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Chiropractic Technique Helps Prevent C-Sections

The July/August 2002 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics finds that a specific chiropractic adjusting technique is very effective in helping correct certain types of breech (feet-first) presentations in pregnant women.

According to the author, Dr. Richard Pistolese of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), intrauterine constraint (a tightening of the uterus that obstructs normal fetal movement) can adversely affect the developing baby’s spine during prenatal and perinatal periods. Intrauterine constraint has also been related to a number of problems including structural defects of the fetal skeleton and, more commonly, can lead to a breech presentation of the baby. In the United States, 86% of breech babies are delivered by cesarean section.

“The importance of preventing intrauterine constraint and subsequent cesarean section delivery is apparent, considering current statistics,” reports the author. “The United States and Canada have some of the highest rates of obstetric interventions in the world, which boosts the already high cost of obstetric intensive care.”

C-sections are also dangerous. The infant death rate of breech babies is approximately four times that of a normal (head-first) presentation. In 1999, 22% of all births in the United States were C-sections.

The chiropractic technique, known as “The Webster Technique” does not involve physically moving the baby from the outside and should not be considered a medical obstetric procedure.

With the adjustment of specific areas of the spine and pelvis and relaxing abdominal muscle tension and spasms, intrauterine constraint can be relieved in many cases and the baby can turn to a normal head-first presentation on its own. It is best performed in the 8^th month of pregnancy. After that point, breech resolution is less likely to occur.

Pistolese concludes that the Webster Technique can help avoid the costs and dangers associated with cesarean section. “In view of these findings,” he says, “the Webster Technique deserves serious consideration in the management of expectant mothers exhibiting adverse fetal presentation.”

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