29Th week of pregnancy what to expect

29 Weeks Pregnant | Pregnancy

Are you feeling excited? Or nervous? Or maybe you're a bit of both. Being pregnant stirs up all kinds of emotions. You could feel very sad, for example, that a loved one who's passed on will never get to meet your baby. The important thing to do during pregnancy is to talk to friends, family, your midwife or doctor, and discuss anything that's worrying you.

What's happening in my body?

You might be feeling a bit breathless, as your baby pushes against your lungs. It puts a strain on your body carrying extra weight around too.

You may feel irritated when people tell you to enjoy your sleep while you can, as it's not very easy right now. You could be getting leg cramps. Plus if the baby's pressing against your bladder, you may be going to the bathroom more often throughout the night.

Babies seem to have a habit of being really active just as you want to go to sleep. They have their own sleeping and waking patterns, and you'll be lucky if your schedules coincide! Get to know your baby's patterns. If you notice that they change or stop, contact your midwife or hospital.

Rest when you can in the day. It's best to try and sleep on your side. Try supporting your body when you lie down by putting a pillow under your bump, and another one between your legs.

If you feel unable to cope, because you're just too tired, talk to your midwife or doctor.

How can I tell if i'm having a boy or a girl?

You may have been told the sex of your baby at your anomaly scan, but sometimes it's tricky to get a proper look. Also it may not be your hospital's policy to reveal the sex before the birth.

It's not possible to tell your baby's sex from any of these following things.

The position of your bump

Some people think a neat high bump means you're carrying a boy, while a low rounded bump contains a girl. In fact, the differences are more to do with:

• your height
• your muscles
• how many babies you've already had
• how much you eat in pregnancy

Your baby's heart rate

Some people say that if it's over 140 bpm, then it's more likely to be a girl, but there's no science to back this up.

Gender prediction kits you can buy on the internet

These claim to measure testosterone in your urine, or traces of the baby's DNA in your blood. However they rely on you providing a usable sample and that's not easy. They are also very expensive. Some doctors think that you're just as likely to get the right result by tossing a coin.

Spinning a wedding ring over your pregnant belly

It's supposed to spin in circles for a girl, or like a pendulum for a boy. But there's no scientific basis to this.

3rd trimester pregnancy symptoms (at 29 weeks)

You could be feeling awkward and uncoordinated. It takes a while to get used to having a bump. Your sense of balance could be all over the place, as your centre of gravity changes. If you fall over, don't panic, you've got plenty of padding in there, but let your midwife or doctor know.

This week, your signs of pregnancy could include:

• sleeping problems (week 19 has information about feeling tired)
• swollen and bleeding gums (week 13 has information about gum health during pregnancy)
• pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb ("round ligament pains")
• piles (read about piles on week 22's page)
• headaches
• backache
• indigestion and heartburn (week 25 talks about digestive problems)
• bloating and constipation (read about bloating on week 16's page)
• leg cramps (week 20 explains how to deal with cramp)
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infections (see week 15 for vaginal health)
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the "mask of pregnancy"
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair

You may also experience symptoms from earlier weeks, such as:

• mood swings (week 8's page has information on mood swings)
• weird pregnancy cravings (read about pregnancy cravings on week 5's page)
• a heightened sense of smell
• sore or leaky breasts (read about breast pain on week 14's page)
• a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Read Tommy's guide to common pregnancy symptoms.

What does my baby look like?

Your baby, or foetus, is around 38.6cm long from head to heel, and weighs about 1.2kg. That's approximately the size of a butternut squash and the weight of a small chicken.

Your baby is perfectly formed. Over the next few weeks, they have lots to do, such as maturing their organs and gaining fat.

For the past few weeks, your baby has been covered by a greasy white layer of something called "vernix" that protects the skin and soft, downy hair for warmth. This starts to disappear now. Your baby is getting ready to make an entrance in about 11 weeks' time.

Action stations

Start writing your birth plan, if you would like to have one. Think about:

• what sort of pain relief you want, if any
• who you would like to be your birth partner and what kind of role you want them to have

  This week you could also...

  You have maternity rights. You can ask for a risk assessment of your work place to ensure that you're working in a safe environment. You should not be lifting heavy things and you may need extra breaks and somewhere to sit. You can also attend antenatal appointments during paid work time.

  It's a good time to tone up your pelvic floor muscles. Gentle exercises can help to prevent leakage when you laugh, sneeze or cough. Get the muscles going by pretending that you're having a wee and then stopping midflow. Visit Tommy’s for more ideas about pelvic floor exercises/

  Ask your midwife or doctor about online antenatal classes – they start around now. The charity Tommy's has lots of useful information on antenatal classes and preparing you for birth.

  Even if you've had children before, they're still worth going to as you can meet other parents-to-be. The NCT offers online antenatal classes with small groups of people that live locally to you.

