If you’re pregnant and looking into chiropractic care, you may have come across the term ‘Webster Technique’ — and wondered what on earth it actually means. You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we hear from expectant mothers at Northcote Chiropractic, so we’ve put together this guide to answer it properly.

The short version: the Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic method developed for use during pregnancy, and yes — when performed by a trained practitioner — it is considered safe. But let’s dig into the detail.

What Is the Webster Technique?

The Webster Technique is a chiropractic analysis and adjustment method developed by Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). It was specifically designed to address the pelvis and sacrum during pregnancy.

At its core, the technique works by assessing and restoring balance to the sacral and pelvic region — an area that undergoes enormous change during pregnancy as your body shifts its centre of gravity, your ligaments loosen, and your uterus grows. When the pelvis is misaligned or under tension, it can affect the surrounding muscles and ligaments, which in turn can restrict the space available for your baby to move and find an optimal position.

The Webster Technique involves:

• A specific chiropractic adjustment to the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of your spine)
• Soft tissue release work on the round ligaments, which support the uterus
• Assessment of pelvic balance and alignment throughout the pregnancy

Is It Just About Baby Position?

This is where a common misconception comes in. The Webster Technique is not a technique to ‘turn a breech baby.’ It is not a medical procedure, and chiropractors do not manually move babies. What it does is remove tension and imbalance in the pelvis and surrounding structures — which may then allow the baby more freedom to move naturally into an optimal position.

Think of it this way: if the pelvic bowl is twisted or under tension, the space inside becomes irregular. By restoring balance and reducing that tension, we’re simply giving your baby the best possible environment to settle in the ideal position for birth. What your baby does from there is entirely their own doing.

How Does It Work in Practice?

When you come in for a Webster Technique session at Northcote Chiropractic, you will be assessed lying comfortably on our specially designed pregnancy pillows — which allow you to lie face down safely even in the third trimester. Our certified practitioners use gentle, specific pressure on the sacrum and soft tissue release on the round ligaments.

Sessions are generally comfortable and many patients find them deeply relaxing. The adjustments used are light and precise.

We assess and adjust the whole person, not just the pelvis. Pregnancy affects the entire spine, and a holistic approach — looking at how your nervous system is adapting to the incredible changes happening in your body — is central to the way we work.

Is the Webster Technique Safe During Pregnancy?

This is the question that matters most, and the honest answer is: yes, the Webster Technique is considered safe during pregnancy when performed by a practitioner who is certified and trained specifically in its use.

Here’s what makes it appropriate for pregnancy:

• The technique uses gentle, low-force adjustments.
• It is specifically designed with the pregnant body in mind
• Practitioners certified in Webster are trained to understand the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy
• The ICPA provides rigorous certification requirements before a chiropractor can claim proficiency in this technique

Dr. Delphine Sailly received her Webster Technique certification from Dr. Jeanne Ohm herlsef, Jeanne served as CEO of the ICPA and was personally mentored by Dr. Larry Webster. She dedicated her life to teaching chiropractors about pregnancy and birth, and walked that path herself — giving birth to all six of her children at home. Her knowledge came from both sides of the room. That’s about as close to the source of this technique as it’s possible to get.

What Does the Research Say?

The evidence base for chiropractic care during pregnancy is growing, though — as with much of women’s health research — there is still more work to be done. What we do have is a substantial body of case studies and clinical reports, alongside broader research into the role of the nervous system in pregnancy and birth outcomes.

Research influenced by neuroscientist Dr. Heidi Haavik and others highlights how chiropractic care can positively influence nervous system function. A well-functioning nervous system means better communication between your brain and body — and during pregnancy, that matters enormously for how your body adapts, manages discomfort, and prepares for labour.

Many midwives and obstetricians in the UK are increasingly open to chiropractic care during pregnancy, particularly for managing pelvic girdle pain, symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), and lower back pain — conditions that the NHS acknowledges affect a significant proportion of pregnant women.

When Might the Webster Technique Be Recommended?

You don’t need to have a specific problem to benefit from Webster-focused chiropractic care during pregnancy. Many patients come to us simply as a form of proactive support for their changing body. That said, it is particularly relevant if:

• You are experiencing pelvic pain, pelvic girdle pain, or discomfort in the sacroiliac joints
• Your baby has been identified as being in a breech, transverse, or posterior position (especially from around 32 weeks)
• You have a history of difficult births, pelvic floor issues, or spinal problems
• You want to support your body’s natural adaptation to pregnancy and optimise your pelvic environment
• You are preparing for a vaginal birth and want to ensure your pelvis is as balanced and mobile as possible

We always work in collaboration with your midwife or obstetrician, and we will always take a full health history before beginning care.

Who Shouldn’t Have the Webster Technique?

While the Webster Technique is appropriate for the vast majority of pregnancies, there are some situations where we would modify our approach or defer to your medical team:

• Placenta praevia
• Placental abruption
• Pre-eclampsia or eclampsia
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Severe osteoporosis

If you have any high-risk pregnancy factors, please do let us know when you book. We will always carry out a thorough consultation before beginning any care, and will refer you appropriately if chiropractic is not suitable for your situation.

What to Expect at Northcote Chiropractic

We have been caring for pregnant women and their families in Battersea for many years. Pregnancy care — including the Webster Technique — is one of our speciality, and it is something we take enormous care with.

Your first visit will involve a full consultation where we take a thorough health history, discuss your pregnancy, your symptoms, and your goals. We’ll carry out a gentle assessment and explain everything we find before we do anything at all. You are always in control.

We use specialist pregnancy pillows that allow you to be fully supported in a comfortable position at every stage of your pregnancy. Our clinic is welcoming, calm, and family-friendly — we regularly see babies, toddlers, and children alongside their pregnant mamas.

We would love to support you through your pregnancy. If you have questions, or you’d like to book a consultation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Ready to find out more?

Book a pregnancy consultation at Northcote Chiropractic

Phone: 020 7350 1100
Email: info@northcotechiropractic.co.uk

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