29 Weeks Pregnant

*Counting from the first day of your last menstrual period

Your Baby at 29 Weeks

Size: 15.20 inches (38.6cm) - crown to heel
Weight: 2.54 pounds (1153 grams)

Your little butternut-sized bundle is really packing on the pounds as he or she makes the best of every day. Your baby's development will require the need for a healthy diet as babies bones begin to harden more in coming weeks, so be mindful of your eating habits and do your best to get those essential nutrients. It takes about 250 mg of calcium to help your babies bones form properly, and it is essential for you to take in calcium rich foods, as well as those high in vitamin C to provide your baby with everything that he or she needs. There's really no need for additional supplements (except your prenatal vitamin) because a balanced diet should provide everything necessary for proper growth.

During this week, your baby is continuing to add additional fat under his thin skin. His brain is growing and progressing rapidly, he can hear well, and may even be able to shield his face from bright lights held up to mom's abdomen.

Mom at 29 Weeks Pregnant

Your growing belly in your third trimester can present a series of new symptoms. For some women, there may be more dizziness if you lay on your back too long. As the uterus begins to place more weight on the vessels around and behind it, many women may experience a temporary reduction in blood flow when lying on their back.

It is always best to lie on your left side to reduce this problem and to provide the baby with the optimum amount of oxygen. If you find that you are having periods of lightheadedness or dizziness when changing positions, make sure to move slowly, and to rise to a seated position carefully until you are steady on your feet.

Dizziness may not be your only problem from your belly's weight. Some women experience extreme pain that runs through the gluteal muscles on either side of the body down the back of the leg and into the heel. This pain is typically triggered by the sciatic nerve. Some women find sciatic pain to be nearly impossible to cope with. In some cases, you may try stretching exercises, heating pads, or in extreme cases, physical therapy may be necessary to help alleviate the pressure on the nerve. Sleeping with a pillow between the knees at night may also help.

Common Symptoms:
This is an exciting stage in your pregnancy. So many changes are happening and you are coming into the last months of your pregnancy. In week twenty-nine, you should be getting plenty of rest and eating well to provide your baby with the optimum nutrition. Remember to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and continuing your prenatal vitamins as prescribed.

Because pregnancy weakens a mother's immune system, take special caution to prevent illness make sure to use good hand hygiene and try to stay away from those who are ill if you can.

Just when you thought those old symptoms were gone, the pregnancy hormone progesterone causes a relaxation of the digestive tract, and in combination with your growing uterus, you can expect to be revisited by your heartburn and indigestion during your third trimester.

Other digestive issues will continue to persist, including constipation and hemorrhoids. You may be able to combat constipation naturally drinking a lot of water and getting more fiber in your diet. If you feel the need for medication to ease your constipation, make sure you discuss them with your doctor, and never assume that it is safe.

Weight Gain:
By this stage of your pregnancy, you should be on target with your weight as your total gain is about 19 to 25 pounds (give or take).

Tips/Advice:
Work leave. Working matters may take center stage as you start to think about maternity leave. Have you discussed your time off options with your employer? Do you know what benefits you have, and how long you can be off? If you haven't talked with your supervisor or human resources department, make sure to do so soon.

Videos - 29 Weeks Pregnant

** Note: Every baby develops at a different rate. The numbers provided are averages based on a "typical" pregnancy. Your baby's size and weight may vary significantly. Your healthcare provider is the best person to interpret information on your baby's size, weight, health and development during your ultrasounds and pregnancy.

	Comment from Maybebaby » Posted Feb. 13, 2013 4:06am As we get closer to the end, I get closer to saying good bye to my little girl. What a long and tiring journey, but I wldnt trade it for the world!
	Comment from 2Beemee » Posted Jan. 11, 2012 12:09pm 29 weeks!! I am so EXCITED to be nearing the final leg! I have FINALLY settled for the hospital ad love to deliver in. I am yet to chose my delivery gynae... Am meeting with two before the end of this week. Baby movements are more pronounced and stronger!!! Am LOVING THEM!!