29 Weeks Pregnant

Welcome to the third trimester of pregnancy — time really flies! What to expect at 29 weeks pregnant? Your little one measures around 15 inches long from head to heel — and he’ll grow double in size between now and birth! He’s in the process of fine-tuning right now — and as his organs continue to develop, you may start to feel increasingly uncomfortable due to your growing belly. From week 29 to week 36, you should switch to fortnightly visits to your doctor or midwife; from week 36 thru week 40, the visits will become more regular.

Pregnancy Symptoms at 29 Weeks

Pregnancy Symptoms at 29 Weeks

What to Expect:

• During week 29, heartburn and constipation are two of the most common symptoms that you’ll likely experience.

• Progesterone relaxes smooth muscle tissue in your body, including your gastrointestinal tract — coupled with the crowding in your abdomen, this might slow digestion and lead to gas, heartburn, and bloating.

• Hemorrhoids are also fairly common during this week, so don’t worry if you experience any. The good part is that they usually clear up after birth without any medication or ointments.

• Some pregnant women report “supine hypotensive syndrome” during pregnancy. You’ll know you have it too if you feel dizzy when you lay flat on your back. Most of the time, the dizziness dissipates prior to changing position, and occurs due to a change in your heart rate and blood pressure. If you experience any of these symptoms, make sure to talk about them to your doctor or midwife. To avoid the feelings of dizziness, lay on either side rather than on your back.

• Since your expanding uterus is now exerting pressure on your bladder, you’re probably peeing more frequently than before you got pregnant. This will likely remind you of the first trimester, when frequent bathroom trips were disturbing your sleep!

Your Baby at 29 Weeks

How big is a baby at 20 weeks? Your baby gained another 1/4 pounds this week — and your baby weight is 2 1/2 pounds! He measures around 15 inches long from head to heels — pretty much the size of a savoy cabbage. He’s putting on layers of fat, which makes his skin smoothen out and appear less wrinkly and translucent. With the volume of amniotic fluid reduced to about half, vernix caseosa (the waxy substance that was protecting the baby’s skin against the effects of “bathing” in amniotic fluid) has started to gradually disappear.

The baby’s eyes are beginning to focus — just imagine what fascinating his little world looks like! He can even blink, and distinguish between day and night. The buds in the gums for his baby teeth have already formed, and the buds for his permanent teeth are just starting to develop this week. His adrenal glands are producing a chemical which will be made into estriol by the placenta. Estriol stimulates production of prolactin — and prolactin makes you produce milk. If your baby was born earlier than 40 weeks, you’d still be able to breastfeed! His brain can detect rhythmic breathing and control body temperature. Should he be born early, he won’t need medical assistance to breathe. Even more interesting is that your little one may be able to dream at this time due to brain development during week 29.

Ultrasound Images of 29 Week Pregnancy

Bellies at 29 Weeks

Pregnancy Tips

• Since your baby’s bones are soaking up lots of calcium, you should start eating more foods that contain this essential nutrient. Taking supplements is a different option, but be sure to talk to your doctor or midwife first.

• Exercising every day is a great way to keep active and stay mentally sane. Plus, it helps boost your energy, and also relieves stress — which is so much needed as delivery approaches!

• Week 29 is the perfect time to start shopping for things you’ll need in the hospital, so make a list and go shopping!