Pregnancy week twenty-nine is an exciting but exhausting one! As your baby falls into a cycle of sleeping and waking, their kicks and movements can keep you awake all night. You might start to feel frustrated as you struggle with sleep and a growing pregnant belly, making life uncomfortable for you.
But it isn’t all bad; you might see your baby on an ultrasound, and they are gaining fat by the day, getting cuter and more baby-like. What else is happening, we hear you ask? Well, continue reading our in-depth guide to see what your twenty-ninth week of pregnancy will be like.
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 29 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect Pregnancy At 29 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
- Is Pregnancy Viable At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 29 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 29 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- Your baby is about the size of a acorn squash
- Your baby is gaining fat and shedding the vernix that has kept their skin hydrated and warm
- Your baby is now sleeping and waking, sometimes at different times than you
- You might experience trouble sleeping as your growing pregnant belly makes you feel uncomfortable
- Your baby’s development continues this week
- Your symptoms could include tiredness, varicose veins, headaches, and stomach pains or cramps
What Does It Mean To Be 29 Weeks Pregnant?
Week twenty-nine of your pregnancy is exciting! You are into your third trimester, and your baby continues developing. They are putting on weight and shedding the layer of fine hair, keeping them warm. Your baby is fully formed and will spend the next few weeks putting on weight and maturing their organs.
As your baby grows, you might feel more uncomfortable and uneasy on your feet. Your growing pregnant belly has changed your centre of gravity, making you uneasy. Take your time as you move around to avoid falling. Your fluctuating hormone levels might leave you a little emotional this week, which can be exacerbated if you struggle to sleep.
Any discomfort you are experiencing this week will pass. Stretches and simple yoga routines can help relieve any sore or aching muscles and even help you sleep. You might be told to start eating more this week, especially calcium rich food. These will help to provide your baby’s bones with calcium to grow strong and keep you feeling fuller as your body continues to grow your baby.
Can You Detect Pregnancy At 29 Weeks?
You can detect pregnancy at twenty-nine weeks, but you might have a false negative test on home pregnancy tests. As your pregnancy progresses, your once-high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) will drop. Home pregnancy tests measure the hCG levels in your urine to confirm a pregnancy. At twenty-nine weeks, your levels might be too low, and you could have a false negative test.
A blood test your doctor performs can detect pregnancy, or an ultrasound will be performed where you will see your baby, and your doctor will check to see if the pregnancy is progressing as it should.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
You might be invited to an ultrasound at twenty-nine weeks pregnant. Most doctors offer two ultrasounds during your third trimester, so you will be called for one soon if you have not already. You might also have more frequent ultrasounds if you have any pregnancy complications or your doctor wants to keep an eye on both you and your baby.
An ultrasound at this stage will show your growing baby getting plumper as their fat fills out its previously wrinkly body. You can see your baby’s bones, and your doctor might check if they are growing normally and if they have any concerns. Your baby might move during your ultrasound; prepare for some waving or kicking!
You can also pay privately for a 4D scan if you wish. This gives you an up-close look at your baby’s face, seeing their facial features in detail that you don’t get with a typical ultrasound. You can also pay for a private ultrasound in between your standard ones if you wish.
Are There Any Other Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
You will be offered tests from your doctor during your third trimester, including at twenty-nine weeks pregnant. These tests will monitor your blood or urine to check for any infections and monitor you for any signs of preeclampsia, a dangerous condition developed during pregnancy.
You might also be offered another glucose screening test to check for gestational diabetes if you are at greater risk for developing gestational diabetes. Eating a healthy and balanced diet and monitoring your sugar intake can help to prevent this.
You might also be offered screening tests for genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis and Tay-Sachs syndrome. These screening tests are optional, but your doctor might urge you to have the tests if your medical history suggests you might be at a higher risk for a genetic condition being passed to your baby.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
You can detect a heartbeat at twenty-nine weeks pregnant. Your baby’s heartbeat will be monitored at your ultrasound scans and by your midwife in between appointments. A Doppler machine or stethoscope will listen to your baby’s heartbeat and check for abnormalities or issues.
Finding your baby’s heartbeat using these can be difficult if your baby is moving a lot or it is hard to work out their position. Have patience, and do not panic if it takes a few minutes before the heartbeat is found. The same applies if you use a stethoscope or Doppler machine at home to listen to your baby’s heartbeat. Remain calm and patient; you will find the heartbeat.
Your baby’s heartbeat has slowed slightly in your third trimester, too, averaging 140 beats per minute.
Is Pregnancy Viable At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
A pregnancy is viable at twenty-nine weeks pregnant, but your baby will need to stay in a hospital for a few weeks. A pregnancy is considered viable if your baby can be born and survive outside the womb. At twenty-nine weeks, your baby will not have finished growing and developing, meaning they will need to spend some time in a neonatal intensive care unit where doctors and nurses can care for them.
Your baby weighs roughly 1.15kg at this stage; they need to put on more weight and their organs to finish developing before you take them home. This can be a scary time for parents but try not to worry. These days, the chances of your baby surviving at twenty-nine weeks pregnant are good. Research by NSW Health found that 98 out of 100 babies born at twenty-eight and twenty-nine weeks pregnant will survive. These chances do vary depending on if your baby has any complications or disorders, but your doctor can provide more information about this.
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
Common symptoms at twenty-nine weeks pregnant include feeling uncoordinated or awkward. You carry more weight, which will change your centre of gravity, impacting your balance. A fall can seem scary this week, but don’t panic; you have lots of padding here! Let your midwife or doctor know, and they can offer further advice.
