Chiropractic Care for Breech Babies: Exploring Safe and Effective Options

When expecting parents hear the term "breech baby," it often sparks concern and questions about the safest path forward for both mother and child. Breech presentation, where the baby’s feet or buttocks are positioned to be delivered first rather than the head, occurs in about 3-4% of pregnancies at term. While medical interventions such as external cephalic version (ECV) or cesarean sections are common, many parents seek natural, non-invasive options to encourage proper fetal positioning. Chiropractic care offers a safe and effective approach for breech pregnancies.
 

Understanding Breech Presentation

A baby in the breech position at term may create challenges during labor and delivery. The causes of breech presentation vary, including:
 

• Uterine abnormalities or fibroids

• Excess or insufficient amniotic fluid

• Multiple pregnancies

• Limited fetal movement due to structural restrictions
   

Chiropractic care does not directly turn a baby but addresses underlying issues, such as pelvic imbalance and uterine tension, that may hinder optimal positioning.
 

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care during pregnancy focuses on maintaining pelvic alignment, reducing stress on the uterus and surrounding structures, and promoting overall maternal comfort. By ensuring proper alignment and biomechanics, chiropractors create an environment conducive to natural fetal repositioning.
 

A key chiropractic approach for breech pregnancies is the Webster Technique, a specialized adjustment designed to:
 

• Balance the pelvis

• Relax the uterine ligaments

• Alleviate stress on the baby’s movement and positioning
   

Research suggests that the Webster Technique is highly effective, with many mothers reporting successful repositioning of their babies into the head-down (vertex) position after treatment.
 

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Breech Babies

Chiropractic care offers several advantages for mothers with a breech baby:
 

• Non-Invasive: Unlike more invasive options, chiropractic adjustments are gentle and do not involve physical manipulation of the baby.

• Improved Pelvic Alignment: Proper pelvic alignment reduces intrauterine restrictions, encouraging the baby to move into an optimal position naturally.

• Enhanced Maternal Comfort: Chiropractic care can alleviate common pregnancy discomforts such as back pain, hip pain, and sciatica, making the final weeks of pregnancy more manageable.

• Supports Natural Birth Goals: For parents aiming for a vaginal birth, chiropractic care offers a safe alternative to promote natural delivery outcomes.
   

Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?

Chiropractic care, when performed by a trained professional, is safe for both the mother and the baby. Chiropractors with experience in prenatal care use techniques specifically designed for pregnant women, avoiding any undue pressure on the abdomen.
 

When to Seek Chiropractic Care

If you’ve been told your baby is breech, it’s ideal to begin chiropractic care as soon as possible, particularly between 30-37 weeks of pregnancy. The earlier pelvic alignment issues are addressed, the greater the chances of successful repositioning.
 

Supporting You Through Your Pregnancy Journey

We are committed to helping expecting mothers achieve a comfortable and safe pregnancy. We are trained in the Webster Technique and prenatal care, offering personalized support to address your unique needs. Whether you’re navigating a breech pregnancy or seeking relief from pregnancy discomfort, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
 

Reach out to A Family Chiropractic to schedule a consultation and discover how chiropractic care can support your journey to a healthy and happy delivery! Contact our office in San Jose, California, by calling (408) 271-2800 to book an appointment today.