Chiropractic Care for a Healthier Pregnancy: The Webster Technique [Updated 2025]
Your back aches in ways you didn’t know were possible.
Your hips feel like they’re being pulled apart, and that sharp, shooting pain down your leg? Let’s not even go there.
Sound familiar?
If you’re pregnant and finding that simple things—like getting out of bed or putting on shoes—feel impossible, you’re not alone. Up to 80% of pregnant women experience back pain at some point.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to just grit your teeth and wait it out until delivery.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy can be a valuable support option—not just for easing pain, but for improving your overall comfort, alignment, and even your birth experience.
Today, I’m sharing insights from Dr. Savy Ford of Blossom Family Chiropractic in St. Pete. She’s helped countless expecting mothers find relief, better balance, and support throughout pregnancy.
Many of our doula clients have seen wonderful results with chiropractic care—from easing discomfort during pregnancy to helping with slow-to-start or stalled labors.
So, could chiropractic care be just what your pregnant body needs?
Why Your Pregnant Body Craves Balance and Alignment
Think about everything your body is doing right now.
Between fluctuating hormones, a shifting center of gravity, an expanding ribcage, and a pelvis that’s widening to make room for birth—it’s no wonder your body feels different every day.
It’s a lot.
“So many changes happen during pregnancy—hormonal, chemical, postural, even gravitational,” explains Dr. Ford. “Your nervous system—your body’s master control system—needs to adapt to all of these physical, chemical, and emotional demands.”
Here’s the thing: when your spine or pelvis are out of alignment, your nervous system can’t do its job effectively.
So, what happens when things get out of whack?
Those hormonal and gravitational changes during pregnancy often misalign the spine and pelvis, which can lead to:
- Uncomfortable symptoms (hello, sciatica 👋)
- Less-than-ideal positioning for your baby
- Reduced nerve flow and communication between you and your baby
- A longer or more challenging labor
When your spine is aligned, both you and your baby can function at your best—supporting a smoother pregnancy, easier delivery, and healthier birth.
What Is the Webster Technique — and Why It Matters
If you’ve looked into chiropractic care during pregnancy, you’ve probably come across the Webster Technique. So what exactly is it?
The Webster Technique is a specialized chiropractic method designed just for pregnancy. Unlike general adjustments, it focuses on balancing the pelvis—helping your baby have plenty of room to grow, move, and get into the best position for birth.
Here’s why thats so important:
When the pelvis is out of alignment, it can create something called intrauterine constraint—a twist or tension in the uterus might make it more difficult for your baby to move freely.
This can:
- Prevent your baby from positioning optimally for birth
- Lead to a longer or more difficult labor
- Increase the chances of needing interventions during delivery
As Dr. Ford explains, “When your hips are balanced, many women experience smoother, faster, and less painful deliveries.”
The Webster Technique isn’t about “flipping” breech babies—though that can occasionally happen as a bonus. It’s really about creating the best possible conditions for your baby to move and position themselves naturally.
Chiropractic Benefits That Go Beyond Pain Relief
Most expecting moms first try chiropractic care to ease pregnancy aches — but the benefits go beyond just feeling better.
Here are just a few ways chiropractic care can support you during pregnancy:
Physical benefits:
- Supporting a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy overall
- Controlling symptoms of nausea (yes, really!)
- Easing back, neck, and joint discomfort
- Potentially reducing the length of labor and delivery
- Promoting optimal baby positioning for delivery
Birth-related benefits:
- May reduce the need for unnecessary interventions during birth
- Helping prevent or ease dystocia (difficult labor)
- Reducing physical stress and trauma for both mom and baby
- Supporting your body’s natural ability to birth
Overall wellness benefits:
- Improved sleep and deeper rest
- Easier movement and more comfort in daily life
- Less stress on your nervous system — helping your whole body work in harmony
- A stronger sense of body awareness and connection to your baby
What to Expect with Chiropractic Care during Pregnancy
If you’ve never been to a chiropractor before, the idea of getting adjusted while pregnant might feel intimidating.
