29 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Belly Size & Ultrasound

29 weeks pregnant is a milestone to celebrate and savor. Find out what to expect when you’re 29 weeks pregnant, find out whether you can feel baby yet and what your uterus looks like. What size is a 12-week-pregnant uterus? What are the 8th week symptoms? When does baby start to move?

Your baby at week 29 of pregnancy

This week, your baby is becoming larger. To prepare her body for the day she leaves her comfy home, she is packing on fat. When your unborn child moves inside of you, you can likely tell the difference between hands and feet, and the head and the bottom. She exhales during practice but won’t breathe normally until after delivery.

Although your baby’s growth has started to slow down, she will still gain about four pounds before giving birth. She would be able to breathe if she were born right now, but she might get tired fast and require help. Her little eyes are light-sensitive.

29 weeks pregnant is how many months?

When you are 29 weeks pregnant, you are officially in 7 months of your pregnancy, only 2 months to go! Congratulations, you’ve already made great progress!

How big is your baby at 29 weeks pregnant?

At 29 weeks, the average fetus weighs around 2 ¾ pounds (1.25 kg) and measures about 14 ½ inches (37 cm) from crown to rump, making it about the size of a head of lettuce or a coconut.

29 weeks pregnant baby position

At the 29th week of pregnancy, the baby will most likely be positioned vertically, with the head pointing in the direction of the cervix. Additionally, it is not unheard of for the baby to be in the breech position at this time, with the hope that he will turn to the normal position before to birth.

29 weeks pregnant: baby’s development

26-29 weeks baby developments

By the time a woman is seven months along in her pregnancy, doctors have access to a wide range of diagnostic techniques that allow them to learn a great deal about the developing fetus. It is now possible to use neuroimaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography to detect brain activity in the fetus outside of the abdomen (MEG). These methods analyze neuronal electrical activity or blood flow to determine mental state.

Fetus’s brain responds to sound and light

Using these methods, scientists have learned that a fetus’s brain responds to sound and light at 29 weeks of gestation in a manner similar to an adult’s. Scientists studying preterm newborns at these ages might also evaluate how their brains reacted to touch and discomfort.

REM sleep and non-REM

Ultrasound technology allows doctors to discriminate between REM sleep and non-REM sleep in fetuses as early as 29 weeks postconception. Eyelid movements are rapid during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Remembering things requires this amount of rest. As a general rule, people sleep more deeply during non-REM states. A baby’s REM sleep time increases with his gestational age.

Impressive brain growth

A fetus during 29 weeks of gestation has more neurons than he would ever have again. At this stage, the fetus is thought to have around 100 billion neurons. There are between 60 and 85 billion neurons in an adult’s brain since those that don’t make it into functional circuits die off.

Myelination starts at the seven month mark. The process of myelination encases neurons in a fatty sheath to enhance their signaling speed. Myelination improves the efficacy of each connection within a brain circuit, yet neural circuits can nonetheless function without myelination. Myelination occurs in three stages beginning around 9 months after birth, beginning with the sensory systems, progressing through the motor systems, and ending in the association areas. Before the age of 25, myelination continued.

Your body at 29 weeks pregnant

As your baby-to-be grows bigger, you may find your pregnancy pains increasing. By the end of the day your back aches and your feet become swollen. Frequent potty breaks are probably becoming a nuisance as your wiggly baby presses down on your bladder.

Time to start thinking about some big decisions

We’re getting close to the finish line! It’s time to start thinking about some big decisions. In addition to the breast or bottle question, what will you do about circumcision? There are some religions and cultures that practice circumcision, the act of cutting a baby boy’s foreskin. It is based on belief and custom. Other cultures don’t circumcise baby boys at all. For many people without clear cultural guidelines, circumcision is a difficult, but important choice to make.

You should also begin planning your birth with your birth support partner or healthcare team. It’s never too early to begin perineal massage to prevent an episiotomy or tears during delivery. Ask your partner to assist you if you are unable to reach on your own.

Ready for Breastfeeding?

One of the earliest indicators of pregnancy is a change in breast size. Before you even notice a bump, pregnancy hormones are already preparing your breast tissue to nourish your kid. Breastfeeding may seem strange if this is your first child or if you’ve had difficulty nursing in the past. Perhaps you haven’t made up your mind yet about whether or not you want to breastfeed. As you get ready to nurse your new baby, here are a few things to keep in mind.