  To keep bones and muscles healthy, we need vitamin D. From late March/early April to the end of September, most people make enough vitamin D from sunlight on their skin. However, between October and early March, you should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement because we cannot make enough from sunlight.

  Some people should take a vitamin D supplement all year round, find out if this applies to you on the NHS website. You just need 10 micrograms (it's the same for grown-ups and kids). Check if you're entitled to free vitamins.

  It's recommended that you do 150 minutes of exercise a week while pregnant. You could start off with just 10 minutes of daily exercise - perhaps take a brisk walk outside. Check out Sport England's #StayInWorkOut online exercises (scroll to the pregnancy section). Listen to your body and do what feels right for you.

  There's no need to eat for 2. Now you're in the 3rd trimester, you may need an extra 200 calories a day, but that's not much. It's about the same as 2 slices of wholemeal toast and margarine.

  Try and eat healthily with plenty of fresh fruit and veg, and avoid processed, fatty and salty foods. You may be able to get free milk, fruit and veg through the Healthy Start scheme.

  How are you today? If you're feeling anxious or low, then talk to your midwife or doctor who can point you in the right direction to get all the support that you need. You could also discuss your worries with your partner, friends and family.

  You may be worried about your relationship, or money, or having somewhere permanent to live. Don't keep it to yourself. It's important that you ask for help if you need it.

  Getting pregnant again is probably the last thing on your mind. However now is a good time to start planning what type of contraception you would like to use after your baby is born. Getting pregnant again could happen sooner than you realise and too short a gap between babies is known to cause problems. Talk to your GP or midwife to help you decide.

You and your family should follow the government and NHS guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19):

To find out about about COVID-19 and pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, have a look at advice on the:

29 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and Baby Development

29 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby's Development

Your little one is getting ready to meet you! She’s starting to gain weight more quickly. During the last two and a half months of your pregnancy, she’ll continue to put on more padding and will likely double her current weight. Although the major body and organ development work is nearly complete, her lungs may not be mature enough for life outside the womb just yet. You might notice your baby is kicking more often, and that those kicks are getting stronger as your baby changes her position from time to time. When you are 29 weeks pregnant, your healthcare provider may advise you to count her fetal movements once each day. This helps check she’s developing and moving normally. To help you count your baby’s kicks, download our fetal movement tracker. Wondering how many months along you are at 29 weeks pregnant? As pregnancy doesn't fit neatly into months, you could be close to being eight months along. For more on how your little one will develop in the coming months, check out our third trimester guide.

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The Size of the Fetus at 29 Weeks Pregnant

At 29 weeks, the average fetus is about the size of a butternut squash. The illustration below offers you a look at how your baby may be positioned at 29 weeks.

Mom’s Body at 29 Weeks Pregnant

Right now, eating healthily is vital for the growth of your baby. Two important nutrients include iron and calcium. Iron helps your body maintain and replenish red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body and prevent anemia. Moms-to-be need at least 30 milligrams of iron each day, which can come from iron-rich foods like beef or pork liver, beans, and fortified whole-grain cereals and oatmeal. Your healthcare provider will likely keep an eye on your iron levels and prescribe an iron supplement, if necessary. Calcium is also critical for your body and your growing baby, as it not only strengthens your bones and teeth, but also helps to build and grow your baby’s little bones and choppers. You’ll need to be getting about 1,000 milligrams of calcium each day (1,300 a day if you're younger than 19). You can get this much calcium from just a few slices of whole grain bread, or from cheese, broccoli, or yogurt. Overall, during this last trimester, you need about 450 extra calories each day, and at 29 weeks pregnant, you can expect your weight gain to be about one pound each week from now until the end of your pregnancy, or approximately 12 pounds, assuming you were in the normal BMI range before your pregnancy and that you give birth at 40 weeks. Learn more about weight gain during pregnancy.

29 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms

At 29 weeks pregnant, here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing:

• Varicose veins. If you’re noticing sore and possibly itchy blue veins bulging on your legs, these are probably varicose veins. They occur when your growing uterus puts pressure on the major veins that move blood from your lower body to your heart. You’re more likely to develop them if this isn’t your first pregnancy, or if varicose veins run in your family. Although they may look unpleasant, they’re usually not a medical problem. To relieve any discomfort, try not to sit or stand for long periods of time, and elevate your feet whenever possible to improve circulation. Wearing support hose can also help — just make sure the style you choose does not constrict at the thigh or the knee.

• Fatigue. If you’re feeling wiped out lately, know that this is not uncommon at this stage of your pregnancy. Your body is continuously working to nourish and support your baby at 29 weeks pregnant, which takes quite a bit of energy. You might also be finding it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Take advantage of any opportunity to rest, even if it’s just 15 minutes of shut-eye here and there. At 29 weeks pregnant, you may want to try sleeping with a pillow under your belly for support. Keep exercising, if you can, because this will help keep your energy levels up. Get more tips on how to get a good night’s sleep while pregnant.