Here’s what you can expect — and why it’s gentler than you might think:
Your First Visit: Your chiropractor will start by getting to know you—your pregnancy, your comfort levels, and any specific aches or concerns. They’ll check posture, spinal alignment, and pelvic balance to tailor care for your body’s unique needs.
During Adjustments: Adjustments during pregnancy are gentle and precise—always designed with your changing body in mind. Most moms are surprised by how comfortable, relaxing, and even relieving the experience can be.
Ongoing Care: Many moms find regular adjustments throughout pregnancy help them feel their best. The frequency depends on your unique needs and how your body responds over time.
Safety First: When performed by a chiropractor trained in prenatal care, adjustments are considered safe for both mom and baby. You can always ask your provider about their prenatal training and techniques—most love explaining how they keep both you and baby safe and comfortable.
How to Find the Right Chiropractor for Your Pregnancy
Not every chiropractor is trained to work with pregnant clients — and that difference really matters.
Here’s what to look for when choosing yours:
Specialized training: Look for a chiropractor with extra training in caring for pregnant and postpartum people — ideally someone who’s Webster Certified and experienced with family care.
Where to find qualified practitioners: Dr. Ford recommends visiting icpa4kids.com and using their “Find a Doctor” tool to search for certified prenatal chiropractors in your area.
Questions to ask:
- Are you Webster Certified?
- How much of your practice focuses on pregnancy and postpartum clients?
- What’s your experience with my specific concerns (for example, sciatica or pelvic pain)?
- Can you share testimonials or references from other expecting parents?
Trust your gut: As with any care provider, you should feel comfortable, respected, and heard. Don’t hesitate to meet with a few chiropractors before deciding who feels like the best fit for you.
When to Consider Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
Chiropractic care can be especially helpful if you’re experiencing:
- Lower back pain or sciatica
- Hip pain or pelvic discomfort
- Round-ligament pain
- Headaches or neck stiffness
- Difficulty sleeping due to discomfort
- Limited mobility or range of motion
You might find it especially helpful if:
- This isn’t your first pregnancy — your body may need a little extra support this time around
- You had back or pelvic issues before pregnancy
- Your baby is currently breech or posterior
- You want to prepare your body for the smoothest, most positive birth experience possible
When to start: There’s no “perfect” time to begin chiropractic care during pregnancy. Some expecting moms start in their first trimester, while others don’t seek care until later when new aches or alignment changes appear. The key is tuning into your body and reaching out for care when you need it.
Your Body Deserves Support
Here’s what I want you to remember: pregnancy discomfort isn’t just something you have to push through.
Your body is doing incredible work right now —and it deserves all the care and support you can give it.
Prenatal chiropractic care is about supporting your body’s natural ability to adapt, heal, and prepare for birth.
You don’t have to suffer through pregnancy pain.
You don’t have to accept that aches and pains are “just part of being pregnant.”
During this extraordinary season, you deserve to feel as good as possible.
If you’re feeling sore, tense or out of balance during pregnancy, consider reaching out to a qualified prenatal chiropractor. Your body—and your baby—will thank you for the care.
Ready to Find Relief?
If you’re in the Tampa Bay area, Dr. Savy Ford at Blossom Family Chiropractic has extensive experience supporting expecting moms through gentle, evidence-informed chiropractic care. You can reach her at 727-498-5643 or email blossomfamilychiro@gmail.com.
If you’re outside Tampa Bay,, visit www.icpa4kids.com to find a Webster Certified chiropractor near you.
Looking for even more pregnancy support?
Our doula team partners closely with chiropractors and other wellness professionals to give you comprehensive support throughout pregnancy and birth. We believe in an integrative, heart-centered approach—because you deserve nothing less than the very best experience.
Special thanks to Dr. Savy Ford of Blossom Family Chiropractic for sharing her expertise and dedication to prenatal and postpartum wellness in the Tampa Bay community.
Also check out:
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