Chiropractic helps support the normal physiology of the mother and infant throughout pregnancy. Regarding the mother, Chiropractic can help:
Reduce disruptions to her Nerve System
Prepare the pelvis for an easier pregnancy and birth
Remove tension in the ligaments that support the uterus
Improve maternal function (labor and delivery)
Regarding the infant, Chiropractic can help:
Reduce disruptions to the mother’s Nerve System which allows for better baby development
Balance the mother’s pelvis, which allows for greater room for the baby to develop without restrictions
Offer the baby room to move into the best possible position for birth
Decrease the potential for Dystocia
Dystocia is defined as “difficult or stalled labor.” Labor involves a sequence of normal physiological developments that prep the mother and fetus for delivery. Any event that can stall delivery or cause it to become difficult, is often labeled as dystocia.
There are 3 primary causes for dystocia. The causes are outlined in Williams Obstetrics, the gold standard textbook for Obstetrics. Dystocia is a very complex condition that can be subjective, especially in ascertaining a diagnosis.
The 3 causes of dystocia are inadequate nerve function (abnormalities of the expulsive forces), unbalanced, misaligned pelvic bones (abnormalities of the maternal bony pelvis) and suboptimal baby positioning (abnormalities of fetal development, position and/or presentation).
In Chiropractic, there is a wide array of techniques and approaches to adjusting vertebral subluxations and spinal misalignments. One technique has shown to have a great positive influence on pregnant women and reducing the potential for dystocia. That method is the Webster technique.
The Webster technique concentrates on pelvic biomechanics and female ligament integrity. The purpose of the Webster technique is to reduce the effects of a sacral misalignment. In so doing, nerve and biomechanical function in the pelvis is improved.
Chiropractic care does not aim to treat the effects of dystocia. The intention of Chiropractic is to aid the body naturally. A misaligned sacrum can contribute to dystocia in a negative way. By reducing the presence of a sacral misalignment, the body has a greater potential to maintain normal function.
I have completed the requirements to be Webster Certified by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). I have undergone a written and clinical exam for Webster Certification under the direction of Jeanne Ohm, DC. I was certified on 11/12/2017.
Chiropractic in general, and the Webster technique especially, help support women who want safer natural births.
Jarek Esarco, DC, CACCP is a pediatric, family wellness and upper cervical specific Chiropractor. He is an active member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Dr. Jarek has postgraduate certification in Pediatric Chiropractic through the ICPA. Dr. Jarek also has postgraduate certification in the HIO Specific Brain Stem technique through The TIC Institute. Dr. Jarek is happily married to his wife Regina. They live in Youngstown, Ohio with their daughter Ruby.