29 Weeks Pregnant
Highlights of this Week
Pregnancy Symptoms
Weekly Checklist
Your Pregnant Belly
Baby Development
The 29th week of pregnancy marks an exciting time for expectant parents as the baby continues to grow and develop. At this stage, the baby is about 15.5 inches long and weighs around 3 pounds, and the baby’s movements may be more coordinated and stronger. Let’s delve deeper into what to expect during the 29th week of pregnancy, including baby development, pregnancy symptoms, and tips for preparing for the big day.
Your Baby is the Size of a Loaf of Bread
length
15.5 inches
Head to Toe
weight
3 pounds
Highlights of the Week
- The baby is about 15.5 inches long and weighs around 3 pounds.
- The baby’s bones are hardening and movements may be more coordinated and stronger.
- The baby’s immune system is developing, and they can produce antibodies to fight off infection.
- The mother may experience symptoms such as Braxton Hicks contractions, heartburn and indigestion, fatigue, trouble sleeping, shortness of breath, swelling in the feet and ankles.
- Special considerations include the possibility of preterm labor, the mother should take care of her own health and nutrition to ensure the baby’s development.
Pregnancy Symptoms in Week 29
Increased Fatigue
As the pregnancy progresses, the woman’s body is working harder to support the growing baby, which can lead to increased fatigue. It’s important to get enough rest and take breaks throughout the day to help manage this symptom.
Difficulty Sleeping
As the uterus expands, it can become more difficult to find a comfortable position to sleep in. This can lead to difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Pregnant women may want to try using a pregnancy pillow to help support the belly and back, and avoid lying on their backs.
Braxton Hicks contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions are mild, irregular contractions that can occur during the 29th week of pregnancy. These contractions are not true labor contractions, but they can be uncomfortable.
Discomfort
As the uterus continues to grow, a woman may feel more uncomfortable. This can include feelings of pressure in the pelvic area, and may make it difficult to stand or walk for long periods of time.
Pressure in your lower back and pelvis
The growing uterus can put pressure on the lower back and pelvis, which can lead to discomfort and lower back pain. Pregnant women may want to try using a heating pad or taking warm baths to alleviate this symptom.
Increase in vaginal discharge
During pregnancy, there is an increase in blood flow to the pelvic area, which can cause an increase in vaginal discharge. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about, but it is important to keep the area clean.
Swelling in your feet and ankles
As the pregnancy progresses, the woman’s body retains more fluids, which can lead to swelling in the feet and ankles. This is normal and should not cause concern, but if it is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider.
Anemia
As the pregnancy progresses, there is an increased need for iron in the body. If a woman does not have enough iron in her diet, she may develop anemia. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Cramping
Mild cramping can occur during the 29th week of pregnancy, which is usually caused by Braxton Hicks contractions. If cramping is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider.
Heartburn
As the uterus expands, it can put pressure on the stomach, which can lead to heartburn and indigestion. Pregnant women may want to avoid spicy or greasy foods, and eat smaller, more frequent meals to help alleviate this symptom.
Lightheadedness
As the pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus can put pressure on the vena cava, which can lead to lightheadedness and dizziness. Pregnant women should take care to move slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, and should avoid standing for long periods of time.
29 Week Pregnancy Checklist
Attend your next prenatal appointment.
At 29 weeks pregnant, it’s important to attend your next prenatal appointment to monitor the baby’s growth and development, as well as to check for any potential pregnancy complications. Your healthcare provider will also likely check your blood pressure, weight, and urine, and may perform a physical exam and ultrasound.
Continue taking prenatal vitamins and eating a healthy diet
It’s important to continue taking prenatal vitamins and eating a healthy diet during the 29th week of pregnancy to ensure the baby is getting all the necessary nutrients for growth and development. This includes eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Start thinking about your birth plan and discussing it with your healthcare provider
During the 29th week of pregnancy, it’s a good idea to start thinking about your birth plan and discussing it with your healthcare provider. This includes deciding on your preferences for pain management, the presence of support persons, and any other important decisions that may arise during labor and delivery.
Consider taking a childbirth education class
Childbirth education classes can be a great resource for expectant parents, providing information on labor, delivery, and postpartum care. At 29 weeks pregnant, it’s a good time to start looking into classes and deciding on which one is the best fit for you.
Make sure you have a baby car seat properly installed in your vehicle
It’s important to have a baby car seat properly installed in your vehicle before the baby is born, so that you can bring your baby home safely from the hospital. At 29 weeks pregnant, it’s a good time to purchase a car seat and have it installed by a professional.
