Research Shows Chiropractic Helped With Difficult Birth

A case study published in February 2009 in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, documented the case of a woman in the midst of a difficult birth receiving help with chiropractic. This case study showed the successful collaboration of chiropractors and midwives, as the authors describe the care of a woman in labor with problems.

This case study involved a 26 year old first time mother experiencing problems while in labor. She was attempting a home birth delivery with 3 midwives and her chiropractor in attendance. At 23 hours of labor, the woman had lack of cervical dilation, descent but diminished uterine contractions along with decreased fetal heart tones. Due to the variety of problems the midwives discussed the possibility of transferring the patient to the hospital. At that point the decision was made to initiate chiropractic care with the “Webster Technique”.

The Webster Technique, created by famed pediatric Chiropractor, Dr. Larry Webster, is the application of a specific chiropractic adjustment, which reduces interference to the nervous system (subluxation) and helps return balance in the pelvic structures thereby improving the physiological functioning of the pelvic muscles and ligaments. This in turn removes in-utero constraint and allows for the fetus to get into the best possible position for birth.

After the application of chiropractic care, the midwives reported a significant improvement in labor progression. The patient’s contractions became stronger and more frequent, and the fetal heart tones stabilized. The midwives again attempted various patient positioning, more homeopathic remedies and performed a surgical rupture of the patients membranes. As the labor continued, they recommended further chiropractic care.

At 34 hours of labor, the attending chiropractor rendered care again. One-half hour later, the patient finally reached complete cervical dilation. The labor progressed rapidly thereafter, and the patient began pushing. A healthy baby girl was born vaginally at home one hour after receiving her last chiropractic spinal adjustment.

Dr. Jeanne Ohm, Executive Director of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) and one of the co-authors of the study stated, “Research is revealing that chiropractic care is extremely beneficial before, during and after the birth process, helping the mother enjoy a healthier pregnancy, a more normal delivery and giving the child a better start in life. Study after study is showing that a chiropractor is an indispensable part of the birthing team.”