Pregnant in week 29
In week 29 your baby is the size of a butternut squash. The skeleton hardens, and your baby fills out more and more, so the kicks can now be seen from outside. Heartburn is common – small meals and sleeping slightly upright can help.
Your baby in week 29
Your baby measures around 38.6 centimetres and weighs about 1,150 grams. The skeleton hardens fully, and the muscles grow stronger, so the movements are strong and determined.
Your baby needs plenty of calcium for the hardening bones – one of the reasons your diet should contain plenty of calcium now. The brain and nervous system continue to develop rapidly.
The fat layers grow, so your baby can better retain heat. The bone marrow has taken over production of red blood cells, and your baby is beginning to regulate its own body temperature a little.
Your body and symptoms in week 29
The kicks can now often be clearly seen from outside the belly, and you can feel when your baby stretches or turns. It is a lovely, tangible contact with your baby.
Heartburn increases for many, because the large uterus presses the stomach upwards. Small, frequent meals and sleeping with a raised upper body help. Breathlessness on exertion is also common.
Swollen legs and feet, varicose veins and haemorrhoids can be troublesome. Put your feet up, move regularly and drink plenty. With sudden severe swelling and headaches, contact your midwife.
Good advice for week 29
Get enough calcium and iron
Your baby's bones need calcium from dairy or alternatives, and your blood needs iron. A varied diet covers most – supplement as agreed with your doctor.
Sleep slightly raised
For heartburn it helps to raise the head of the bed a little and avoid large late meals. Keep sleeping on your side for your baby's sake.
Keep your legs moving
Walks and raising your legs alternately counteract swelling and varicose veins. Avoid standing or sitting still for long periods.
Start on your hospital bag
It is not too early to gather the essentials for the birth. Having the bag ready gives peace of mind if things move fast.
Checklists for this stage
Tick things off as you go – the list remembers where you got to, and you can share it with your partner.
Relevant with us in week 29
This is what we can offer you at this point in your pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions in week 29
Can I gain too little weight?
Weight gain is individual, but if you lose weight or gain nothing at all in the third trimester, talk to your midwife. Your baby needs nourishment to grow right now.
Why do I have so much heartburn?
The growing uterus presses the stomach upwards, and pregnancy hormones relax the valve to the oesophagus. It is uncomfortable but harmless, and disappears after birth.
Are strong kicks a good sign?
Yes. Regular, strong movements are a sign of an active, healthy baby. The most important thing is that the pattern is stable – react if there are clearly fewer.
Your pregnancy – week by week, in your inbox
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Read on in week 29
How do you prepare for birth? – A guide for expectant mothers
Being pregnant – your rights
