What to Expect With the Webster Technique During Pregnancy

Dr. Catie Cortner, DC — Arise Family Chiropractic
Medically reviewed by Dr. Catie Cortner, DC. Last reviewed: September 2026.

The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment designed to reduce sacral and pelvic imbalance during pregnancy, which may help relieve common discomforts like low back pain, hip tightness, and round ligament tension. Research suggests that chiropractic care during pregnancy is commonly used for musculoskeletal symptoms and that many pregnant patients report improvement over time [1]. At SoftWave Therapy Cumming — serving expectant moms throughout Forsyth County, Cumming, Alpharetta, and Milton — Dr. Catie Cortner, DC, holds Webster Technique Certification through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) and offers dedicated prenatal visits designed with your comfort and safety in mind.

What Is the Webster Technique?

The Webster Technique is a chiropractic protocol developed specifically for pregnant patients. It focuses on the sacrum — the triangular bone at the base of your spine — and the surrounding pelvic structures, including the round ligaments and the piriformis muscle. The goal is to restore balanced movement and alignment to the sacropelvic region, which undergoes significant change as your body adapts to a growing baby.

As pregnancy progresses, the combined effect of hormonal changes, a shifting center of gravity, and increased laxity in the ligaments can place new and uneven demands on the pelvis and lumbar spine [1]. The result for many pregnant women is discomfort that feels stubborn and hard to relieve — nagging low back pain, aching hips, sharp round ligament pulls, or a general sense of tension that doesn't ease with rest.

The Webster Technique is not a procedure that manipulates the baby directly. It is a maternal assessment and adjustment technique. A certified chiropractor examines how the sacrum is moving, identifies any asymmetry or restriction, and uses a gentle, targeted adjustment to encourage the pelvis to move more freely and symmetrically. Soft-tissue work on associated ligaments and muscles is typically included in the same session.

The technique was developed by Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the ICPA, and is taught and certified through that organization. Dr. Catie Cortner holds Webster Technique Certification from the ICPA — one of the key credentials to look for when choosing a prenatal chiropractor.

Can Chiropractic Care Help During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy puts the musculoskeletal system through rapid, sustained change. Research indicates that low back and pelvic pain are among the most common complaints during pregnancy, and that conservative approaches — including manual therapy — are among the options studied for managing them [2]. The available evidence is encouraging, though still growing, and clinical research continues to develop in this area.

A prospective cohort study found that pregnant patients with low back pain who received chiropractic care commonly reported subjective improvement over time [3]. This is consistent with what many patients experience — not a dramatic overnight change, but a gradual reduction in tension and an improvement in how they move and sleep.

What makes the Webster Technique specifically relevant is its focus on the pelvis as a functional unit. Pregnancy changes the way load travels through the sacroiliac joints and lumbar spine, and the Webster assessment is designed to identify where that load-bearing has become restricted or uneven. Restoring pelvic balance may make day-to-day activities — sitting, walking, rolling over in bed — feel more manageable.

It is important to be clear about scope: chiropractic care does not treat obstetric conditions. If you have a concern about your baby's position, your OB or midwife is your primary point of contact. However, when pregnancy discomfort is rooted in musculoskeletal tension and pelvic imbalance, the Webster Technique addresses those specific contributors.

What Does a Webster Technique Session Look Like at SoftWave Therapy Cumming?

If you come to SoftWave Therapy Cumming for a Webster Technique visit, here is what to expect.

Your first visit runs approximately 45 to 60 minutes. It includes a full health history review, a physical exam, a review of any relevant imaging you bring, and a brief overview of what was found. Dr. Catie Cortner almost always performs the first adjustment at the initial visit — you will not leave without hands-on care. Detailed care recommendations are reviewed at a follow-up visit rather than on day one, so you can absorb the findings before committing to a course of care.

Follow-up Webster Technique sessions typically run 15 to 20 minutes. The session begins with Dr. Cortner checking sacral alignment and pelvic symmetry. If a restriction is present, she applies a low-force, specific adjustment to the sacrum using a technique appropriate for pregnancy — you will be positioned comfortably, typically with the use of a pregnancy pillow or a table designed to accommodate a growing belly. Soft-tissue work on the round ligaments or piriformis may follow, depending on what the assessment reveals.