• Leg cramps. This is a common complaint during pregnancy, and medical experts aren't sure what causes them. Painful cramps in your calves can sometimes strike at night, interrupting your sleep. To ward them off, or at least to ease the discomfort, try stretching your legs before you go to bed. If a cramp does strike, flex your foot upward and then point it back down a few times. A gentle calf massage can also help.

• Shortness of breath. Seeing your new baby for this first time may take your breath away, but until that moment comes, you may experience a different type of breathing difficulty. At this stage of pregnancy, your growing uterus isn’t leaving much space for your other abdominal organs, so your stomach and diaphragm press up against your lungs. As a result, your lungs don’t have as much room to expand. Help your lungs get the breathing room they need by practicing good posture. To catch your breath, try to move more slowly and don’t overexert yourself. If you experience any chest pains at 29 weeks pregnant, this is a symptom you should not ignore. Call your healthcare provider for advice.

29 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider

• If you’re feeling a little stressed right about now, you may want to explore some relaxation techniques. Although some pregnancy-related stress is normal, you shouldn’t be feeling anxious every day. One way to help yourself relax is to practice prenatal yoga or meditation. Your healthcare provider can give you more information about practicing yoga safely during the last trimester. Learning how to relax your body and mind when you’re 29 weeks pregnant can help you lower your blood pressure; it can also reduce muscle tension and ease lower back pain, helping you feel more comfortable during the final stretch of your pregnancy. Other stress busters: Get a massage, write in a journal, or simply listen to your favorite music while resting.

• There are several different methods of childbirth preparation that experts say can help you through labor and delivery, among them the Lamaze, Bradley, and Read methods. If you haven’t done so already, you may want to learn more about these methods, as they can help you manage pain and anxiety during labor through relaxation techniques and controlled breathing. Taking a childbirth preparation class is a great option, as these courses often teach relaxation techniques. Ask your healthcare provider for help finding one in your area. We also offer some free online childbirth education videos that you can access anytime.

• Do you know where you’re scheduled to give birth yet? If yes, your hospital or birthing center may allow you to take a tour of its facilities before your due date. This is also a great chance to plot the quickest route to the hospital, and to figure out logistics like parking and entrances. If you do take a tour, you can ask hospital staff about their policies, including who is allowed in the delivery room and whether photography or videography is allowed.

• Have you decided who (if anyone) you want to be with you when you give birth? Your birth partner might be your partner, or may be a close friend or relative. Your birth partner can do lots to support you during labor and delivery. They can keep you company, give massages, and encourage you. Your birth partner can also help you use those relaxation and breathing techniques that you might have learned at your prenatal classes. He or she can also help with communication between you and your midwife or healthcare provider, making sure your wishes are understood and helping you to feel more in control of what’s going on. It’s a good idea to discuss your preferences and feelings about your labor and delivery with your birth partner well in advance.

• Consider how you plan to handle child care after your baby is born, particularly if you and your partner will be returning to work. You're likely to have a variety of choices, from child care centers to in-home care, each with its own cost and availability factors, so it’s best to do some research and start making arrangements before your baby arrives. This will give you one less thing to worry about when you’re busy caring for your newborn. If you already have children, you may want to make arrangements for them to be looked after when you go into labor and in the first few days or weeks after your new baby comes home.

• Your baby shower’s host may be asking you for details of your gift registry so that she can send out the invitations and point guests to your registry. If you’re still finalizing your registry, check out these newborn must-haves to make sure you’ve covered all the essentials.

29 Weeks Pregnant: Ask Your Doctor

• When will your baby be fully developed and ready for the outside world?

• Should you be doing kick counts? How should you do them?

• Is it likely that you’ll need an episiotomy (a small cut in the perineum, between the vagina and anus) if you have a vaginal delivery? What exactly does this involve, and why might it be offered?

• Is a written birth plan recommended for you?

• What are some symptoms at 29 weeks pregnant, or beyond, that you should definitely call your healthcare provider about?

• How often will you need to come in for a checkup between now and the birth?

• Do you have any of the risk factors of preeclampsia, and what warning signs should you look out for?

• Is a 3D or 4D ultrasound recommended for you, and when would be the best time to have one of these scans?

29 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist

• Check with your workplace about any maternity leave paperwork that you will need to complete. You might also like to create a plan for how you will gradually hand over your tasks so things aren’t left to the last minute.

• Read up on the typical third trimester prenatal care and ask your healthcare provider for personalized information on what checkups and tests you can expect in the coming weeks and months.

• Schedule a tour of your birth hospital or birthing center.

• Prepare your baby’s nursery with all the essentials.

• Choose or start designing a birth announcement. You might want to have traditional cards printed that you can send to your family and friends, or you might want to design an announcement to share your happy news via email or on social media.

• Wondering which exact products to buy or to add to your baby shower registry? We asked thousands of Pampers Parents to tell us which products they’d recommend and why. Check out the lists of best baby products as voted by Pampers Parents.

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