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Managing Your Third Trimester’s Pregnancy Symptoms
Third Trimester
The third trimester, from week 29 to week 40 (or until birth), is the final lap of pregnancy. This period can be both exciting and challenging as the body prepares for childbirth. Mothers at this stage will start feeling the anxiety, especially for a first time mom, of meeting your child for the first time. Mothers will start to worry about many other issues that lead to the birthing day and if everyone and everything is ready to receive your little one back home.
TCM Perspective of Third Trimester
The third trimester of pregnancy is a time of rapid growth for the baby and preparation for childbirth. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this stage is crucial for ensuring a smooth delivery and postpartum recovery. TCM emphasizes nurturing the mother’s body, promoting relaxation, and preparing for labor.
TCM focus during Third Trimester
- Strengthening Qi and Blood Flow
- Preparing for Labor
- Preventing and Alleviating Discomforts
Common Symptoms in the Third Trimester
During the third trimester, common symptoms are body and feet swelling, back pain, shortness of breath, insomnia, and Braxton Hicks contractions. Understanding what you will likely experience, you can now find out what you can do to overcome or relieve the symptoms.
Swelling (Edema)
During the third trimester, as your baby grows bigger, the requirement for fluid increases, causing your body to produce more fluid and retention. Also, the growing uterus puts pressure on the veins and slows down the return of blood and Qi from the legs, causing fluid to accumulate and hence swelling.
Physical Care
- Elevate your feet when resting.
- Wear comfortable shoes, and avoid standing for long periods.
- Gentle exercises, such as walking and swimming, can help reduce swelling.
- Go for Pre-Partum massage to help with water retention
Dietary Recommendation
- Reduce salt intake.
- increase consumption of potassium-rich foods like bananas, avocados, and leafy greens.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Our Pre-Partum Nourishing Herbal tea can prevent and help with water retention
TCM Solutions for Swelling
You can go for Pre-Partum massage to help with your water retention issue, and improve Qi and Blood circulation. If swelling affects your mobility or ability to proceed with your daily routine, you can consult a TCM Physician to seek TCM treatment such as acupuncture and TCM herbal prescription to ease your water retention.
Back Pain
As the baby grows, the additional weight can put significant strain on your back, causing discomfort and pain. During the third trimester, you might feel the back pain to be more severe, but do note that your baby has grown substantially since the Second Trimester, hence, the issue might not be as severe as you thought it might be.
Physical Care
- Maintain good posture and use a supportive chair when sitting.
- Engage in prenatal exercises and stretches that strengthen your back muscles.
- Use a pregnancy pillow to support your back while sleeping.
Dietary Recommendation
- Ensure adequate intake of calcium and magnesium to support bone health.
- Consuming foods that strengthen the kidneys and bones, such as black beans and walnuts
TCM Solutions for Back Pain
You can start your Pre-Partum massage in the Third Trimester if you haven’t started your massage during your Second Trimester. If you are facing extreme difficulty in your daily life due to back pain, you can consult a TCM Physician to understand if you need additional TCM treatment to help you relieve your back pain.
Shortness of Breath
As the baby grows, the uterus expands and can press against the diaphragm, making it difficult to take deep breaths. This shortness of breath can be particularly noticeable when lying down or engaging in physical activity.
Physical Care
- Sleeping by your side to give your lungs more room to expand.
- Gentle exercises like walking and prenatal yoga can also help improve breathing.
- Practice deep breathing exercises and avoid overexertion.
Dietary Recommendation
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals to avoid feeling too full
- Maintain good hydration
TCM Solutions for Shortness of Breath
TCM treatments such as acupuncture and TCM herbs can help improve respiratory function.
Insomnia
Difficulty sleeping is common in the third trimester due to physical discomfort and anxiety about the upcoming birth.
Many pregnant women find it challenging to get a good night’s sleep during the third trimester. Discomfort from the growing belly, frequent urination, and other symptoms can all interfere with sleep. Creating a comfortable sleeping environment and schedule can make a significant difference.
Physical Care
- Establish a regular bedtime routine.
- Use of supportive pillows.
- Practice relaxation meditation or deep breathing exercise before bed.
Dietary Recommendation
- Avoid caffeine and heavy meals in the evening.
- Consume foods that promote sleep, such as warm milk, almonds, and cherries.
- Avoid stimulants like caffeine.
TCM Solutions for Insomnia
Acupuncture and TCM herbs have been utilized to help people with insomnia, but do consult your TCM Physician to get the right treatment and prescription suitable for pregnant mothers.
Understanding your Third Trimester
Getting to the last lap of your pregnancy, there will be more things that need you to consider and make decisions. You will be overwhelmed with different considerations and decisions you will need to make, so by managing your pregnancy symptoms, you can keep yourself fit to welcome your little one into your life. We hope we have provided you with sufficient knowledge and insights to your pregnancy symptoms, you can let us know if you have any other symptoms that you wish to find out more about.
You can also look at how to prepare for your breastfeeding journey coming up next.
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