Week 29 of Pregnancy

Key Takeaways at Week 29

• Expect to wake up in the middle of the night for toilet breaks. Consider this training for when the baby arrives and you have to wake up with them

• Even if you don't have to use the loo a million times every night, you may still struggle to get enough sleep. Insomnia is prevalent at this stage of pregnancy. Use the pregnancy pillow to become comfy and relax as much as possible

• You may have gained more than 9 kg by this time in your pregnancy. While your tummy may seem stretched to capacity, there is still more room for growth!

• The baby is placing a lot of pressure on all of the organs, which causes a lot of discomfort. Do not be shocked if you get pelvic discomfort or haemorrhoids

• Week 29 of pregnancy is an excellent time to begin finalising details, such as equipping the nursery with infant care supplies. You should also start preparing a bag with items you'll need at the hospital when your baby is born. Leave it at the door so you may add things as they come to mind, and grab it at any time

• If you are in Week 29 of your pregnancy you are in the third trimester and in the seventh month

• 11 more weeks remaining in your pregnancy

Baby's Movement and Baby’s Development at Week 29

Things are becoming a bit crowded there, which is understandable considering how quickly the baby is growing. That implies all of those kicks and punches are growing stronger. You could even experience a slight, recurrent twitch. Your foetus is hiccuping at week 29.

The steady rhythmic pattern of a baby's hiccups might be uncomfortable, but it can also be reassuring: Hiccups seem to be associated with practising breathing, which the baby is doing often now. (That being said, the infant is breathing amniotic fluid rather than air; the placenta will provide oxygen from now until delivery.) In fact, some studies show that hiccups may aid babies in developing key connections between the brain and the diaphragm, the muscle responsible for breathing.

Around week 29 of pregnancy, the baby's bone marrow starts making red blood cells. Red blood cells are a baby's lifeblood, transporting oxygen to all of the body's tissues and removing carbon dioxide. At the start of pregnancy, the yolk sack generated the baby's red blood cells (which performed many vital activities until the placenta and other organs grew sufficiently to take over). From week 7 of pregnancy until today, the liver produced the majority of red blood cells.

If you're pregnant with twins, your twosome is becoming rather cramped within your abdomen!

Your baby is kicking more than ever. You should feel the movement at least ten times in two hours.

There is a little personality forming. Your baby is developing his or her own distinct personality, which you will always cherish.

The bones are growing well, and the baby teeth that sprouted weeks ago have produced dentin and enamel. You won't notice them until your baby is 4 to 7 months old.

• Baby Weight: Around 1.13 Kg
• Baby Length: 16 inches long
• Baby Size: Comparable to butternut squash.

Pregnancy Symptoms and Body Changes This Week

During week 29 of pregnancy, your body is rapidly changing. As your baby develops, so will you, and you may feel specific pregnancy symptoms throughout this period.

• Keep a watch on UTIs; they're the last thing you want to deal with right now. Make sure you urinate within 30 minutes of swimming or getting intimate.
• Itchy skin may persist, so if moisturiser isn't working, it's time to ask your doctor for solutions to soothe the area
• A combination of pressure from the developing baby and pregnancy hormone side effects may affect your digestion, resulting in symptoms such as heartburn, constipation, and haemorrhoids
• You may get a hazy head ("pregnancy brain") and even headaches. There are various lifestyle habits, techniques, and methods you may use to reduce forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and mental fogginess
• You are likely to have Braxton Hicks contractions. At 29 weeks, it is typical to have sporadic and unexpected uterine muscle contractions, sometimes known as "false labour." They will not put you into labour, but they are your body's way of preparing for the big day. Braxton Hicks contractions may persist for up to two minutes
• Bathrooms will become your buddy! You will feel the desire to urinate often. Avoid cutting down on beverages, as tempting as it may seem. Proper hydration throughout pregnancy is critical for both you and your baby's health, so maintain hydration levels by drinking water