When milk comes in

Breast tissue begins developing and preparing for breastfeeding on day one of pregnancy. It’s not uncommon for women to leak clear to yellowish liquid from their nipples on occasion between the fifth and sixth month of pregnancy. This first milk, known as colostrum, contains antibodies and is the ideal food for a newborn. It takes around three to five days for your milk to come in after giving birth, but in the meantime, your breasts will produce colostrum. It’s normal for breasts to swell and feel heavier when breast milk gradually replaces colostrum.

Breast milk is nature’s most perfect food for your baby, a balanced blend of nutrients that includes healthy fats, protein, and antibodies. Breast milk undergoes dynamic changes in composition over time and between each feeding to accommodate your baby’s evolving nutritional needs. Baby will drink foremilk, a thinner but still high-fat mix, when she first starts nursing, followed by regular milk, and finally thinner milk as the feeding winds down.

Breast milk is rapidly absorbed by infants, hence feedings at two-hour intervals are recommended in the first week. Her digestive system swiftly processes the nutrients in your breast milk, and she’s hungry again soon.

Why breastfeeding is good for you

According to Dr. William Camann, MD, coauthor of Easy Labor: Every Woman’s Guide to Choosing Less Pain and More Joy During Childbirth, and director of obstetric anesthesia at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, oxytocin is released by the body during breastfeeding, signaling the uterus to contract. It is the contractions that ultimately return your uterus to its place before pregnancy (these contractions may be painful at first).

Feeding your baby and nursing her to full health both demand energy. Milk production from breastfeeding uses up fat stores, thus this is one strategy for losing weight and getting back to your pre-pregnancy frame.

Breastfeeding strengthens your bond with your baby

One further way that breastfeeding can strengthen your bond with your baby is by making you feel more physically connected to them. During feedings, you can look deep into his eyes and memorize his features as he does the same with you. By necessity slowing down to nurse your baby, you may take a few moments to reconnect in a peaceful setting.

Nursing also offers a degree of convenience. This means that you won’t have to worry about warming up your baby’s meal or carefully measuring out milk into bottles. Breast milk is delivered at the ideal temperature, is always fresh, and costs nothing.

Breast evaluations by your physician

Dr. Camann believes there are two main reasons why a pregnant woman’s breasts would be checked. In the first place, we need to look for any kind of aberrant expansion. Cancer of the breast is uncommon in pregnant women, although it has happened. Your doctor will also check for any anatomical abnormalities that could make breastfeeding more difficult, such as a flat or inverted nipple.

How to Get Started

Attending breastfeeding classes before the birth of your baby may be a good idea. For some moms and babies, nursing is a breeze, but for most, it presents some sort of challenge. Successful breastfeeding depends in large part on the preparation you put in before the birth of your child.

Classes teach you the correct method to hold your baby when nursing and how to position your infant on the breast. The confidence you gain from reading this will benefit you greatly as a nurse. If you have any concerns or queries, please contact the lactation specialist at your local hospital.

When it comes to breastfeeding, the La Leche League is another fantastic source of knowledge and encouragement.

29 weeks pregnant tips and advice

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated is important. Your body uses more water during your pregnancy to fuel your increased blood supply (necessary to get your baby-to-be plenty of nutrients) and other body functions. Taken to extremes, dehydration can lead to preterm labor pains. So bring a water bottle to work with you—and drink it.

Use the bathroom—often

Drinking more water means more trips to the bathroom. Add to that, your kidneys are working overtime to filter impurities from your increased blood supply. To avoid stares from coworkers, plan discrete potty breaks. Go when you first get to the office and take a break on the way from meetings or other times when you’re already up so your trips will be less noticeable. Putting off a trip to the bathroom is a bad idea—it makes you uncomfortable and puts stress on your bladder, which can lead to bladder infections.

Bring light snacks

Food may not be appealing, especially if you’re experiencing nausea. Skip a full-blown lunch and opt for lighter fare throughout the day. Keep in mind that some pregnancy comfort foods are dead giveaways, such as crackers. If you’re trying to keep your pregnancy a secret, try less notorious foods that still comfort nausea but that don’t shout, “I’m pregnant!” Opt for foods high in protein, such as string cheese, almonds, or milk.

Wear comfortable clothes

You’ve probably packed away your tight-fitting pants already. If you haven’t, now’s probably the time to say goodbye to your hip-hugging ensembles until after your baby’s arrival. Avoiding tight clothes isn’t just about hiding your baby bump. Your body may be retaining water to fuel your increased blood supply, and constricting clothes are not only tight on your skin, but the blood that’s trying to flow underneath.

