At 29 weeks pregnant, you’re between your 7th and 8th month of pregnancy. In some ways, it might feel like time has flown; in others, it may feel like you’ve been pregnant forever!
As you progress through your third trimester, staying informed and taking good care of yourself and your developing baby is important.
In this article, we’ve got some self-care tips, information on what to expect this week, updates on your baby’s development, and answers to common FAQs about pregnancy week 29!
Your growing baby at 29 weeks pregnant
At 29 weeks pregnant, your baby is going through the following developments:
Baby size
Your baby is typically about the size of a butternut squash, measuring around 15.2 inches (38.6 cm) from head to heel and weighing approximately 2.5 to 3.5 pounds (1.1 to 1.6 kg).
Baby’s organs
The baby’s organs continue to mature, and their lungs develop surfactant, which helps them expand and contract with each breath. They are also experiencing rapid brain development.
Baby’s immune system
The baby is also beginning to develop their immune system and can regulate their body temperature.
Baby’s blood
During the third trimester, your baby’s bone marrow is actively producing red blood cells at a rapid pace to keep up with their growing body’s needs. As a result, your baby’s blood volume increases significantly during this time, so staying well-hydrated and eating a healthy, iron-rich diet to support their growing blood supply is essential.
Baby’s movement
At this stage, the baby is quite active, and you may feel them moving around frequently, which is a reassuring sign of their growth and development.
Your body at 29 weeks pregnant
At 29 weeks pregnant, you’ll continue to experience symptoms such as:
1. Growing belly
Your belly will continue to expand as your baby grows, and you may begin to feel more uncomfortable due to the added weight and pressure.
2. Braxton Hicks contractions
These are practice contractions that can feel like mild menstrual cramps. They are usually irregular and painless, but if you experience frequent, regular contractions may be a sign of preterm labor.
3. Backaches and pelvic pain
As your belly grows, it can cause strain on your lower back and pelvic area, leading to discomfort and pain. You may also experience leg cramps and high blood pressure as your body prepares for the final stretch.
4. Fatigue
Your body works hard to support your growing baby so you may feel more tired than usual. Getting plenty of rest and taking breaks throughout the day is essential.
5. Shortness of breath
As your uterus expands, it can push against your diaphragm, making it harder to take deep breaths. This is normal but seek medical attention immediately if you experience severe shortness of breath or chest pain.
6. Varicose veins
Around 2 in 5 women experience varicose veins as they approach their third trimester. This symptom happens due to pressure on the inferior vena cava and can be managed by moving frequently and avoiding standing or sitting in the same position for extended periods.
7. Heartburn and indigestion
As your baby grows, it can push up against your stomach, causing acid reflux and indigestion.
8. Swelling
You may experience swelling in your feet, ankles, and hands as your body retains more fluids.
Pregnancy can be challenging, and it’s normal to experience a range of pregnancy symptoms at 29 weeks. Remember that these symptoms indicate your body is working hard to support your growing baby.
Self-Care at 29 Weeks pregnant
Self-care is essential during pregnancy to help manage the physical and emotional changes of growing a new life. Here are some interesting self-care practices you may want to try at 29 weeks pregnant:
1. Napping
Getting enough rest during pregnancy is essential, and napping can be a great way to recharge and reduce fatigue.
2. A healthy and balanced diet
Continue to eat nutrient-rich foods that promote healthy weight gain. As you progress through the third trimester, focus on boosting your calcium intake to support your baby’s rapid development.
3. Prenatal yoga
Yoga can help you relax, reduce stress, and ease pregnancy discomforts such as back pain and insomnia. Prenatal yoga classes are designed for pregnant women and focus on gentle movements that are safe for you and your baby.
4. Meditation
Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help you manage anxiety and stress during pregnancy. You can try guided meditations or apps like Headspace or Calm to help you get started.
5. Massage therapy
Massage therapy can help relieve pregnancy discomforts such as back pain, headaches, and swollen feet. Look for a massage therapist specializing in prenatal massage with experience working with pregnant women.
6. Warm baths
A warm bath can help you relax and soothe pregnancy aches and pains. Check with your healthcare provider first to ensure it’s safe for you.
7. Journaling
Journaling can be a great way to process your thoughts and emotions during pregnancy. You can write about your hopes, fears, and experiences or use prompts such as “what I’m grateful for” or “what I’m looking forward to.”
Always check with your healthcare provider before trying new self-care practices during pregnancy, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.
FAQs at 29 Weeks pregnant
Is 29 weeks considered 8 months pregnant?
