Third Trimester

Acupuncture to comfort and calm as you prepare for arrival — in Groton, MA

● THIRD TRIMESTER PREGNANCY

Support for the Final Stretch

By the third trimester, your body is carrying not just more weight, but more sensation, more awareness, and more anticipation. Sleep may feel different, movement may feel slower, and emotions may feel closer to the surface as your body prepares for what’s ahead in the coming weeks.

This is a time that asks for both strength and softness. At The Violette House in Groton, MA, acupuncture is offered as a way to support your body through these changes — easing physical tension, calming the nervous system, and helping you feel more grounded and at ease as you move toward birth.

● HOW IT WORKS

How Does Acupuncture Support the Third Trimester?

Acupuncture harmonizes the body as it undergoes change, reducing discomfort and supporting readiness. Here’s what it helps with:

Pain & Discomfort

  • Back Pain

  • Pelvic Pain

  • Sciatica

  • Hip Tension

Labor Preparation

  • Cervical Ripening

  • Optimal Fetal Positioning

  • Uterine Blood Flow

  • Birth Readiness

Circulation & Swelling

  • Edema (Fluid Retention)

  • Varicose Veins

  • Poor Circulation

  • Leg Cramps

Emotional Balance

  • Anxiety

  • Insomnia

  • Mood Fluctuations

  • Stress Relief

Hormonal Support

  • Gestational Diabetes

  • Blood Pressure Regulation

  • Hormonal Balance

  • Steady Energy

Recovery Support

  • Low Immunity

  • C-Section Preparation

  • Fatigue

  • Postpartum Transition

● SUPPORT FOR THE TRANSITION

Preparing for Labor and Birth

As you near your due date, your body is shifting its focus from growth to preparation. You may notice changes in sleep, energy, breath, and emotional sensitivity as your system begins orienting toward labor.

Acupuncture offers gentle support during this transition, helping ease physical tension, calm the nervous system, and create a sense of steadiness and focus. The intention is not to force the process, but to support your body’s readiness so you can approach birth feeling more supported and confident.

● YOUR EXPERIENCE

Week by Week: What It Feels Like to Be Supported

Your body shifts in new ways as you prepare for birth, and your care can support that transition.

Late Comfort

Weeks 32–34

As your body carries more weight and your pelvis gently adjusts, treatment naturally eases tension, supports sleep, and often calms the nervous system so days and nights feel steadier now.

Body Support

Weeks 35–36

At this point, pelvic pressure and restless sleep may naturally appear. Treatment gently supports comfort and relaxation, helping you stay grounded as your body shifts toward birth readiness.

Final Weeks

Weeks 37–38

During this phase, pelvic pressure and restless sleep may appear. Treatment supports comfort and relaxation, helping you stay grounded as your body shifts toward birth readiness with greater ease.

Birth Readiness

Weeks 37+

As you move into the final weeks of pregnancy, acupuncture can support relaxation, pelvic balance, and circulation. It may encourage readiness for labor and support baby positioning when needed.

● SUPPORT FOR BABY’S POSITION

Supporting Breech Babies

In the later weeks of pregnancy, attention often turns to how your baby is settling for birth. When a baby remains in a breech position, it can bring uncertainty and weight as you think about what’s ahead.

Acupuncture offers gentle support for the body during this time by helping relax uterine and pelvic tension, improve circulation, and encourage balance. This can create a more receptive environment for your baby to move naturally, while also helping you feel calmer, more supported, and less tense as you navigate this stage.

● REAL STORIES, REAL HOPE

What Prenatal Patients Say

Every journey is different, but our patients share the same experience — feeling calmer, more balanced, and supported along the way.

“I am so happy to have found The Violette house for my twin pregnancy. Although I was very skeptical at first… It was the truly best decision!”

— Kayla W., Patient

“I don’t know how I would have gotten through pregnancy without my regular acupuncture appointments. I’m so grateful for the support I received.”

— Kimberleigh D., Patient

“I spent many sessions both prenatally and postpartum. I always left feeling relaxed, supported, and prepared for whatever phase came next.”

— Katherine L., Patient

“Invaluable throughout my pregnancy and postpartum journey, providing exceptional support and addressing all my medical needs with care.”

— Christina N., Patient

● OUR LOCATION

Late Pregnancy Care in Groton

The Violette House is located in Groton, in the heart of Main Street, where we offer gentle acupuncture care for late pregnancy in a calm, supportive setting designed to help you feel at ease as your body prepares for birth, with treatments focused on easing physical tension, supporting circulation, calming the nervous system, and helping your body soften into this final stage.

● QUESTIONS WE HEAR A LOT

What You Might Be Wondering

  • Acupuncture provides much-needed relief from common late-pregnancy discomforts like back pain, hip or pelvic pain, swelling, and insomnia. It also improves circulation, supports digestion, and helps calm the nervous system so you feel more rested and balanced. As birth approaches, treatments encourage optimal baby positioning and gently prepare the cervix for labor, making this stage of care especially valuable.

  • Yes. When performed by a licensed acupuncturist with prenatal training, acupuncture is a safe, gentle option. We carefully select points that support pregnancy while avoiding those that could trigger contractions before your body is ready. Many women actually find acupuncture to be one of the safest and most relaxing ways to manage discomfort and prepare for birth.

  • It depends on your needs. Some women start as early as week 28 to ease physical symptoms, while others begin closer to week 34–36 to focus on labor preparation. We’ll design a treatment plan that works with your goals—whether that’s symptom relief, preparing for delivery, or both.

  • For general support, weekly sessions are common. From 36 weeks onward, many women benefit from increasing to twice weekly to focus on labor readiness. The exact number of sessions varies depending on your health, comfort levels, and whether you’re preparing for a natural birth or a scheduled induction.

  • Yes. Research and clinical experience show that acupuncture and moxibustion can help encourage breech babies to turn, especially when started between weeks 32–35. In the final weeks of pregnancy, acupuncture may also support cervical ripening and encourage natural labor progression, giving your body a gentle boost before medical induction is considered.

  • Coverage depends on your specific plan. We’re in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and AllWays/MGB. For other providers, we’re happy to check your benefits before your first visit, and we can also provide receipts (superbills) you can submit for possible reimbursement. We can also check whether your insurance covers acupuncture — the verification process is fast and easy. Click here to see if your insurance covers acupuncture.

Begin Your Third Trimester Support