Watch your posture

Take time to get off your feet and walk around. Staying in the same position for too long allows the blood to pool in the lower part of your body, potentially making you light-headed. Put your feet up whenever possible to keep your blood flowing properly.

Having Trouble Sleeping at 29 weeks Pregnant

Having difficulties sleeping is a common pregnant symptom, and it’s especially common in the second and third trimesters, when other pregnancy symptoms peak and a growing belly makes it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position.

When you’re 29 weeks pregnant, it could hurt to sleep on your stomach, but studies indicates that lying on your back puts more strain on the vena cava, the main blood vessel that returns blood to the heart.

Your blood circulation will increase if you sleep on your left side, which will also be good for your uterus, kidneys, and fetus. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, try placing a pillow between your knees and another under your stomach. If the problem persists, consult your doctor.

29 weeks Pregnant: Wellness and Nutrition

What should you avoid during pregnancy? Doctors agree that you should avoid the following:

Activities that may cause you to fall, or that place pressure or force on your belly

Intense, overly vigorous exercise – if you’re too out of breath to talk, you’re probably exercising too hard.
Drinking alcohol, smoking, and caffeine (ask your doctor how much caffeine you should consume each day)
Sweeteners such as saccharine and herbal sweeteners (ask your doctor if artificial sweeteners are appropriate)
Prescription and over-the-counter medications (check with your doctor about what’s safe during pregnancy)
Paint, cleaning products, and solvents can expose you to chemicals and fumes. Acrylic and latex paints are generally considered safe. However, you should consult your doctor before helping around the house or in the nursery.

Saunas and hot tubs
Chemical treatments for your hair, such as dye and perms

29 weeks pregnancy symptoms

Your body undergoes many changes to give your baby-to-be enough room to grow. Some of these changes are comforting—your rounded belly and your full breasts, for example—while other signs can be troubling. Keep in mind that many of these physical changes will last only until your baby arrives.

Upper abdominal pain

The uterus is growing rapidly, putting pressure on organs like the bladder, intestines, and stomach. This can cause mild pain in the upper abdomen that may extend to the lower abdomen or sides of your stomach. The pressure on your abdomen can also cause pain when you cough or sneeze.

Lower abdominal pain

The uterus is growing rapidly and putting pressure on your bladder, intestines, and stomach. This can cause lower abdominal pain that may feel like mild cramping or a dull ache in the pelvic region. Back pain. The growing weight of your uterus on your spine can cause back pain that typically becomes worse as pregnancy progresses.

Leg cramps

The weight of your uterus can put pressure on your veins and cause leg cramps or swelling. You may also experience varicose veins in your legs due to increased blood flow. Neck pain. As the baby grows, it puts more pressure on the spinal cord, which runs down through your neck and back. This can cause mild pain in the neck area that may extend into your shoulders and arms.

Back pain

Your growing uterus can put pressure on your spine and cause back pain. The weight of the baby can also cause sciatica, which is when pain shoots down the back of one leg due to compression in the spinal cord. Backache. Your growing uterus may cause you to experience mild to moderate lower back pain or stiffness in your lower abdomen around this time.

Sleeping difficulties

You may find it harder to get comfortable when you’re pregnant. Your growing abdomen can make it more difficult for you to find a position that feels good, and your joints may be sore from carrying extra weight. You might also experience restless leg syndrome, which is when you feel like your legs are moving even though they aren’t. This happens because the joints in the body release chemicals that cause itching or tingling sensations when they are irritated by things like pregnancy hormones.

Swollen Ankels

You may be experiencing swollen ankles, which is common during pregnancy. This happens because the increased levels of hormones in your body cause fluid to accumulate in your tissues, including those that line the walls of your veins and arteries. It’s usually not a cause for concern unless you have swelling in both legs or it lasts longer than two weeks.

Fatigue (constant tiredness or weakness)

One of the most typical symptoms of early pregnancy is fatigue, which frequently starts at this point. Although there are many causes of exhaustion during pregnancy (including changes in hormone levels), some research indicates that inadequate sleep brought on by nighttime awakenings from unpleasant sleeping positions may also be a role.

