29 Weeks Pregnant : What to Expect
Reviewed by Dr. Nicholas Fogelson, OB/GYN
As your third trimester begins, women 29 weeks pregnant are definitely experiencing what “pregnant” means. You should be seeing your healthcare provider on a regular basis to ensure you and your baby are in good health. Continue to eat right and exercise routinely to promote positive feelings about the pregnancy. To learn more about what you should be eating, visit our Nutrition During Pregnancy page.
Symptoms and Body Changes at 29 Weeks
As your hormones continue to fluctuate, you experience symptoms such as skin rashes, dryness, and/or intense itching. Try to refrain from scratching your skin, and keep it moisturized. Severe skin rashes may indicate a medical problem, and should be evaluated by your physician. You may experience mood swings, or feel fatigued due to the amount of weight you are gaining. This is normal, as you have likely gained close to 24 lbs by this point. As you learn new ways to walk, sit, stand, and sleep, try taking warm baths to relax your muscles and help you get through some of the body aches & pains. Varicose veins may be beginning to form on your legs, and this too is normal. The use of compression stockings and elevating your feet will help. You’re probably still feeling all of the pregnancy symptoms that were prominent in Week 28. Hang in there, Mom; only a couple of months to go!
Baby’s Development
During the 29th week, your baby’s kicks and punches might be so hard that they take your breath away, and possibly cause severe pain. The movements and kicks are happening so frequently at this point that you can actually chart them to keep a record. Your baby should be kicking at least 10 times per hour, so if it’s happening less, you should consult with your healthcare provider. Weighing close to 3 pounds and stretching to over a foot long, your baby is continuing to grow. You may also notice that this growth is causing increased hunger, as your baby uses much of the nutrients you consume to grow more. You may feel like you need to eat again after a meal, but fight this temptation and trust that your baby is receiving all the nutrients it needs. Rapid brain development began last week and continues this week. The muscles and lungs continue to mature and hearing has improved greatly. Your baby isn’t afraid to look at bright lights anymore, as it practices opening and closing its eyes on a regular basis. Also, your baby has the ability to cry at 29 weeks pregnant.
Pregnancy Week 29 Tips
As the baby starts to create more and more blood for its own use, your iron levels may decrease. In order to keep them at a healthy level, take in an average of 30 milligrams daily through prenatal vitamins or other sources. Iron is crucial for replenishing the red blood cell count within your system. Your healthcare provider might give you a blood test to check for iron deficiency and anemia, and if these are present, he or she may prescribe you an iron supplement until the pregnancy is over. Avoid sleeping on your back, instead lying on your side (usually your left side) to provide comfort to you and your baby and to improve blood circulation. A baby kick counter could be used to track your baby’s activity. Next is pregnancy at 30 weeks.
