4 Reasons to Consider Acupuncture During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

The third trimester of pregnancy is a time of anticipation and excitement, but it can also bring its fair share of physical and emotional challenges. During this stage, your baby matures and your body prepares for the birth process, a daunting prospect on its own!

So, it’s natural to start thinking about gentle, non-invasive, natural ways to ease both the discomforts of late pregnancy and prepare your body for a smooth labour. 

Could acupuncture be a solution? 

In this post, we’ll look at 4 reasons to consider acupuncture during the third trimester of pregnancy. From managing those discomforts to preparing for labour…

Why it Makes Sense to Consider Acupuncture During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Many women struggle during the final weeks of pregnancy. The baby grows rapidly to reach its birth size and weight. Your centre of balance is out of whack, and the increasing pressure on your spine and pelvis can make even simple things, like moving a challenge! 

Then there is the looming spectre of labour, and perhaps also concerns that your baby is leaving it very late to move into the birth position…

And on those thoughts, here are 4 ways acupuncture can help:

1. Moxibustion for breech presentation in weeks 34-36
2. Pre-birth acupuncture to prepare your body for an efficient labour
3. Acupressure taught to help with pain relief during labour
4. Labour induction acupuncture if you are past 41 weeks

1. Moxibustion for Breech Presentation in Weeks 34-36

In a ‘perfect pregnancy’, your baby moves into the head down birth position by week 36. Sometimes, though, babies can be obstinate, and remain upright in a breech position.

Moxibustion is a technique that involves burning the herb mugwort near specific acupuncture points to encourage the baby to turn. It is most beneficial in the weeks leading up to labour while there’s still time for your baby to move. 

Research suggests moxibustion can stimulate the release of hormones, notably oxytocin, that promote uterine contractions. This may encourage your baby to shift into the correct position for birth.

2. Pre-Birth Acupuncture to Prepare the Body for Efficient Labour

Preparing your body carefully for labour can make a significant difference in your overall birthing experience. Pre-birth acupuncture, typically starting around week 36, aims to 

• Soften the cervix, 
• Promote blood flow to the uterus, and 
• Regulate hormones to support more efficient labour. 

Some women report shorter labour times, fewer interventions, and a smoother overall birthing process when incorporating acupuncture into their prenatal care.

3. Acupressure Can Help with Pain Relief During Labour

Acupuncture during labour is not generally recommended except in exceptional circumstances. However, acupressure, where pressure is applied to specific points on the body, can be a very valuable tool for managing labour pain. 

Specifically, acupressure helps stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving hormones. This can assist in reducing the intensity of contractions, encourage relaxation between contractions, and possibly even speed up the labour process.

Learning where these points are, and how and when to apply effective pressure, is a good way to take charge of your labour process, and potentially avoid the use of drugs.

4. Labour Induction Acupuncture Post 41 Weeks

The average human gestation period is 40 weeks give or take but sometimes babies decide to make their own timetable! However, once you’ve gone past 41 weeks, induced labour is often the recommended path.

Labour induction acupuncture can be a good option. The technique aims to stimulate uterine activity and relax the cervix, encouraging the onset of labour. It can be a natural alternative to medical induction methods, potentially reducing the need for more invasive interventions.

Is It Safe to Get Acupuncture During the 3rd Trimester?

Acupuncture is widely regarded as safe for pregnant women throughout all stages of pregnancy. However, it is best left to a qualified practitioner with prenatal experience to perform. 

This is because some acupuncture points support pregnancy and labour while others need to be avoided. An experienced prenatal acupuncturist is trained to know which ones are safe for pregnant women, and which ones are not.

Your acupuncturist will also work with you to come up with a treatment plan that supports you and your pregnancy, and birth choices.

Conclusion: 4 Reasons to Consider Acupuncture During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Acupuncture has many benefits to offer during the final stages of your pregnancy. It is a natural and non-invasive way to support your overall wellbeing as you prepare for birth. 

So, if you need help with problems like a breech presentation or induced labour, want to prepare your body as naturally as possible for birth, or would just like holistic pain relief…prenatal acupuncture could be exactly what you’re looking for.