29 weeks fall within the third trimester of pregnancy, which spans from week 28 to week 40. At 29 weeks, you are approximately seven and a half months pregnant, commonly rounded up to 8 months pregnant.
What should I avoid at 29 weeks pregnant?
At 29 weeks, there are a few things that you should avoid to ensure the health and safety of you and your baby, such as
- Smoking: Smoking during pregnancy is harmful to both you and your baby. It increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). If you smoke, it’s never too late to quit.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause serious harm to your baby, including fetal alcohol syndrome. It’s best to avoid alcohol entirely while you’re pregnant.
- Certain medications: Some medications can be harmful to your baby. Always check with your doctor before taking any medication, including over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements, and vitamins.
- Raw or undercooked food: Raw or undercooked food can carry bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Avoid raw or undercooked meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Certain fish: Some types of fish contain high levels of mercury, which can harm your baby’s developing nervous system. Avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish.
- Hot tubs and saunas: Exposure to high temperatures, such as in hot tubs and saunas, can harm your developing baby. Stick to warm baths instead.
- Stress: High-stress levels can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. Take time to relax, practice self-care, and seek support if you need it.
Always consult your doctor if you have any pregnancy-related questions or concerns.
What is so uncomfortable at 29 weeks?
Some of the most discomfort you’ll feel at week 29 may come from:
Insomnia: Many women experience difficulty sleeping during pregnancy, whether due to physical discomfort or worries and anxieties about the upcoming birth and motherhood.
Shortness of breath: As your uterus expands, it can push up against your diaphragm, making breathing harder.
Swelling: It’s common to experience swelling in your feet, ankles, and hands during pregnancy, which can be uncomfortable and make it challenging to move around.
Is walking well at 29 weeks pregnant?
Walking is generally considered a safe and beneficial exercise during pregnancy, including at 29 weeks. Here are some benefits of walking during pregnancy:
- Helps maintain a healthy weight: Walking can help you manage your weight during pregnancy by burning calories and promoting a healthy metabolism. You’ll need to gain weight to support your growing baby, so walking can help counter that extra weight gain.
- Improves circulation: Walking can help improve circulation and reduce swelling in your legs and feet, a common symptom during pregnancy.
- Boosts energy: Walking can help increase your energy levels and reduce fatigue during pregnancy.
- Reduces stress: Walking can significantly reduce stress and anxiety during pregnancy, helping you feel more relaxed and calm.
- Prepares for labor and delivery: Walking can help strengthen the muscles in your legs and pelvic floor, which can be helpful during labor and delivery.
How much movement is too much at 29 weeks?
Feeling your baby move is a reassuring sign of their well-being during pregnancy. As you approach the end of the second trimester and enter the third trimester, you should feel your baby moving regularly.
It’s normal for babies to be more active at certain times of the day, such as after meals or during periods of rest.
Some babies are naturally more active than others, and some mothers may be more sensitive to their movements.
As a general guideline, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that you feel at least ten distinct movements from your baby in two hours. This can include kicks, rolls, or other movements.
Suppose you notice a sudden decrease in your baby’s movements or haven’t felt any movements in your pregnant belly for a prolonged period. In that case, it’s critical to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Remember, it’s always better to err on caution regarding your baby’s movements during pregnancy. If you have any concerns or questions about your baby’s movements, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
Conclusion
The third trimester of your pregnancy! It’s a significant milestone, and you should feel proud of yourself for all you’ve accomplished.
As you approach the end of your pregnancy, you may start to experience some physical discomforts and emotional ups and downs, but here are some words of encouragement to help you get through this final stretch:
Remember your why: As you experience the discomforts of the third trimester, it can be helpful to remember why you started this journey in the first place. You’re growing a new life inside you, and that is an incredible accomplishment.
Practice self-care: You must take care of yourself during this time, both physically and emotionally. Ensure you eat healthy, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest before your baby arrives. Take time for yourself to do things that you enjoy and that make you feel good.
Lean on your support system: Your partner, family, and friends can be a great source of support during this time. Reach out to them when you need help or someone to talk to.
Stay positive: The third trimester can be challenging, but staying positive and focusing on the end goal is essential. Before you know it, you’ll be holding your precious baby in your arms, and all of the discomforts of pregnancy will be worth it.
Remember, you’re doing a fantastic job growing and nurturing a new life inside you. Stay focused on the positive, take care of yourself, and know you have the strength and resilience to get through the third trimester and beyond.
