Learn what’s happening in week 29 of pregnancy and find out how your baby is developing.
At 29 weeks, you’re well into your third trimester. Your baby is the size of a head of cauliflower and is starting to put on a lot of weight. You’re probably feeling like your baby is kicking a lot more because there’s less room in your uterus so you’re feeling every movement.
If you were to give birth this week, your baby has more than a 90% chance of surviving with special medical assistance.
What Happens in Your Body in Pregnancy Week 29?
The levels of hormone prolactin increase so your breasts may begin to secrete colostrum (early breast milk). Prolactin has a tranquilizing effect and you may feel the need to take daytime naps the way you did in your first trimester.
Your growing uterus puts a lot of pressure on your bladder, which may lead to frequent trips to the bathroom.
Your baby is also putting pressure on your digestive system, so you may experience a lot of annoying pregnancy symptoms at 29 weeks like gas, heartburn, and constipation. You need to be getting enough rest, but you may find it difficult to fall asleep.
Low back pain is also one of the usual pregnancy symptoms at 29 weeks. A backache occurs as a result of your growing uterus and hormonal changes. Watch your weight, wear flat shoes, try to do some strengthening exercises and take your time getting from a lying position to being upright.
The third trimester is the time when many women notice a shift in their body’s temperature. If you find yourself having hot flashes, avoid spicy food and stressful situations because they can only worsen the symptoms.
Changes in Your Body at 29 Weeks Pregnant
At 29 weeks, you may notice swelling and puffiness as a result of the extra circulating blood and fluid volume within your body. Your feet and finger may look bigger than before and you may be starting to see varicose veins. However, all of these unusual symptoms of pregnancy will disappear once your baby is born.
Your breasts probably feel very heavy and dilated veins are becoming more noticeable. These changes are necessary to prepare your breasts to produce milk for your little one.
Bending over will become more difficult in the next few weeks, so this is the right time to cut your toenails and shave your legs.
Your Baby at 29 Week of Pregnancy
Your baby weighs nearly three pounds and measures 17 inches. More fat is deposited under the skin, so the wrinkly skin is finally smoothing out.
The adrenal glands are producing a chemical that will be converted to estriol by the placenta. Estriol is a form of estrogen made by the ovaries and it stimulates the production of the hormone prolactin by your body.
Prolactin is the hormone that helps your body to produce milk. Your baby is stronger and responds to all sorts of stimuli including light, sounds, and movement. Now is the right time to start doing a kick count twice a day, just to make sure that your little one is doing fine.
One of the biggest developments this week is the forming of the tooth buds of permanent teeth.
Pregnancy Week 29 Tips
Ask your doctor about the need to check your iron count in order to determine if you need iron supplements. You may also need your blood group checked – if you are a Rhesus negative blood group, you need to make sure you have not developed any antibodies.
Make sure to include lots of folic acid, iron, protein, fiber, calcium, and vitamin C in your daily diet. Avoid sleeping on your back and try to sleep on your left side to improve your blood circulation. Your baby is getting bigger, so it’s recommendable to eat several small meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar stable.
The third trimester is the perfect time to make a list of baby names.
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