You have successfully stepped into the 29th week of your pregnancy. You are in your third trimester and you should be happy and equally excited as you are one step closer to the birth of your little bundle of joy. This would be a good time to think about your baby`s room and how to decorate it. Don`t be overwhelmed by the advice you get from almost everyone around you. Relax, remember that you are the only mother of your baby! Feel free to take advice you like and reject offending ones.

Baby Growth

Your baby is growing and those little kicks and pokes you missed are finally with you. As the head grows steadily in size with the development of its brain, your baby is getting heavier. The baby`s lungs and muscles mature; the development of the skeleton begins. Bones become harder and stronger. Therefore, the baby needs more calcium.

Baby Size

At 29-week pregnancy, the baby is usually 38.6 cm long and weighs about 1153 g, roughly the size of an acorn squash. Baby`s height will increase over the next 11 weeks, but the weight will double or triple during this period. At 29 weeks of pregnancy, red blood cells continue to develop in your baby`s bones, but still remain flexible. This flexibility will also be seen after birth. Your baby`s lungs continue to develop, with more alveoli than any other week. In the 29-week baby image, the baby may be sucking its thumb. This week, your baby may also start to stand upside down. Don`t worry if it`s still standing, it will take the upside down position until birth. Your baby may start to smile this week, especially in its sleep.

Common Body Changes

By week 29, your tummy is quite prominent and you may no longer be able to fully bend. One of the important bodily changes during pregnancy is weight gain. Ideally you should have gained between 8 and 11 Kg, but the figure varies from person to person. The general possible changes are as follows:

1. Your breasts will become larger and heavier, so wearing a supportive bra is recommended (a sports bra or nursing bra should work).

1. There are many options for maternity underwear, choose the one that makes you feel most comfortable.

Pregnancy Symptoms

These are a few symptoms you will experience in week 29:

1. You will continue to experience heartburn.

1. You may have difficulty in breathing as the growing baby puts pressure on your lungs.

1. Constipation and hemorrhoids (swelling in the rectal area) can result from increased baby weight.

1. Due to the increase in hormone production, dizziness, memory loss and concentration problems may occur.

1. You may also experience back and leg pain.

1. Itching in the abdomen due to tightness in the skin.

1. Discomfort while sleeping due to enlarged abdomen.

1. Frequent urination.

Abdomen

At this stage, your belly is quite large and continues to grow. The baby is now making noticeable movements. You can put your hand on your tummy and feel your little baby move.

Ideally, the baby is quite active at this stage. Counting kicks is very important. The baby should kick about ten times in 2 hours. Don`t panic if you notice decreased fetal activity. Gently massage your belly or drink some ice water and lie on your side. If you feel no movement, call your doctor or visit the hospital emergency room.

Ultrasound

This week`s ultrasound will show you how fast your baby is growing. Kicks and punches will be more frequent and powerful because the baby has little room to move in. Sometimes you may feel twitch-like movements inside you. This means your baby is hiccupping.

Your baby may look a little chubby on ultrasound this time around, now it`s getting a different amount of white fat under its skin than the brown fat it already has, and its wrinkled skin is smoothing out. Fat is necessary to regulate the baby`s body temperature (brown fat) and is also a source of energy for its activities (white fat). It continues its breathing movements so that its lungs develop. You can see these movements in the 29-week baby ultrasound image. Now its bones will appear brighter on ultrasound as they have hardened.

The baby is currently in the developmental stage and significant changes occur in the baby`s overall growth. Its brain, vital organs and teeth continue to develop. Eating healthy and following a nutritious diet are essential. Your baby`s genitals continue to develop and may be more prominent on ultrasound.

Kick counting is now an important activity. Every day you need to keep track of baby`s kicks and even movements. As fetal kicks are stronger, both you and your partner can experience these little movements and bond with your baby.

What to Eat?

Proper nutrition is the secret to a healthy pregnancy. Knowing what you can and cannot eat is imperative. Your baby is growing fast so you must meet its growth requirements as well. Foods at the 29th week of pregnancy should contain iron, calcium and vitamin C.

As your baby`s bones continue to harden, your calcium intake should be around 200 mg per day. Try to include plenty of iron-rich foods in your diet so your baby can get the iron needed to make red blood cells. Green leafy vegetables, lean meat and fortified grains are good sources of iron.

You may have cravings for sweets, cakes, chocolates, and other fast food items, but it is recommended that you do not consume them regularly, although occasional treats are allowed.

Foods rich in vitamin C are also very good for the baby, as they make the connective tissue needed by the blood vessels. Cereals, mango, sweet potato, and carrot are some foods rich in vitamin C.

Eating a regular, well-balanced meal and light physical activity is a good regimen/routine to follow during your pregnancy.

Tips and Care

Here are a few simple ways to manage those pregnancy pains.

1. Get as much rest as possible and enjoy this magical period.

1. Limit prolonged standing or sitting as it reduces blood flow in your body.

1. Sleep on your left side as it helps blood circulation.

1. Use a good moisturizer for dry and itchy skin.

1. Eat plenty of energy-rich healthy foods.

1. Drink plenty of water and watch out for UTI (Urinary Tract Infections) symptoms.

1. Lift your legs up whenever you can.

1. Follow simple exercises.

1. If you are working, you can start planning your maternity leave.

1. Start contacting birth photographers now to immortalize your excitement in the hospital room and the first moment you have your baby.

Don’ts

1. Do not suppress your hunger, it is important to eat when you are hungry.

1. Avoid crossing your legs as it can cut off circulation to your legs and cause swelling or varicose veins.

1. Avoid lifting heavy objects or exerting physical pressure.

1. Do not wear tight clothing to avoid discomfort.

1. Avoid things that can cause excessive weight gain.

1. Do not lie on your back as this may limit blood flow to the baby.

Shopping

What better way to overcome pregnancy stress than shopping!

Here are some fun things to shop for:

1. Comfortable and beautiful clothes, pajamas and underwear

1. Necessary materials to decorate the nursery (baby room)

1. Diapers, baby clothes, your maternity bag

1. Maternity wear.

Your baby will be born in ten weeks and you can use this information to keep yourself healthy and create a comfortable environment for your baby after it is born.