Vaginal birth is nature’s way of delivering babies, but when the mother’s pelvis is too small or the baby is improperly positioned in the womb, caesarian section might be the safest way to birth the baby. Because having a C-section is a major surgical procedure, reducing the need for it with chiropractic care throughout the pregnancy is a sound idea.
When is a C-section Often Required?
C-sections are often required in the following cases:
- Failure for labor to progress, known as dystocia (birth canal too small, irregular contractions)
- Breech presentation (baby’s feet come out first)
- Repeat cesarean (Previous C-sections)
- Fetal distress (abnormal heartbeat or other distress determined)
- Other (maternal illness, medical emergencies)
Chiropractic treatment may effectively reduce the number of women who need C-sections due to difficult labor or fetuses sitting in a breech position.
What Chiropractors Do To Reduce C-section
Throughout the pregnancy, chiropractic doctors work on the pelvic area to restore a state of balance and increase the likelihood of a quick, safe, and conventional birth. Using manipulation, stretches, and safe exercises on the lower back, the doctor helps properly align the pelvis to get the baby in a position that is comfortable for the mother during pregnancy, and when delivery comes near, properly positioned for birth.
Chiropractic treatment helps the woman achieve a better pelvic balance and reduces the risk for difficult labor and interventions that can harm the baby, such as forceps delivery, pulling on the baby’s spine, or using vacuum extraction.
The Webster Technique Can Help Prevent Breech Births
The Webster Technique is a type of preventative treatment utilized during pregnancy that can encourage proper alignment of the pelvis. A certified and skilled chiropractor uses very specific adjustments that reduces strain on the uterus and allows more room for the baby to get into better position for birth. By putting light force on the sacrum and loosening abdominal muscle and ligament tension, the process reduces sacral subluxation and allows for better downward positioning of the baby within the womb.
The Webster Technique is not the same as a practice known as external cephalic version that certain experienced obstetricians can do. ECV is done after 37 weeks if there is no sign of the baby turning on its own, and it must be done in a hospital setting with the labor and delivery team on standby as it can sometimes induce labor.
If a baby is already in a breech position, a chiropractor cannot “turn” the baby. The Webster Technique manipulations are used to aid in preventing a breech presentation during pregnancy.
Postnatal Chiropractic Can Get You Back In Shape
After pregnancy, the changes in your pelvis may make walking, sitting, and sleeping uncomfortable. The new stresses of picking up, carrying and nursing a baby, plus carrying a loaded diaper bag and car seat can also disrupt your biomechanics. Chiropractic treatment as well as exercise, massage and a healthy lifestyle can all help your postnatal recovery.
If you are pregnant, Raintree Medical & Chiropractic Center can make you more comfortable while increasing the chances for an easier birth through chiropractic treatments, massage, and yoga classes designed for pregnancy. Just schedule an appointment online or call us at (816) 623-3020.