Image: Shutterstock
The third trimester of pregnancy is the time when your stomach is expanding to accommodate the growing uterus. It also brings discomforts, such as back pain, tiredness, difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, and swelling of arms and legs (1). Yoga during the third trimester might help relieve these problems. It is also believed to provide relief from tiredness, insomnia, and water retention (2).
However, not all yoga poses are suitable in the third trimester. Hence it is advisable to practice yoga under the guidance of a certified yoga trainer (3).
Here, we will help you know about the safety of yoga in the third trimester, including the safe poses, benefits, and precautions.
Key Pointers
- You may practice prenatal yoga, which involves meditations and breathing exercises rather than intense poses during the third trimester.
- Yoga helps relieve stress and anxiety in the third trimester, and it helps in childbirth by strengthening pelvic core muscles.
- Abdominal stretch, ankle rotation, half-butterfly pose, lying on one side, and child pose are suitable yoga poses for the third trimester.
Benefits Of Yoga In Third Trimester
Practicing yoga during pregnancy helps ease both the mind and the body (4) (5).
- Anxiety and depression: Yoga focuses on the mind and the body connection, which helps reduce anxiety and depression in most pregnant women.
- Stress: A stress-free pregnancy can be achieved with prenatal yoga toward the later months when the hormonal levels are at a peak.
- Preeclampsia: Practicing yoga during the third trimester can help increase core and pelvic strength and prepare the body for birth. Prenatal yoga practice might lower the risks for pelvic dysfunction during labor.
- Childbirth: Practicing yoga during the third trimester can help strengthen your core or pelvic region and prepare the body for birth. Prenatal yoga practice might lower the risks for pelvic dysfunction during labor.
- Postpartum depression: According to the National Institute of Health, postpartum depression occurs in an estimated 6.5% to 20% of women. Yoga can offer benefits after pregnancy, such as reducing postpartum depression and stress.
Jenny Garvin, a fitness enthusiast and mother of three, shares how yoga helped her stay fit during her third trimester. She says, “I am feeling really good these days physically. I feel like I owe it to my yoga practice. Before my second pregnancy, yoga was not a part of my life. I spent a lot of time working out. My runs were leaving me physically exhausted instead of energized. I backed off and started going to yoga class in my neighborhood. I immediately fell in love with the practice. It seemed like no matter how crazy things got at home with my life, that little bit of time on my mat was my own. I noticed a change in my body, too. I was leaner and stronger than I had ever been as a runner (ⅰ).”
Quick factBest Yoga Poses For The Third Trimester
Some of the best yoga poses or asanas you can try in the third trimester of pregnancy are (2) :
1. Ankle rotation
This helps relieve cramps, epidural pain and tension in your feet.
Image: Shutterstock
Steps:
- Place your right leg over the left, such as the right leg hanging over the left.
- Hold the right toes with your left hand and the ankle with your right hand.
- Gently rotate the foot in both directions for ten rounds each.
- Repeat for the other foot.
2. Abdominal stretch
This helps relieve upper back pain and release the tension from the whole body.
Image: Shutterstock
Steps:
- Lie on your back and bend your right leg towards your chest.
- With your hands spread apart, twist your upper body towards the left.
- Hold the position for a few seconds and rest.
- Repeat with the other leg and twist towards the opposite direction.
3. Butterfly pose
Also called Baddha Konasana, this pose can help loosen the hip or pelvic muscles and improves the blood circulation to the pelvic region.
Image: Shutterstock
Steps:
- Sit and bring both your legs together, so the soles of the feet touch each other.
- Hold the feet with your hands.
- Flap both the legs up and down
- Repeat the movement 20-30 times.
- Relax and straighten your legs gently.
4. Half-butterfly pose
This yoga pose prepares the pelvic area for comfortable labor.
Image: Shuttterstock
Steps (6):
- Sit on the yoga mat and stretch the right leg to the front while folding the left leg.
- While keeping the left hand on your left knee, hold the toes of your right knee with the right hand.
- Breathe normally and remain in the position for a few seconds.
- Repeat for the other leg.
5. Lying down on one side
The modified Savasana can relax your mind and help provide a comfortable sleep.
