Congratulations! You are in the 29th week of your pregnancy, 7 months in, only 2 months left to go!
Baby Growth at 29 Weeks Pregnant
At 29 weeks, your baby is approximately the size of a cauliflower, measuring about 15.5 inches long and weighing about 3 pounds. Though the length is getting pretty close to the birth length, the weight will more than double or even triple in the coming weeks.
Your baby is perfectly formed in this phase and getting stronger every minute. Over the next few weeks, your baby is continuing to add fat and muscle and their bones are getting harder and stronger.
Their skin will become smoother with less wrinkles and it will get thicker. Baby is starting to feel a bit crowded and will become more active. The jabs, pokes, and pushes will occur more frequently as their strength increases. So don’t be surprised when you feel an extra-strong kick or two! The part of the baby’s brain associated with intelligence and personality continues to grow and develop.
You and Your Body at 29 Weeks Pregnant
At twenty-nine weeks pregnant, total weight gain is typically about 19 to 25 pounds. If you are pregnant with twins, that number should be around 23-38 pounds.
By week 29 of pregnancy, some parts of your skin might look a little different. About 20% of expectant mothers develop varicose veins. The swollen blood vessels can either first appear or worsen when you are expecting. Don’t be worried; they are rarely a cause for concern although their appearance can be bothersome.
You may also notice your hands and feet are swollen, be sure to stay hydrated and put your feet up as often as you are able.
Typical Symptoms at 29 Weeks Pregnant
You may feel irritated when you are told to enjoy your sleep while you can because it may not be so easy right now! If you’re in the throws of pregnancy insomnia, know that you are not alone. Do your best to still rest your body the best you can as you drift in and out of sleep. You might be feeling a bit breathless, as your baby pushes against your lungs. It puts a strain on your body carrying extra weight and blood around too, adjust your movement to your comfort level.
You may also notice you are having leg cramps. In addition, you might need to pee more frequently if your baby is pressing against your bladder as they grow larger. Consider lifting up your belly when you urinate to help fully empty your bladder, gently lifting your belly can take pressure from the head of your baby off of your bladder.
You will feel your baby’s kicks from time to time, especially when you are resting. They tend to perk up when you are resting which is a pattern they are very likely to continue after they are born. Laying in bed is a great time for your partner to experience the kicks and punches with you.
Other symptoms that pregnant women commonly experience in week 29:
- Continued headaches
- Continued bloating and constipation
- Sleeping problems
- Headaches
- Itchy belly
- Back, leg or hip pain
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Fast-growing nails
- Hemorrhoids
Pregnancy Week 29 Tips and Advice
Baby is now working hard to build stronger bones, which needs sufficient calcium. If there isn’t enough for both of you, they’ll take it from yours. To make sure you have a solid amount for yourself too, increase your calcium intake with dairy products, tofu, dark leafy greens and fortified foods and stay consistent with your prenatal.
Do a daily kick count. Once you’ve passed week 28, you should be monitoring baby’s kicks every day. In order to guarantee everything is A-okay with your baby, it is time to get into the habit of counting kicks once or twice a day depending on what your doctor recommends. It is best to do the counts lying down or sitting if you are not comfortable on your back.
Count all movements including swishes and rolls until you hit ten. If you haven’t reached 10 within an hour, your little one may just be taking a break, so have a light snack and try again — that blood sugar rush is likely to get baby back on the move.
Just remember that fewer than 10 movements within two hours warrants a call to your OB/GYN. Chances are that everything’s perfectly fine, but it’s always better to play it safe.
Rest when you can during the day. Babies seem to have a habit of being really active just when you want to rest. If you are laying down and feel uncomfortable, you can try to use a pregnancy pillow or other extra pillows to support your growing belly. Putting a pillow between your legs can actually help a lot! At this point in your pregnancy, it’s best to sleep on your left side.
Decide what to do with baby’s cord blood. The big day is coming: Do you know what cord blood is and your options surrounding it? Cord blood is what is left in the umbilical cord and placenta after birth. Why is this blood so important? Cord blood contains stem cells that can be used to treat or cure certain diseases or illnesses. Some parents may choose to store cord blood for various reasons, other donate their cord blood for research or for any children that may need it and are a match.
Get your nursery ready. The most exciting and fun part is just around the corner. Week 29 of pregnancy is a good time to start stocking the nursery with baby care essentials. Shop with your partner for a cribs, changing tables and gliders or up-cycle ones from your family or friends. Decorate the nursery room as you like, just ensure you’re making a safe space for baby.
You’ll also want to start packing a bag with the things you know you’ll need with you at the hospital for the baby’s birth. Get it ready to grab-and-go once the final moment comes.
You are doing excellent, mama! Everything is under control. Relax and enjoy this wonderful journey with your little one.
References
https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/fetal-movement-counting
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/cord-blood-banking?utm_source=redirect&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=int
https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/pregnancy/week-by-week/3rd-trimester/week-29/
