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As you begin the second week of your very last leg of the pregnancy marathon, your baby is keeping up the pace, too.
This week his/her head is growing a little bigger to accommodate all that newly acquired brain power. Let’s see what else is in store for you two!
How Big is Baby at 29 Weeks?
Just over 15 inches from head-to-feet, your baby weighs 2 1/2 pounds and is roughly the size of a butternut squash.
Tips for A Healthy Pregnancy at 29 Weeks
Drink Milk – During the third trimester, about 250 mg of calcium will be deposited in your baby’s skeleton each day. His/her bones are hardening, so they’re soaking up loads of calcium.
To accommodate for this tall order, be sure to get your fill of calcium each day, which is between 1,000 and 1,300 mg. Drinking a glass of milk is a surefire way to fill your quota, but there are other options, too.
For instance, some other excellent sources include cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice.
Counting Kicks – Now that your baby is more active on a regular basis, your doctor might advise you to start counting kicks.
What this means is that you pay attention to how often your baby moves. Should you notice a decline in your baby’s activity, then your doctor will want to know about it.
The best way to do this is to set aside some time to focus on feeling your baby’s movements. Remember not to do this during baby’s nap time, but instead, choose a time when he/she is usually kicking like a ninja.
Your goal is to feel ten movements during a two-hour time span. This goal might take five minutes to reach. But, if it takes your baby any longer than two hours then call your doctor.
Nutrition – Your baby began to grow and develop the moment of inception. And, he/she hasn’t slowed down since that moment.
Because the third trimester is nearly the end of this pregnancy marathon, you might be tempted to slack off or throw in the white towel on your pregnancy diet.
Remember that it’s okay to have cheat moments. Sometimes a woman just needs some Doritos, right? And that’s perfectly fine.
Just avoid letting your cheat moments take over your entire diet. To develop properly, your baby needs plenty of protein, folic acid, calcium, vitamin C, and iron. Your baby is counting on you for this nutrition. Here are some tips on staying the dieting course for this last leg of pregnancy.
How Many Months is 29 Weeks?
You are now six months and three weeks pregnant, mama!
With two trimesters already in the books, this is a very exciting time for you. Human gestation (pregnancy length) is typically considered 40 weeks.
Keep in mind that some babies decide to make an early appearance or to stay inside a little longer. But, on average, you have 11 weeks left of pregnancy including this one.
Ultrasound at 29 Weeks
As your baby’s muscles and lungs continue to strengthen, your baby will keep getting bigger and bigger. He/she will appear to be filling out, per se. Your baby’s brain is going full force this week, too.
His/her little head is even growing to make room for all those deep thoughts your baby will be thinking.
29 Weeks Pregnant: Your Belly
If you’re looking for the top of your uterus, then look about 3 to 4 inches above your bellybutton.
With each new inch of expansion, your skin might be feeling itchier. It’s not uncommon for expecting mothers to be itching their belly often. Stretching skins is frequently itchy skin.
To help with the expanding itch, be sure to drink lots of water to hydrate from the inside out.
Putting a good quality lotion on your belly (and other expanding areas) always helps to soothe itchy skin, as well.
29 Weeks Pregnant: Changes in Your Body
Constipation – Many women experience constipation during the third trimester. If you’re in this group, then feel free to blame the hormones progesterone and relaxin.
They have the job of relaxing muscles to help out when you give birth. But, before you give birth, progesterone and relaxin can both slow down digestion making bowel movements more difficult.
To help you manage this, make sure you eat foods rich in fiber and drink lots of water.
Hemorrhoids – Often, where you find constipation you will also find hemorrhoids. Because constipation causes you to strain when you make a bowel movement, the strain might cause your blood vessels to swell.
This is even more common the bigger your uterus becomes and the more slowly your blood flows throughout the lower half of your body. By avoiding constipation, you’re also helping yourself to prevent hemorrhoids. Try not to stand for long periods of time and keep doing your Kegel exercises, too.
Heartburn – The more your uterus grows and fills up your body, the more likely you are to experience heartburn. Heartburn can range from an uncomfortable feeling in your chest and esophagus to an intense burning sensation.
The hormones progesterone and relaxin can be blamed for this, too. In addition to muscles and ligaments, your esophageal sphincter is relaxed during pregnancy.
This can quickly cause stomach acid to leak up into your esophagus making it burn and sting.
Some ways to reduce heartburn include eating smaller and more frequent meals, avoid laying down directly after eating and staying away from foods high in acid.
29 Weeks Pregnant: With Twins
Your babies are likely very active right now. They’re quickly losing space as they’re getting bigger and your uterus can only accommodate their growth to a certain limit.
More than anything, your babies are packing on the pounds.
Because twin pregnancies pose a higher risk to early delivery, make sure you have all your ducks in a row early on.
For instance, singleton moms are probably only starting to plan for delivery or after-birth supplies.
You need to be a step ahead of them. Pack your hospital bag, make sure the nursery is ready, and be prepared for bringing your babies home.
29 Weeks Pregnant: A Checklist
- Stock up on after-birth products (sanitary napkins, witch hazel, ice packs, etc.).
- Gather comfy clothes to wear after you bring baby home.
- Keep a hefty inventory of healthy snacks for yourself.
- Write a list of the baby items you still need.