After your session, most patients feel immediate relief or notice improvement within a few hours. A small number of patients experience mild, temporary muscle soreness — similar to mild post-exercise tenderness — that typically resolves within 24 hours. Significant or persistent soreness is not expected.

Dr. Cortner's approach is gentle by design. Prenatal chiropractic does not involve the same forces used in general adult adjustments. The Webster Technique uses low-amplitude, specific input — not high-velocity thrusts — making it appropriate for all trimesters when performed by a certified practitioner.

When Should You Start Webster Technique — and How Many Sessions Are Typical?

Many patients begin prenatal chiropractic care in the second trimester, when the pelvis begins to experience more load as the baby grows. Others start earlier, particularly if they had low back or pelvic issues before pregnancy. There is no universal "right time" — the best starting point is whenever discomfort appears or when you want proactive support for your changing body.

How many sessions are right for you depends on your individual presentation, how long symptoms have been present, and how your body responds to care. Specific care recommendations are individualized and reviewed with patients at their follow-up visit. What we can tell you is that many patients report noticing initial relief within the first few visits, and that the goal is always to provide the least amount of care needed to achieve and maintain improvement.

If you are in your third trimester and experiencing significant pelvic or low back tension, starting sooner rather than later is generally advisable — your body is preparing for labor, and pelvic mobility matters both for your comfort now and for the demands of delivery.

Living in Cumming or Forsyth County? Here's What Makes Our Office a Fit for Prenatal Care

SoftWave Therapy Cumming is located at 5456 Bethelview Rd, Ste 103B — an easy drive for expectant moms in Vickery, Windermere, South Forsyth, and Coal Mountain, as well as patients coming from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, and Suwanee. We are close to Northside Hospital Forsyth, which means many of our prenatal patients are already familiar with the area when it comes to their pregnancy care.

We know that pregnancy is a busy season. Between OB appointments, work, and everything else on your plate, you need a provider who respects your time and makes visits easy. Prenatal sessions at our office are efficient — follow-up Webster visits run 15 to 20 minutes — and scheduling is designed to be straightforward.

Dr. Cortner's background is in family chiropractic, and the culture of the practice reflects that. Patients consistently describe the environment as welcoming and family-friendly — a place where you feel comfortable, not rushed. If you are new to chiropractic care and nervous about what to expect during pregnancy, that concern is completely understandable, and our team is used to walking first-time patients through every step.

Whether you are experiencing low back aching on your evening walks around Sawnee Mountain Preserve, hip tension after a long day at your desk, or round ligament discomfort that flares whenever you roll over in bed, the Webster Technique may offer meaningful relief. We invite you to call us and talk through what you're experiencing — there is no pressure, and the conversation itself may help you decide whether this is the right next step.

Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Webster Technique used for?

The Webster Technique is used to assess and address sacropelvic imbalance during pregnancy. It is designed to help restore balanced pelvic motion and reduce tension in the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Many pregnant patients use it to help manage low back pain, hip discomfort, and round ligament tightness that commonly develop as the body adapts to a growing baby. It is a maternal chiropractic technique — it does not directly manipulate the baby.

Is the Webster Technique evidence-based?

Research on chiropractic care during pregnancy is still developing, but available evidence supports the use of conservative manual approaches for low-back and pelvic pain during pregnancy [2]. Studies have found that pregnant patients receiving chiropractic care commonly report improvement in their symptoms over time [3]. The Webster Technique specifically is taught and certified through the ICPA; its evidence base continues to grow, and it is widely used in clinical prenatal chiropractic practice.

Does the Webster Technique hurt?

The Webster Technique uses low-force, specific input — not the high-velocity thrusts some people associate with chiropractic. Most patients find it comfortable and report relief during or shortly after their session. A small number experience mild, temporary muscle soreness that typically resolves within 24 hours. It is specifically adapted for pregnancy, including positioning that accommodates a growing belly. If you have concerns, let Dr. Cortner know — she will walk you through each step before beginning.