Heartburn or gas

There may be a rise in heartburn and flatulence during the 29th week of pregnancy. This is because progesterone produces a decrease in the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle, which typically prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus. This can cause heartburn and discomfort by allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. Try spreading your meals out more, staying away from items that are known to cause heartburn (such spicy foods), and drinking lots of water.

Mood swings and crying spells

The 29th week of pregnancy is a vulnerable time for women, when they are more likely to experience mood swings and crying spells. Until your hormone levels settle, this will have an impact on your mental and emotional well-being. This is a common occurrence for pregnant women; one study indicated that 75% of women felt emotional shifts like irritability or depression in the first trimester.

Indigestion, or constipation

During the 29th week of pregnancy, you may suffer gastrointestinal issues like indigestion or constipation. Pregnancy hormones like progesterone and estrogen might increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal issues including indigestion. These hormones slow down digestion by relaxing the digestive tract, preventing food from being swallowed whole. You can reduce the frequency and severity of indigestion during pregnancy by cutting out on high-fat and sugary foods and eating more often, smaller meals (like sweets or fried foods).

Swelling (edema)

Your body retains water to provide the necessary fluids for your growing baby-to-be. You can prevent much of this swelling from drinking plenty of fluids and keeping your legs up. You may also want to purchase socks designed to improve the circulation in your feet.

Skin spots

The skin’s pigmentation may deepen around certain parts of your body during pregnancy, such as your nipples and freckles. You may also notice spots of color on your face, called the mask of pregnancy or chloasma. These pigmentation changes will fade after your baby’s born.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is a very common and often overlooked symptom of pregnancy. It happens when there isn’t enough oxygen in your body or when your blood flow is constricted. This can make it difficult to do even the smallest things like walk across the room or climb stairs.

You may feel like you need to take deeper breaths than usual or that it takes longer than normal for your breathing rate to return to normal after an activity such as climbing stairs.

Symptoms to be aware of

Please share any concerns you may have with your doctor or midwife. Don’t worry about whether or not you’re repeating yourself or wasting anyone’s time by bringing up an old topic. This pregnancy is yours, so listen to your body if you suspect something is wrong.

Signs of premature labour

If you have any of the following symptoms, call the hospital or midwife straight away, because you could be in premature labour:

regular contractions or tightenings

period-type pains or pressure in your vaginal area
a “show” – which is when the plug of mucus that has sealed the cervix during pregnancy comes away and out of the vagina
a gush or trickle of fluid from your vagina – this could be your waters breaking
backache that’s unusual for you.

29 weeks pregnant belly

At 29 weeks, Your ribs and upper stomach may be feeling more pressure than usual, which could be causing further pain. As a result, you can experience an internal rib straining sensation. Do not be concerned; this sensation cannot cause any harm.

Have more frequent, smaller meals to prevent further difficulty. You don’t need to overstuff your stomach with meals when you’re already uncomfortable.

29 weeks pregnant belly size

By week 29, your belly will have expanded and protruded considerably. You might have trouble seeing where you’re walking. There is a 26-35 cm range for fundal height (10.2-13.8 in). Around 9 cm (3.5 inches) above your belly button is where you’ll notice a significant increase in amniotic fluid.

Braxton Hicks at 29 weeks Pregnant

At 29 weeks pregnant, you may find that your Braxton Hicks contractions are becoming more frequent and intense. You may feel them in your back or lower abdomen, and they may last anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes. If you’re having regular contractions, it’s important to talk with your doctor about any pain or discomfort you experience during them.

Braxton Hicks are common during the third trimester. You may not even notice them because they feel like mild discomfort or a dull ache in your lower abdomen. They’re also called practice contractions because they prepare your body for real labor by getting it ready to push out a baby when the time comes.

29 weeks pregnant ultrasound

An ultrasound of your baby at 29 weeks shows a head that is relatively large; a human baby’s brain weighs 12 percent of his body weight at birth. It’s likely that your baby already has 100 billion or so brain cells at birth.

The importance of prenatal vitamins during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you need a greater amount of folic acid and iron. Why? Here are some reasons:

Folic acid prevents neural tube defects

These defects affect the fetal brain and spinal cord in a significant way. Preferably, you should begin taking extra folic acid three months before you become pregnant.

The placenta and baby require iron to develop

The body uses iron to make blood to supply oxygen to the baby. Additionally, iron helps prevent anemia, a condition in which the blood lacks healthy red blood cells

It’s important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider to find out which are the best prenatal vitamins to take before pregnancy, and how to calculate your expected delivery date.