Resolution of Transverse Lie Presentation & Successful VBAC in a Pregnant Woman
I had another research paper published this past summer (but realized I never wrote about it). Here’s the press release and summary —
ATLANTA GEORGIA – July 8, 2019
Developed by Larry Webster DC [1945-1997] over 30 years ago, the Webster Technique has been observed clinically to be associated with improved pregnancy outcomes since that time.
The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nerve system and facilitates biomechanical balance in pelvic structures, muscles and ligaments.
This biomechanical and neurological interference is called subluxation.
If the mother has sacral and/or pelvic subluxations these could be altering the space in the pelvis and if corrected may allow the fetus to assume a more normal position.
Sacral subluxation may contribute to difficult labor for the mother (i.e., dystocia). Dystocia is caused by inadequate uterine function, pelvic contraction, and baby malpresentation. The correction of sacral subluxation may have a positive effect on all of these causes of dystocia.
In this clinical framework, it is proposed that sacral misalignment may contribute to these three primary causes of dystocia via uterine nerve interference, pelvic misalignment and the tightening and torsion of specific pelvic muscles and ligaments.
The resulting tense muscles and ligaments and their aberrant effect on the uterus may prevent the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for birth. The patient reported on in this study was a 28-year-old female presenting to the chiropractor at 39 weeks pregnant. She was hoping to have a vaginal birth as her last delivery was by c-section. Her obstetrician had confirmed her baby was in a transverse lie position. She had some pain down the back of her leg for which she was taking an anti-inflammatory medication.
The woman was examined by the chiropractor who found structural shifts in her neck, midback, and pelvis, in additional to muscle imbalance. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.
The patient was managed with chiropractic care for a total of four adjustments, over a two-week period. The transverse fetus turned vertex and was confirmed via ultrasound. She went on the have a successful vaginal birth after cesarean. The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in pregnancy with transverse presentation.
Click here for more information:
Pamela Stone, DC, DACCP & Sydney McNeill, DC.
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ July 8, 2019 ~ Pages 82-86
