What happens in the 29th week of pregnancy?

Till this time, we've been measuring your baby's crown-to-rump length. Your baby's total length from head to toe now is 15 1/2- 16 1/2 inches and your baby weighs nearly 2 1/2 pounds. Each passing day of your pregnancy brings your baby closer to birth and closer to completing the prenatal phase of development. Your baby's ability to thrive outside your womb also improves with each passing day.

CHANGES IN YOU:

Your weight gain by the 29th week of pregnancy is most likely close to 20 pounds or more. As you get nearer to delivery, you may find it more and more difficult to sleep all through the night. The size of your abdomen may perhaps make it seem impossible for you to stay in a comfortable position. Also, anxiety may make you have some sleep problems. The best position for sleeping during late pregnancy is on your left or right side, having your legs and knees bent. To handle anxiety, the relaxation exercises can help.

Your uterus is now nearly 3 to 4inches above your belly button. Your weight gain could be as high as 25 to 26 pounds by pregnancy week 29. Now, you may start thinking about all of the neat aspects of having a newborn baby, for instance labor and delivery!

By pregnancy week 29, you’ll most likely be plagued by heartburn once again, as your belly grows more and more large each day.

You should be paying close attention to your baby's movements each and every day from pregnancy week 29 onward. In general, you are likely to notice patterns of rest and wakefulness in your baby. If you notice any unusual movement patterns or a significant reduction in your baby’s movement be sure to have a word with your doctor immediately.

Now more than ever, it is very important that you eat several small meals everyday. Your baby needs nutrients, and your digestive processes have slowed greatly due to the rising levels of progesterone and decreasing space in your belly. It is also necessary to drink plenty of water in the third trimester to help defend against constipation, which can result in hemorrhoids.

Your Baby's Development

Your baby continues to remain active, and those first few flutters of movement have now turned into hard jabs and punches that can take your breath away.

Incase you feel that there is a decrease in movement, go for a fetal kick count: your baby ought to move at least 10 times in an hour. If your baby’s movements are lesser than this count, talk to your health care provider right away.

From 29 weeks and beyond, you are likely to experience rapid weight gain. Your baby's muscles and lungs continue to develop and mature in the weeks to come. Your baby's brain also develops and matures, with billions of neurons forming on a daily basis.

Your baby needs more nutrition than ever from 29 weeks pregnant and thereafter, so it is important that you do everything in your capacity to eat well and get plenty of sleep and rest during this important developmental period!

By 29 weeks pregnant, your baby has entered the third trimester. It won't be long before you get to meet your little one!