linked to Subluxation

This article outlines several nerve-related symptoms that can arise during pregnancy and may be associated with spinal subluxations, including sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and intercostal neuralgia. It proposes that chiropractic adjustments may help relieve these symptoms by improving spinal alignment and nerve function during pregnancy.
Source: Fallon J. Chiropractic and Pregnancy: A Partnership for the Future. ICA Review. Nov/Dec 1990:39–42.

Chiropractic Adjustments May Ease Pregnancy and Delivery

This brief summary from the ACA states that regular chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy may help reduce physical stress, ease discomfort, and support a safer, more comfortable delivery. Chiropractic care is described as safe throughout the entire pregnancy, even up to the day of delivery.
Source: Penna M. Pregnancy and Chiropractic Care. ACA Journal of Chiropractic. Nov 1989:31.

Easier Pregnancies and Deliveries With Chiropractic Care

A study referenced during a court case revealed that women receiving chiropractic care during their third trimester had higher rates of carrying to term and experienced more comfortable deliveries. The research was noted during testimony in a legal trial involving the American Medical Association.
Source: AMA Study, U.S. District Court Northern Illinois Eastern Division, No. 76C 3777; testimony by Irvin Hendryson, M.D.

Chiropractic May Reduce Need for Painkillers During Delivery

In testimony comparing two neighboring hospitals, Dr. Freitag, a medical expert, stated that patients under chiropractic care during pregnancy required half the amount of painkillers during labor and delivery. The implication is that chiropractic adjustments may support the body’s ability to handle labor more naturally and comfortably.
Source: Freitag P. U.S. District Court Northern Illinois Eastern Division, No. 76C 3777, May 1987.

Manual Therapy During Labor Reduces Need for Medication

This osteopathic study compared the effects of pressure applied to the lumbar spine versus upper thoracic spine during labor. The women who received pressure in the lumbar area reported reduced pain and required less medication. The study also linked back pain during labor to abnormal fetal positioning.
Source: Guthrie R, Martin R. Effect of pressure applied to the upper thoracic versus lumbar areas during labor. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 1982;82(4):247–251.

Adjustments Help with Common Discomforts in Pregnancy

This article reviewed how osteopathic and chiropractic adjustments help keep the spine and pelvis functioning well during pregnancy. Benefits may include improved circulation, reduced nausea, less discomfort from the growing uterus, and a faster return to health after delivery. Adjustments were also suggested as supportive care for preventing or easing toxemia.
Source: Hampton D. What is the role of osteopathic manipulative therapy in obstetric care? J Am Osteopath Assoc. 1974;74:192.