What Is the Webster Method?

As your due date approaches, you’re likely anxious to find out if your baby is positioned for birth.

However, breech presentation — when the baby is feet- or buttocks-first — occurs in up to 4 percent of full-term deliveries. In these cases, clinicians may try to turn the baby head-down before labor or opt for a cesarean section (C-section) to ensure a safe delivery.

An increasing number of expectant parents are seeking chiropractic care during pregnancy to address factors that might contribute to a breech position. A commonly used approach is the Webster technique.

Below is an overview of this approach, how it’s administered, and how to locate a practitioner trained in the method.

Related: Chiropractor while pregnant: What are the benefits?

Definition and terminology

The Webster method refers to a particular style of chiropractic care tailored for pregnant patients.

Chiropractors trained in this approach use the Webster technique, which concentrates on the pelvis and sacrum as well as the nearby muscles and ligaments.

Many chiropractors treat pregnancy-related issues — from nausea to swelling to sleep troubles — but practitioners certified in Webster focus primarily on correcting misalignments (often called subluxations) to enlarge pelvic space.

The idea is that by easing restrictions in the pelvis, there may be more room in the uterus, which could support a smoother labor and delivery.

A brief history of the technique

The Webster technique was created in the 1980s by chiropractor Dr. Larry Webster. His interest in sacrum and pelvic balance grew after his daughter experienced a difficult birth, motivating him to explore how chiropractic adjustments might facilitate labor.

Central to his approach is the concept of intrauterine constraint — when a baby’s movement is limited inside the uterus. This can cause discomfort for the pregnant parent and may prevent the fetus from settling into an optimal birth position.

During his practice, Webster noted that gentle adjustments sometimes coincided with babies shifting from breech to vertex (head-down) positions.

In 2000, a certification program was established for the technique. Webster also founded the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), which now includes over 6,000 chiropractors focused on family health and pediatrics.

Who might benefit from the technique

You might look into Webster-style chiropractic care if you have:

• a baby in breech position
• a history of breech pregnancies
• pelvic or sacral concerns during pregnancy

The Webster technique can be an alternative to — and may be less invasive than — external cephalic version (ECV), the conventional procedure in which a clinician attempts to externally turn the baby by applying pressure to the abdomen.

Some people receive care preventively throughout pregnancy, while others pursue it as an intervention when a specific problem arises.

That said, protocol often recommends ongoing care during pregnancy because the hormone relaxin can make it harder for adjustments to remain stable compared with nonpregnant periods.

Related: 17 pregnancy do’s and don’ts that may surprise you

How is it performed?

At your visit, the chiropractor will provide a special pregnancy cushion so you can lie facedown on the treatment table. The pillow has an opening to support your torso while leaving your abdomen and baby room. Some clinics use tables with drop-down sections to increase comfort and space.

The chiropractor will assess you while you’re lying down. In the Webster protocol, this typically starts with evaluating both feet and flexing them toward the buttocks to see if they align evenly. Any discrepancies may indicate pelvic misalignment.

The practitioner then performs an adjustment on the affected side(s), using either the drop-table mechanism or a specific adjusting instrument. Tell your chiropractor if anything feels uncomfortable.

They may also ask you to turn over so they can examine anterior misalignments. Front-of-body work usually involves soft-tissue techniques, such as massage of abdominal muscles and uterine ligaments.

If you come in for a breech concern, note that chiropractors do not try to manually turn the baby. The objective is to restore pelvic balance so the fetus has room to move into a favorable position on its own.

After care, staying well hydrated is advised to support healing, circulation, and lymphatic flow.

Related: The third trimester: Weight gain and other changes

Where can you find a practitioner?

Not every chiropractor is trained in the Webster approach. You’ll need to locate a certified practitioner.

Certification signifies that the chiropractor has completed 180 hours of focused education on Webster manipulations and has passed a certification exam.

Your obstetrician, midwife, or acquaintances might recommend local providers. You can also search for Webster-certified chiropractors through the ICPA’s find a chiropractor tool.

How successful is it?

A 2002 study of the Webster technique reported an 82 percent success rate for resolving breech presentation by the eighth month of pregnancy.

Although the authors described this as a high rate, the study had limitations: a small sample (112 women), reliance on self-reported data, and potential recall bias because only 18 percent of contacted chiropractors responded.

Additionally, in 59 cases the breech status wasn’t confirmed by ultrasound, raising the possibility of misdiagnosis. Since many early-pregnancy breech positions correct themselves before term, it’s unclear how much the chiropractic intervention contributed.

A 2020 case report documented a 28-year-old who sought Webster care at 35 weeks; after five sessions and some at-home work the baby turned to vertex before birth.

Conversely, a 2013 case report of a 23-year-old with low amniotic fluid found the Webster method did not correct the breech.

Case reports and small studies don’t replace rigorous research. Larger, higher-quality trials are needed to better determine the technique’s true effectiveness.

Related: Can you give birth to your baby in the vertex position?

Benefits and pros

An advantage of the Webster technique is that it’s generally gentle compared with external cephalic version.

Based on the limited published data, it may show a higher success rate; however, stronger evidence is required. (For comparison, the success rate for external cephalic version is slightly above 50 percent.)

These findings imply that regular Webster adjustments might reduce the likelihood of cesarean delivery, potentially avoiding the risks tied to surgical birth.

The technique is considered safe for most pregnancies and can be used either throughout gestation or as an intervention for a breech baby.

Besides addressing breech presentation, Webster care may help relieve:

• leg pain
• leg tightness
• back pain
• narrow birth canal concerns

Risks and cons

Overall, the Webster technique is viewed as relatively safe.

One drawback is that chiropractic services aren’t always covered by health insurance. Before booking, verify your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

There are also conditions in which chiropractic adjustments may not be appropriate. Talk with your clinician before undergoing chiropractic care if you have:

• vaginal bleeding
• placenta previa or placental abruption
• moderate to severe preeclampsia

What to ask your doctor

If you’re considering the Webster technique, bring it up at your next prenatal visit. Your physician may already be familiar with it and can help you weigh options.

Questions to consider asking:

• Have your patients seen good outcomes with this method?
• When is the ideal time in pregnancy to begin chiropractic care?
• Is there any medical reason I should avoid chiropractic adjustments?
• Are there any risks of chiropractic care I might not be aware of?
• Can you recommend any Webster-certified chiropractors nearby?
• What warning signs should prompt concern during or after an adjustment (pain, unusual symptoms, etc.)?

The bottom line

The Webster technique may be a reasonable option if you have concerns about your pelvic alignment or your baby’s position in utero. Even without specific issues, chiropractic care can help manage discomfort as your body changes during pregnancy.

Discuss the approach with your healthcare provider to learn whether it might be helpful for you, to understand potential benefits and risks, and to locate certified chiropractors in your area.