Pack your hospital bag
As the due date approaches, it’s a good idea to start packing your hospital bag. This includes items such as comfortable clothing, toiletries, a camera, and any other items you may need during your stay in the hospital.
Gather baby gear
During the 29th week of pregnancy, it’s a good time to start gathering the baby gear you will need, such as a crib, car seat, stroller, and other essentials. It’s important to have these items ready before the baby is born, so you’re prepared when you bring your baby home.
Tour the hospital or birthing center
If you haven’t done so already, it’s a good idea to tour the hospital or birthing center where you plan to give birth. This can help you become familiar with the facility and the staff, and can help you feel more prepared for labor and delivery.
Gather your support team
During the 29th week of pregnancy, it’s a good time to start thinking about who will be part of your support team during labor and delivery. This may include your partner, family members, and friends, as well as any other support persons you would like to have present during your birth experience.
Your 29 Week Pregnant Belly
A 29 week pregnant belly is typically around the size of a basketball. The uterus has grown significantly and is now above the belly button. The belly may also be starting to feel heavy and uncomfortable as the baby continues to grow. The woman’s body may also be changing to accommodate the growing uterus, such as experiencing more back pain, difficulty breathing, and difficulty finding a comfortable position.
The skin on the belly may also be stretched tight and itchy, which is normal. To take care of the belly, the woman should keep it moisturized to prevent itching and stretching. She can also wear comfortable, loose clothing and avoid tight-fitting clothes which can cause discomfort.
It is also important to maintain good posture, using a pregnancy pillow can also help alleviate any discomfort and pressure on the lower back and pelvis. Regular physical activity and exercise, as well as pregnancy-safe stretches, can also help alleviate discomfort and maintain muscle strength.
It is important to note that if the woman experiences severe or sudden belly pain, or if there is any bleeding or leakage, it is important to contact a healthcare provider right away as it could be a sign of a problem.
Overall, it’s important to take care of your physical and emotional well-being while pregnant. This can include getting enough rest and staying hydrated, engaging in regular physical activity, and seeking support from loved ones. It’s also important to be mindful of any changes in your body, such as pain, swelling or other symptoms and to report them to your healthcare provider.
Baby Development at 29 Weeks
At 29 weeks pregnant, the baby is about 15.5 inches long and weighs around 3 pounds. The baby’s bones are continuing to harden, and the baby’s movements may be more coordinated and stronger. The baby’s lungs are also continuing to mature, and they are able to practice breathing movements.
The baby’s senses are also developing quickly at this stage. The baby’s eyes can now distinguish between light and dark, and the baby may be able to respond to light shining on the mother’s belly. The baby’s ears are also developed enough that they can hear and respond to loud noises.
The baby’s skin is becoming less translucent and more opaque, and the baby’s hair and nails are growing. The baby’s immune system is also developing, and they are able to produce antibodies to fight off infection.
Special considerations at this stage include the possibility of preterm labor. Women who are carrying multiples or have a history of preterm labor are at higher risk and should be closely monitored by their healthcare provider. Additionally, it’s important for the mother to take care of her own health, as the baby’s development is heavily dependent on the mother’s health and nutrition.
In general, the baby’s development at 29 weeks is crucial as it is in the final stages of organ development. The baby’s growth rate will start to slow down as they approach full term, but the baby is still gaining important weight and developing key abilities. Regular prenatal check-ups and ultrasound will help track the baby’s growth and development and ensure that everything is progressing as it should.
How Many Months is 29 Weeks Pregnant?
At 29 weeks pregnant, you are approximately 7 months pregnant. The end of your third trimester is in sight and you are one step closer to meeting your little one!
As you near the end of your pregnancy, it’s important to take care of yourself and stay organized. Remember to attend all of your prenatal appointments and continue making preparations for your baby’s arrival. With each passing week, your baby is growing and developing and soon you’ll be holding them in your arms.
Katie Reed is a passionate writer and mother of four vivacious boys from Salt Lake City, Utah. Drawing from her own journey through TTC, pregnancy, and the joys of raising children, she offers a wealth of insight into the world of motherhood. Beyond her heartfelt tales, Katie delights her readers with family-friendly recipes, engaging crafts, and a curated library of printables for both kids and adults. When she’s not penning her experiences, you’ll find her crafting memories with her husband and sons—Dexter, Daniel, Chester, and Wilder.