Image: IStock
Steps:
- Lie on your right side with your right hand under the head.
- Place a pillow between the legs and bring the left leg towards the chest.
- You can place your left hand on your belly for support.
- Remain in the position for a few seconds and repeat on the other side.
6. Child pose
The Shishu asana opens up the torso and relieves the pressure from the shoulder.
Image: Shutterstock
Steps:
- Kneel on your yoga mat and bend forward with your hands stretched out.
- Maintain the position while facing downwards with gentle breathing.
- Repeat as per your comfort.
Alternate pose: Although considered a safe and doable posture for the third trimester, you may adjust the child pose according to your comfort (6). Additionally, you can also consider using a cushion under your knees or resting your forehead on a block for added comfort. You can raise your bottom and continue stretching your hands out further to turn it into a puppy pose.
7. Cat-cow pose
The cat-cow pose focuses on the spine and the neck and enhances their flexibility along with the shoulders. In addition, it may also help in correcting the positioning of the baby and toning the reproductive system.
Image: Shutterstock
Image: Shutterstock
Steps:
- Position yourself on your hands and knees.
- Inhale while arching your back downward and bending your head backward.
- Exhale while arching your back upward and head downward.
- Repeat this five to ten times and rest.
8. Garland pose
This yoga helps strengthen the muscles of the thighs, back, abdomen, and uterus.
Image: Shutterstock
Step:
- Stand with your knees apart.
- Squat down while bringing your palms together in a prayer position.
- Breathe normally and keep your back straight.
9. Goddess pose
This yoga is helpful for strengthening the muscles of thighs, back, abdomen, and uterus.
Image: Shutterstock
Steps:
- Stand with your feet wide apart, and hands stretch upwards.
- Bend down your knees at an angle of 90° while bringing your hands down to your shoulders with palms upward.
- Inhale as you stretch and exhale while bending down.
10. Legs-up-the-wall pose
It can bring relief from pregnancy edema or foot swelling.
Image: Shutterstock
Steps (7):
- Lie on your back and rest your legs against the wall.
- You can place some pillows underneath your head for comfort.
- Let your arms rest by the sides and take deep breaths.
11. Shavasana (Corpse pose)
This can help stimulate the mammary glands and also release back and neck tension.
Image: Shutterstock
Steps (7):
- Lie flat on your back in a relaxed position.
- Let your legs be comfortably apart and hands gently by your side.
- Relax your muscles while keeping your eyes closed and focusing on relaxing your body.
12. Shoulder rotation:
This can help stimulate the mammary glands and also release back and neck tension.
Steps:
- Touch your shoulders with your fingertips.
- Rotate your arms and the shoulder joint as if drawing circles with your elbows.
- Continue for five times in the forward direction and then repeat five times in the backward direction.
- Maintain regular breathing throughout.
13. Ustrasana (Camel pose)
Image: Shutterstock
This pose enhances digestion, opens up the front of the body, strengthens the shoulders and back, eases lower back pain, increases spine flexibility, and improves posture.
Steps (8):
- Begin by kneeling on the yoga mat with hands resting on the hips.
- Align your knees with your shoulders, and ensure the soles of your feet face upward.
- Inhale, drawing your tailbone towards the pubis, as if pulled from the navel.
- Arch your back and slide palms over your feet until your arms are fully extended.
- Maintain a neutral neck position without straining or flexing it.
- Hold this position for a few breaths.
- Exhale and gradually return to the initial pose.
- Withdraw your hands, bringing them back to your hips as you straighten up.
Quick tipPrecautions To Take While Practicing Prenatal Yoga
It is important to follow certain precautions while performing yoga asanas during pregnancy (7) (9).
- Avoid strenuous or advanced yoga that is likely to put pressure on your abdomen.
- Stick to yoga exercises involving breathing techniques or meditation rather than intense poses.
- Certain yoga poses may lead to pregnancy complications, such as preterm labor. Hence it is important to practice only the doctor-recommended yogas.
- Do not practice hot yoga or Bikram yoga, as it can increase your body temperature, leading to hyperthermia.
- Make sure you have a stable surface for practicing poses, and use props to support your body as needed.
