29 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect This Week
Twenty-nine weeks pregnant and your baby's kicks and punches are strong and regular. The head is growing rapidly to accommodate the developing brain, and fat is filling in to give baby that rounded newborn look.
Baby at Week 29: Size of a butternut squash
Baby's Development at 29 Weeks
The head is growing significantly this week to keep pace with rapid brain development. Muscles are strong and coordinated — the kicks and rolls are forceful enough to be seen from outside the belly. Fat deposits beneath the skin are increasing rapidly, smoothing out the wrinkly appearance the skin has had in earlier weeks. The adrenal glands are producing a hormone (DHEA) that will help initiate labour at the right time. The five senses are all functional.
Your Body at 29 Weeks Pregnant
Pelvic pressure increases as baby grows and engages lower. Frequent urination returns as the uterus presses on the bladder again. Insomnia is nearly universal in the third trimester — difficult to find a comfortable position, and the mind often races. Varicose veins and haemorrhoids may worsen. Some people experience a feeling of rib displacement or rib flare as baby grows into the upper abdomen.
Tips for Week 29
- Sleep on your left side — studies show it optimises blood flow to the placenta and reduces the risk of stillbirth.
- Third-trimester insomnia is normal but frustrating. A warm bath before bed, avoiding screens, and a relaxation routine can help.
- Discuss your birth preferences and any fears with your midwife or provider now — there's time to make adjustments.
- Prepare freezer meals now while you have energy — a full freezer is one of the greatest gifts to your postpartum self.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for baby's movements to slow down in the third trimester?
No — the pattern of baby's movement may change (less rolling, more stretching as space reduces) but the overall frequency should not decrease. You should always feel your baby moving regularly. A reduction in movement is always worth reporting to your midwife or maternity unit promptly, any time of day or night.
What is the Group B Strep test?
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a bacterium that lives harmlessly in the gut and vagina of about 20–30% of adults. In most countries, a swab test is offered around weeks 35–37. GBS can cause serious infection in newborns during delivery if not treated; testing positive means IV antibiotics during labour, which are very effective at preventing transmission.
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