Body Changes This week

• The uterus is becoming tighter as the baby develops. This means you'll get more pushes and kicks from those little hands and feet
• Backaches and foot swelling remain, especially if you're in your third trimester amid warm weather
• You'll probably feel like you're always racing to the toilet to urinate
• If you're having difficulties sleeping, avoid caffeinated beverages

29-week ultrasound

If you follow a conventional prenatal appointment schedule, you won't have to see the doctor this week, but you will return around week 30. If you look at an ultrasound at this stage, you may see that the baby is developing white fat deposits beneath the skin, and their energy is increasing as a result!

Your Baby Bump at Week 29

Weight gain during this stage ranges from 8 to 11 kg on average. Women who are pregnant with twins gain around 10 to 17 kg. If you place your hand around your belly, you will see that the top of your uterus is approximately 3.5 to 4 inches above your belly button.

You'll also feel a lot of kicks within your abdomen. Baby is beginning to feel cramped and is becoming rather active as their energy levels rise. Continue taking kick counts every day to ensure that the baby's activity levels are fairly constant. Baby should move ten times every hour.

If you haven't felt the baby move in a while and are becoming concerned, sip some cold water, listen to music, or lie down on your side for a relaxing massage. One of these actions should rouse the baby awake. If you are concerned about foetal activity, contact your doctor; they may wish to have the baby looked at.

Tips and Exercise at Week 29

Being 29 weeks pregnant is a critical time for you and your baby. Here's some additional professional advice on how to transition to this new stage while keeping you and your baby safe.

• During your third trimester, you may feel anxious about the big day. This is quite common; it is estimated that at least 15% of women have these symptoms. (However, the number may be larger since it is likely to be underreported.) Childbirth courses may help you have a smoother third trimester, delivery, and adjustment to parenting
• Another technique to relieve anxiety is to talk to a loved one or a therapist who will listen without judgment. Women who have been through pregnancy may be very helpful since they have experienced comparable experiences
• According to research, having enough magnesium in your diet will help reduce emotions of dread and panic while also supporting sleep hygiene. Eat more green vegetables, nuts, seeds, avocados, bananas, and healthy grains
• Journaling might help you relax when you're stressed, according to studies. You might maintain a notebook to record both your concerns and your enthusiasm about meeting your baby
• Your breasts may be leaking colostrum (the first milk), so get some nursing pads
• Between swelling, loose joints, and the return of fatigue, your whole body is most likely tired. Put your feet up to decrease swelling and pain, and relax when you can

Checklist for Week 29

• Read up on third-trimester tests, and develop a list of questions for your OB
• Help your body prepare for labour by doing squats and continuing to perform kegels!
• Schedule a birthing class
• Grab some breastfeeding pads to collect any nipple leakage
• Investigate daycare alternatives in your community

Frequently Asked Questions on Week 29 of Pregnancy

1. What is the baby's anticipated position at 29 weeks?
   Around this time, the baby will turn its head down in your womb, preparing for delivery. Though around 25% of newborns may still be breech at this age, only 3 to 4% stay breech at full term. Paying attention to where the larger kicks are in relation to the lesser punches may sometimes reveal the location of the baby. Also, take notice of the bigger wriggles, as these might be from the baby's buttocks or head!
2. What is colostrum?
   Colostrum, sometimes known as "liquid gold" (because of its yellowish colour and several health advantages), is a breastfed baby's first meal and the predecessor to breastmilk. This easily digestible material is rich in white blood cells, which make antibodies and contribute to the development of the baby's immune system. Only a few tablespoons every feed ensures that your infant receives all of the fluids and nourishment he or she needs, including protein, vitamins, and minerals. After the first two to four days after delivery, your milk will "come in" (meaning your body will start making transitional milk that is creamy in colour and thinner in substance). Once your milk supply is established, your breasts will begin producing mature milk (about two weeks after delivery).