- If you feel any discomfort, stop right away and consult a professional for advice.
Point to considerFrequently Asked Questions
1. Is downward dog safe in the third trimester?
The downward dog yoga pose or Adhomukhasana is considered safe during pregnancy. However, do it with caution and don’t practice poses that require too much effort or cause exhaustion (10).
2. Which yoga poses are unsafe during pregnancy?
Certain yoga poses to avoid when pregnant are those involving inversions, backbends, and intense abdominal workouts. Examples include wheel pose, crow pose, and prone poses (2) (11).
3. How often should women in the third trimester of pregnancy practice yoga?
In general, women in the third trimester of pregnancy can consider practicing yoga two to three times a week or as recommended by their healthcare provider. However, consulting with a healthcare professional or a certified prenatal yoga instructor is crucial to ensure the yoga practice is safe and tailored to the individual’s specific needs and health condition.
4. Does practicing yoga during the third-trimester help with bonding with the baby?
Practicing yoga during the third trimester of pregnancy may aid in bonding with the baby through mindful movements, breathing techniques, and a sense of connection.
5. What are some common myths or misconceptions about practicing yoga during the third trimester of pregnancy?
Some common myths or misconceptions about practicing yoga during the third trimester of pregnancy include the belief that it is unsafe or too strenuous for the mother and baby, that certain poses can harm the baby, or that it should be avoided altogether. However, with proper guidance from a certified prenatal yoga instructor and modifications tailored to the individual’s needs, yoga can be a safe and beneficial practice during this stage of pregnancy.
Yoga can be one of the best healing practices for the emotional and physical balance of the body during pregnancy, especially third-trimester yoga can be quite helpful. Although the above yoga practices during the third trimester may not guarantee a pain-free delivery, they can help you relax, calm your mind, ease out pains and prepare for comfortable childbirth. However, you should avoid intense and advanced yoga poses and consult your doctor before performing any form of yoga or exercise anytime during pregnancy to avoid possible complications.
Infographic: Pregnancy-Safe Yoga Poses To Try During The Third Trimester
It is recommended to keep a healthy and active lifestyle during pregnancy, and doing yoga is the best way to nurture both the mind and body. However, not all yoga postures are safe for pregnant women. Check out the infographic below to learn about several yoga poses that are safe to do during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Best Third Trimester Yoga Poses Benefits And Precautions
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Engage in third-trimester pregnancy yoga to prepare for an enjoyable birthing experience. Accept the opportunity to improve your birthing experience.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
ⅰ. My Yoga Journey during Pregnancy.https://texitariankitchen.wordpress.com/2014/03/03/my-yoga-journey-during-pregnancy/
References
- Exercising during third trimester.
https://www.birthinjuryhelpcenter.org/exercising-pregnancy.html - Pregnancy yoga poses for third trimester.
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/yoga/pregnancy-yoga-poses-for-the-third-trimester - Is it safe to keep doing my normal yoga classes?
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/exercise-in-pregnancy/yoga-pregnancy - Yoga and pregnancy.
https://utswmed.org/medblog/yoga-and-pregnancy/ - Prenatal yoga Poses to ease the pains of pregnancy.
https://rmccares.org/2019/06/04/prenatal-yoga-poses-to-ease-the-pains-of-pregnancy/ - Best yoga poses for wellness in the third trimester.
https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/pregnancy-yoga-poses-for-the-third-trimester - Yoga for Pregnant Women
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/yoga/yoga-sequences-for/yoga-for-pregnant-women - Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/yoga/yoga-poses/ustrasana-camel-pose - Exercise during pregnancy.
https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/pregnancy/exercise-during-pregnancy - Say Yes To Down Dog: More Yoga Poses Are Safe During Pregnancy.
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/11/16/455890447/say-yes-to-down-dog-more-yoga-poses-are-safe-during-pregnancy# - Yoga poses you shouldn’t do whilst pregnant.
https://www.ifwip.org/2018/08/18/yoga-poses-you-shouldnt-do-whilst-pregnant/ - Pregnancy Yoga: Poses for the Third Trimester.
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/yoga/pregnancy-yoga-poses-for-the-third-trimester
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