Now that you’re 29 weeks pregnant, you’re progressing beautifully through your third and final trimester.
By now, your baby is growing rapidly, and your body is experiencing a variety of changes as it prepares for childbirth.
This period brings excitement, anticipation, and perhaps some challenges.
But knowing what to expect can make the experience more manageable and enjoyable.
Let’s dive into what’s happening with your baby, your body, and other aspects of pregnancy during this transformative time.
Your Baby at 29 Weeks of Pregnancy
At 29 weeks, your baby is roughly the size of a butternut squash, weighing around 1.2 kg.
Measuring about 26 cm from crown to rump and 38 cm in total length, your baby is beginning to run out of space in your womb.
This change in their environment influences both their movements and development.
Here’s what’s going on with your baby at 29 weeks of pregnancy:
- Maturing organs: While your baby’s organs are fully developed and functioning, the lungs remain an exception as they continue to mature in preparation for life outside the womb.
- Reproductive development: In boys, the testicles are migrating from the abdomen to the scrotum. In girls, the ovaries are now securely in the pelvis, and the labia are growing to cover the clitoris.
- Brain growth: Your baby’s brain is growing rapidly, allowing them to sense touch and pain. This development also helps them respond to their surroundings more acutely.
- Eye development: Pupils can now contract and dilate in response to light, which your baby can perceive through your stretched abdominal skin.
- Positioning: With limited space, your baby might curl into a foetal position, head near their knees.
- Movement: Kicks and movements are now more pronounced and might feel like sharp elbows nudging for space.
Each new development brings your baby closer to being ready for the world.
You may feel more and more connected to your little one as you sense these changes through their increasingly active movements.
Your Body at 29 Weeks of Pregnancy
At 29 weeks of pregnancy, many of the symptoms you experienced in your second trimester are still lingering.
These include pelvic pain, haemorrhoids, heartburn, breathlessness, constipation and ‘pregnancy brain’. You may also still be feeling Braxton Hicks contractions.
Your body is adapting to accommodate the growing life within, and these changes are both physical and emotional.
These are some of the most common symptoms you may be going through now that you’re 29 weeks pregnant:
- Bladder changes: Your bladder has less room to expand, leading to frequent urination. Stay hydrated but reduce fluid intake before bedtime to minimise nighttime bathroom trips.
- Stress incontinence: You may experience some urine leakage from time to time. This is known as stress incontinence. It happens anytime you laugh, cough or sneeze, due to the pressure on your pelvic floor. Practice Kegels to strengthen muscles and reduce incontinence.
- Fatigue: Carrying the extra weight, coupled with interrupted sleep due to frequent urination and your baby’s movements, can leave you feeling exhausted during the day. This fatigue may resemble the tiredness of the first trimester but is completely normal.
- Pregnancy ‘wilt’: Some women find their energy levels dip and their skin doesn’t glow as much as it did earlier in pregnancy.
You may find it becoming harder and harder to maintain good sleep as you progress in your pregnancy. Prioritise rest during the day to compensate for disrupted nights.
While some symptoms can be challenging, understanding them can help you navigate this period with confidence.
Bed Rest
There comes a time when moving around may get difficult.
You may make the decision to carry the rest of your pregnancy at home.
The decision of when to stop working during pregnancy is deeply personal.
In Malaysia, maternity leave can begin as early as 30 days before your due date, making the 29th week a potential starting point.
However, if you have certain medical conditions, your doctor may recommend that you start your maternity leave early and begin your bed rest as soon as you can.
If you dread the thought of staying in bed for the remainder of your pregnancy, don’t worry.
Even though you need to stay off your feet as much as you can, this doesn’t mean you should stop moving at all.
Going for regular walks around the house is important to get your blood moving and build up your stamina for childbirth.
Moreover, now is the time for you to start ‘nesting’, which is when pregnant mothers get the urge to decorate their nurseries and buy baby things.
Listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to slow down or adjust your routine as needed.
Breech Babies
During prenatal visits, your healthcare provider may mention that your baby is in a breech position—sitting upright with legs folded instead of being head-down.
This may make you panic, especially if you’ve been told a lot of horror stories about breech births.
Thankfully, it’s never as serious as those old wives tales make them out to be.
Besides, while you’re already in your third trimester, you are still nowhere near your due date.
Moreover, breech is fairly common at 29 weeks and typically isn’t a cause for concern.
As time goes on, most babies naturally shift to a head-down position by the 36th week.
Until then, your baby may continue doing somersaults in your womb, exploring their range of movement.
Should your baby remain in a breech position closer to delivery, your provider may discuss options to encourage repositioning or manage the delivery safely.
One Day at a Time
The 29th week of pregnancy is a time of remarkable growth and preparation for both you and your baby.
While the journey may bring physical challenges like fatigue and frequent bathroom trips, it also offers moments of joy and connection as you feel your baby’s movements and imagine the day you’ll finally meet.
Embrace the changes, rest when you can, and look forward to the precious new life that’s just around the corner.
You’ve got this, mummies!
References
- Curtis, G. B., & Schuler, J. (2016). Your Pregnancy Week by Week (8th ed.). Hachette Books.
- Kaye, P. (2021). Your Pregnancy: Week by Week. SPCK Publishing.
- Riley, L. (2006). You and Your Pregnancy: Your Ultimate Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Meredith Books.
- Shanahan, M. K. (2002). Your Over-35 Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Da Capo Press
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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