How many Webster Technique sessions are needed during pregnancy?

The number of sessions varies depending on your individual presentation, how long symptoms have been present, and how your body responds to care. Some patients feel meaningful improvement after just a few visits; others benefit from more consistent support throughout the second and third trimesters. Specific care recommendations are reviewed with you at a follow-up visit after your initial assessment, so you always know what to expect before committing to anything.

Can any chiropractor perform the Webster Technique?

No — the Webster Technique requires specific training and certification through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). A standard chiropractic license does not automatically qualify a provider to apply this protocol. When choosing a prenatal chiropractor, ask whether the provider holds current Webster Technique Certification. Dr. Catie Cortner at SoftWave Therapy Cumming holds ICPA Webster Certification.

When should you start the Webster Technique during pregnancy?

Many patients begin care in the second trimester when pelvic load increases, though some start earlier if they experience low back or hip discomfort in the first trimester. There is no universally "right" time — the best starting point is when symptoms appear or when you want proactive support. If you are in the third trimester with significant pelvic tension, starting sooner rather than later is generally advisable, as the body is actively preparing for labor.

Does the Webster Technique turn breech babies?

The Webster Technique is a maternal adjustment technique focused on the mother's sacropelvic balance — it does not directly manipulate the baby or "turn" a baby. If your provider has concerns about your baby's position, your OB or midwife is your primary contact. Some practitioners and patients believe that reducing uterine tension through pelvic balancing may create an environment more favorable for optimal fetal positioning, but this is not a medical claim the technique is designed to make, and it should not be framed as a guaranteed outcome.

Is the Webster Technique covered by insurance?

Coverage for prenatal chiropractic care varies significantly depending on your insurance plan. Some plans cover chiropractic visits broadly, which may include Webster Technique sessions; others exclude prenatal care or have specific limitations. We recommend calling your insurance provider before your first visit to ask about your chiropractic benefit and any requirements for prenatal visits. Our team at SoftWave Therapy Cumming can also help answer questions about what to expect — call us at 770-406-8208.

Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?

Chiropractic care during pregnancy, when performed by a trained provider using appropriate techniques, is generally considered a reasonable conservative option for musculoskeletal symptoms [1]. The Webster Technique is specifically designed for pregnant patients and uses low-force, gentle input. That said, every pregnancy is different, and you should always inform your OB or midwife that you are seeking chiropractic care. Dr. Cortner works within her scope of practice and will refer you back to your obstetric provider for any concerns outside that scope.

What should I bring to my first Webster Technique visit?

Bring any relevant imaging you have (X-rays, MRI reports), a list of your current medications or supplements, and your OB's contact information in case Dr. Cortner needs to coordinate care. Wear comfortable clothing you can move in. Your first visit runs 45 to 60 minutes and includes a health history review, exam, and your first adjustment — you will not leave without hands-on care. Detailed care recommendations are reviewed at a follow-up visit.

Ready to experience what the Webster Technique may do for your pregnancy comfort? Dr. Catie Cortner, DC, is Webster Technique certified through the ICPA and welcomes expectant moms from Cumming, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Suwanee, and throughout Forsyth County. Call SoftWave Therapy Cumming at 770-406-8208 to schedule your first prenatal visit — or visit our prenatal chiropractic page to learn more about what we offer. Your first visit includes a full assessment and your first adjustment, so you leave with more than just information.

References

[1] Borggren CL. Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of the literature. J Chiropr Med. 2007;6(2):70-74. - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcme.2007.04.004
[2] Liddle SD, Pennick V. Interventions for preventing and treating low-back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(9):CD001139. - https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001139.pub4
[3] Peterson CK, Muhlemann D, Humphreys BK. Outcomes of pregnant patients with low back pain undergoing chiropractic treatment: a prospective cohort study with short term, medium term and 1 year follow-up. Chiropr Man Therap. 2014;22(1):15. - https://doi.org/10.1186/2045-709X-22-15

This post is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your condition.