Chiropractic Can Reduce Your Risk of Having a Cesarean

April is Cesarean Awareness Month, a time to highlight the growing rate of C-sections in the United States and to explore natural ways to support safer, healthier deliveries. Today, nearly 1 in 3 births in the U.S. are cesarean sections, a rate far higher than what experts consider necessary.

Cesarean Facts You Should Know

• A cesarean section is major abdominal surgery. When necessary, it can save lives, but it also carries significant risks.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that no region should exceed a C-section rate of 10–15% [1]. In the U.S., the current rate is about 33%.

• Risks to the mother include infection, hemorrhage, injury to surrounding organs, complications with anesthesia, psychological challenges, and a maternal mortality rate 2–4 times higher than vaginal birth [2].

• Risks to the baby include respiratory distress, premature delivery, and difficulties bonding or breastfeeding immediately after birth.

• Repeat C-sections are common: in 1989, 81.5% of women with a prior cesarean had another. Today, that number is closer to 90%, largely due to complications caused by scar tissue, such as reduced uterine elasticity and increased risk of uterine rupture [3].

While cesareans can be life-saving in certain circumstances, research shows that many are performed unnecessarily—due to factors such as stalled labor, breech positioning, multiple babies, or even patient preference.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help: The Webster Technique

Chiropractic care offers a natural option to reduce cesarean risk, particularly through the Webster Technique.

The pelvis and uterus are connected by several ligaments. If the pelvis becomes misaligned, tension on these ligaments can make the uterus more rigid. A tight uterus restricts the baby’s ability to move into the correct head-down (vertex) position for birth.

The Webster Technique gently corrects pelvic misalignments, reducing ligament tension and improving uterine balance. Studies suggest that with this adjustment, up to 90% of breech babies can turn into the vertex position, creating the opportunity for a safer vaginal birth [4].

To read more about how Webster Technique can aid in reducing your risk of having a cesarean, please visit this link.

The Bottom Line

Cesarean sections are sometimes unavoidable and life-saving. But for many women, especially those with breech babies, chiropractic care can reduce the likelihood of needing surgical delivery. By restoring balance in the pelvis, the Webster Technique supports both mother and baby, helping prepare the body for the safest and most natural birth possible.

Photo credit: compassfamilychiropractic.com

Are you expecting and hoping for a safe, natural birth? Schedule a consultation today to learn how chiropractic care, including the Webster Technique, can support your pregnancy journey.

References

1. World Health Organization. Appropriate technology for birth. Lancet. 1985;326(8452):436–437. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(85)92750-3

2. Allen VM, O’Connell CM, Farrell SA, Baskett TF. Economic implications of method of delivery. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2005;193(1):192–197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2004.10.635

3. Guise JM, Denman MA, Emeis C, et al. Vaginal birth after cesarean: new insights on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Obstet Gynecol. 2010;115(6):1267–1278. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181df925f