At 29 weeks pregnant, you’ve officially stepped into the final trimester—and everything is starting to feel a little more real, isn’t it? Your baby is growing faster than ever, and with that comes a mix of excitement, curiosity, and those “why am I suddenly so tired?” moments. Perhaps you’re experiencing unexpected aches, intense kicks, or unexpected emotions. Trust me, you’re not the only one feeling this way.
As your little one prepares for life outside the womb, your body is making incredible adjustments of its own. This week is all about understanding those changes, tuning into your needs, and finding small ways to stay comfortable and confident. Let’s dive into what 29 weeks brings—and how you can feel your best on the journey ahead.
Baby’s Development at 29 Weeks
At 29 weeks pregnant, the size of the baby measures around 38.6 cm from head to toe, approximately the size of a butternut squash and weighs around 1.25 kg
At this stage, the greasy, white protective coating on your baby’s skin called Vernix gradually starts to disappear. Your baby’s organs are continuing to grow, especially the lungs and brain. The lanugo (the fine, soft hair that once covered the baby’s body) also starts to shed, although traces may still be visible on the back and shoulders.
Changes in Your Body
By 29 weeks of pregnancy, you may have gained between 8.6 and 11.3 kg. As your baby bump grows, it might exert pressure on your bladder, demanding frequent trips to the restroom. The rising uterus also exerts pressure on your lungs, which may cause you to feel short of breath at times.
This time might be rather overwhelming. Your baby’s movements grow more visible and vigorous, especially when you are attempting to sleep! This is a positive indication of a healthy baby.
In the third trimester, you commonly experience leg cramps.
Common Symptoms at 29 Weeks Pregnant
Now that you’re settling into the third trimester, you may notice some new changes in how you feel each day. Here are the most common symptoms at 29 weeks pregnant
- Sleeping problems
- Swollen and bleeding gums
- Pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb
- Headaches
- Backache
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Bloating and constipation
- Leg cramps
- Feeling hot
- Dizziness
- Swollen hands and feet
- Urine infections
- Vaginal infections
- Darkened skin on your face or brown patches
- Greasier, spotty skin
- Thicker and shinier hair
Other Symptoms During 29 Weeks Of Pregnancy
Pregnancy Heartburn:
At 29 weeks of pregnancy, your bump has grown to a point where it may begin pressing against your stomach. This pressure can cause heartburn, as stomach acids may be pushed upward, sometimes even reaching the throat.
Quick tips to prevent heartburn:
- Avoid caffeine
- Limit fatty and acidic foods
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
Varicose Veins:
Now you may notice physical changes beyond just heartburn and indigestion ,at this stage, few women may experience the development of swollen, enlarged veins that most often appear in the legs. They may be blue or dark purple and can look lumpy, bulging, or twisted. While they can cause some discomfort, they’re generally harmless.
Some women may also develop varicose veins in or around the vaginal area during pregnancy. This usually doesn’t affect how you give birth. However, it’s still important to notify your doctor or midwife if you notice them.
5 Key Tips For A Healthy & Happy Pregnancy
In the third trimester, constipation is one of the commonly observed concerns and can cause abdominal discomfort. Let’s check out key tips to prevent it.
- Fill your plate with fruits, veggies, whole grains, prunes, and bran keep things moving smoothly.
- Aim for 10–12 cups of water a day to stay hydrated.
- A 20–30 minute walk or swim, three times a week, can ease digestion and support bowel movement.
- Consult your doctor about your iron supplement; they can help you adjust it safely.
Conclusion:
Week 29 marks a meaningful milestone you’re well into the home stretch, and the moment you’ll hold your baby is getting closer each day. This phase can feel like a mix of wonder and new challenges, from stronger kicks to fresh discomforts you didn’t expect. But knowing what’s normal and recognizing when something needs attention can make this stage feel far more manageable.
Keep nurturing yourself with healthy habits, stay open with your healthcare team, and give yourself permission to rest when your body asks for it. You’ve come such a long way, and you’re doing beautifully. Just a few more weeks, and you’ll be meeting the little person you’ve been lovingly growing all this time.
