Week 29 of Pregnancy
Third trimester
Baby is
about the size of a butternut squash
15.2 inches · 2.5 lbs
Baby this week
- •Brain is developing rapidly with increased neural connections
- •Can recognize and respond to your voice and sounds
- •Eyes can open and close, and pupils react to light
- •Practicing breathing movements with amniotic fluid
- •Fat deposits increasing under the skin for temperature regulation
You this week
- •Increased back pain and pelvic pressure as baby grows
- •Swelling in feet and ankles (edema)
- •Braxton Hicks contractions becoming more noticeable
- •Shortness of breath as uterus presses on diaphragm
- •Sleep difficulties from position changes and discomfort
- •Increased urination and occasional incontinence
This week's tips
- •Practice pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) daily to prepare for labor and reduce incontinence
- •Elevate your feet regularly to manage swelling, and avoid standing for long periods
- •Sleep on your left side to improve circulation and reduce pressure on major blood vessels
- •Start attending childbirth classes if you haven't already—knowledge reduces anxiety
- •Invest in a maternity pillow or body pillow for better sleep support
- •Stay hydrated and eat iron-rich foods to combat pregnancy fatigue
Looking ahead
As you enter the third trimester, your body is preparing for labor while your baby is gaining weight and developing survival skills. Regular prenatal visits become even more important now to monitor your health and baby's position.
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