At 29 weeks pregnant, your baby is busy gaining fat and muscle and strengthening its little bones.
Meanwhile, during the 29th pregnancy week, the future mom may be feeling extra tired and bigger by the hour.
So here is what week twenty-nine has in store for you and your baby.
Physical Symptoms During Week Twenty-Nine of Pregnancy
The majority of babies are moving a lot during this pregnancy week.
And as the growing baby continues to put pressure on your digestive system more and more each day, the consequences will be felt, including hemorrhoids, heartburn, pelvic pain, and the need for frequent urination.
Other common third-trimester pregnancy symptoms can include:
Fatigue (again)
If you think that first-trimester exhaustion is behind you, think again because it will return in the third trimester and is now bigger than ever.
That extra energy and stamina you have enjoyed during the second trimester are all gone because the third trimester often brings back that pesky fatigue and high blood pressure.
Foot changes
Many pregnant women experience mild swelling of the feet and ankles, and this is almost expected during pregnancy, as the body is holding onto more liquid than before and swollen blood vessels are under a lot of pressure. Leg cramps are also a common occurrence at 29 weeks pregnant.
However, that is not the only change that will happen to your poor feet during pregnancy; they might also become wider and longer!
Unfortunately, or fortunately, this is usually one of those changes that stick around after the baby’s arrival, and you might end up needing to up your shoe size in the future.
Itchy belly
As your baby is growing bigger and bigger, the skin of your pregnant belly is stretching thinner, which makes it more sensitive and itchy.
Staying hydrated and applying oils and lotions on your stomach can help with the itch.
If you notice a rash, let your healthcare provider know right away.
The need for frequent urination
The growing baby is probably pressing on your bladder, which causes the need for urination more frequently than usual.
Proper hydration is important during pregnancy, and you should not cut down on drinking water to deal with frequent urination; you will have to visit the bathroom more often during the third trimester.
What Happens to The Baby During Week Twenty-Nine of Pregnancy?
At 29 weeks pregnant, your baby is 15.2 inches long and weighs about 2.5 pounds, about the size of an acorn squash. The baby is close to its birth length, but it still has to gain weight.
The baby’s muscles and lungs continue to mature as each day passes. At this time, the baby needs more nutrients to grow, which will naturally increase your hunger.
Make sure to honor those hunger cues and eat!
The baby’s brain is going through rapid brain development, and the head is getting bigger to accommodate it. At week 29 of the baby’s development, the baby starts regulating its body temperature. At 29 weeks pregnant, the baby’s skin is losing the downy hair and smoothing out.
You will be able to kiss your baby all over soon! The baby’s bone marrow is starting to produce red blood cells.
Pregnancy Checklist During Week Twenty-Nine
Since you are now in the third trimester and the final stage of your pregnancy journey, there are certain tasks you need to fulfill and cross off your list to stay safe and get prepared for the baby’s arrival.
The list of things you need to complete during your twenty-ninth week of pregnancy will include:
Plan your maternity leave
The baby will be here very soon, and the twenty-ninth week of your pregnancy is the perfect time to make decisions and arrangements regarding maternity leave options.
If you want to have a nanny, now is the perfect time to interview a few.
Eat enough calcium
Your little baby is growing by the day, and it is working hard to build strong bones, using calcium, which they take from your healthy and balanced diet full of calcium rich foods.
To make sure your baby is well-supplied with all of the calcium needed, make sure to up your calcium intake by adding more tofu, dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods into your balanced diet.
Take special care of your breasts
The third trimester is going to hit your breasts hard. They will probably feel tight, swollen, bigger than ever, and they might even have a heat rash or leak colostrum.
If any of these issues are bothering you, give your breasts a special treatment full of love and care. Wear comfortable clothing and bras, apply lotion, and get maternity breast pads to prevent leaking.
Rest whenever you need it
Now is not the time to push yourself past the limit.
Instead, now is the perfect time to rest, watch movies, nest, relax, and nap whenever you can.
Your whole body probably feels worn out at this point of your pregnancy, and rest is much needed. Your lower back is probably taking a lot of stress due to your pregnancy hormones, your growing uterus and the weight gain.
So to reduce swelling and aching, put your feet up and get your rest when you can.
What To Avoid or Begin to Avoid?
It is imperative to avoid potentially harmful and dangerous things and activities to protect you and the baby during your pregnancy.
During week twenty-nine, make sure to stay away from:
- Smoking, doing drugs, drinking alcohol, and being exposed to toxic substances.
- Sleeping on your tummy.
- Performing demanding workouts and carrying heavyweight.
- Wearing strappy and tight shoes and high heels.
- Touching kitty litter or cat feces.
- Drinking an excessive amount of caffeine and carbonated drinks.
- Getting tattooed as it poses a risk of infection.
- Eating junk food, deli meats, raw or undercooked meat, eggs, cheeses from unpasteurized milk, unpasteurized dairy foods, high mercury fish, and unwashed fruits and vegetables.
- Having close contact with anyone with rubella, chickenpox, or the Zika virus.