Other common symptoms include sleeping problems, pains on the side of your bump, and headaches. Varicose veins can also impact some women this week. The severity of these symptoms will vary from woman to woman and can change daily, so don’t panic if you notice changes or if your symptoms differ from other women.
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG leaves will drop this week, averaging between 1,400 and 53,00 u/L.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping is common at twenty-nine weeks pregnant. It could be round ligament pains, pains on the side of your stomach, or Braxton Hicks. These false contractions can feel uncomfortable but should not last longer than a minute.
Leg cramps can also be common this week.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness is more common in the earlier months of pregnancy, but you might experience morning sickness at twenty-nine weeks pregnant.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts might feel tender or sore this week. They might also ache, feel full, or start leaking milk. When this happens, you should wear breast pads to keep yourself dry and your bra stain-free.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen throughout your pregnancy, including week twenty-nine. You might crave unusual combinations of food or foods that you usually don’t enjoy.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
You might pass urine more frequently this week. This tends to worsen as your pregnancy progresses and your baby drops in your body, adding pressure to your bladder.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue is common this week as you struggle to sleep. Mostly, this is down to feeling uncomfortable with your growing belly. Adding a pregnancy pillow, a pillow between your knees, or any sore areas can make you more comfortable.
You can also try napping throughout the day to ensure you get enough rest.
Will I Feel Bloated At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
Feeling bloated is common at twenty-nine weeks pregnant. Avoiding eating late at night and enjoying small meals throughout the day can help.
Will I Get A Headache At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are common at twenty-nine weeks pregnant. Women who suffer from headaches before pregnancy can experience more headaches than other women during pregnancy. Pain relief and staying hydrated can help with these headaches.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth is more common during your first trimester, but it can happen at twenty-nine weeks pregnant, too.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell is more common in the first few months of pregnancy, but it can still happen at twenty-nine weeks pregnant.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath can happen at twenty-nine weeks pregnant. Your growing baby can restrict your lungs’s space, leaving you to feel short of breath or breathless, especially when you are lying down.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea is normal during pregnancy, including at twenty-nine weeks pregnant. It might not be caused by your pregnancy, though and could be a stomach bug, allergy, or food poisoning. Speak to your doctor if your diarrhea does not pass after forty-eight hours.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge happens throughout your pregnancy, including at twenty-nine weeks pregnant. Your discharge will be white or milky with little to no odour. Any changes should be reported to your doctor or midwife as they could be a symptom of an infection.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain is common this week. Your ligaments and joints are looser, with extra weight adding pressure to them. This can cause back pain, which can be uncomfortable for many pregnant women. Hot and cold compresses can help with the pain, along with yoga and ensuring you are sleeping in a comfortable position.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings usually happen during the first few months of pregnancy, but you can experience them at twenty-nine weeks, too. Your fluctuating hormone levels and mixed emotions as your pregnancy draws to a close are usually responsible for these mood swings.
Is Spotting Normal At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting can happen at twenty-nine weeks and should be reported to your doctor or midwife immediately. Spotting can be harmless, but you should have it checked to ensure it is not a sign of something sinister.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 29 Weeks Pregnant?
The following symptoms are also common at twenty-nine weeks pregnant.
- Thicker and shinier hair
- Brown patches or darkened skin on your face
- Spotty and oily skin
- Urine infections
- Vaginal infections
- Swollen feet and hands
- Dizziness
- Raised basal temperature (feeling hot)
- Constipation
- Piles
- Swollen and bleeding gums
How Big Is A Baby At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby has grown again from last week and is now the size of a butternut squash! They will be roughly 38.6cm from head to heel. Your baby is perfectly formed now, too, and looks more like a baby every day!
While they are perfectly formed, it does not mean they are ready to leave the womb yet. They still have plenty of growing to do, gaining fat and maturing their organs. The vernix, a greasy white layer coating your baby’s skin, disappears now as their body starts to regulate its own temperature.
Can You Feel The Baby At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
You can feel your baby move at twenty-nine weeks pregnant. Your baby will move more and more as the weeks pass, with their movements becoming stronger. You should now feel your baby move from outside your stomach, too. This is an exciting time for your loved ones, who can feel your baby move if they place their hand on your stomach. Not all women will feel their baby move outside their stomach yet, so don’t panic if this does not happen this week.
Your baby will have their own waking and sleeping patterns that might not correlate with yours. You might find they start kicking just as you drift off to sleep, which can impact your sleeping pattern. Take note of these patterns, as they can help you find a quiet moment to rest and track your baby’s movements. You might be asked to track your baby’s kicks by your doctor to ensure there are no decreases or sudden changes in their movement.
Should you notice a sudden decrease in movement or anything different, speak to your doctor or midwife immediately.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-nine weeks, a miscarriage is classed as a stillbirth. The common symptoms include a decrease in your baby’s movements, abdominal pain, bleeding, and pregnancy symptoms disappearing. The symptoms of stillbirth can come on quickly, with contraction-like pain and your waters breaking.
Some women will have no symptoms and won’t know their baby has sadly passed away until they attend an ultrasound or midwife appointment and cannot find a heartbeat.
At this stage in your pregnancy, you will have to deliver your baby. This is usually done in a hospital, with medical intervention to speed up your labour. Some women will be allowed to return home to wait for labour to start naturally, but this does depend on any complications you might be having. Your doctor will explain these options to you and can signpost you to long-term support that will help you and your family through this heartbreaking time.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
The chances of a stillbirth for those having an uncomplicated pregnancy is incredibly low at twenty-nine weeks pregnant. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that 2.6% of births in 2020 were stillbirths, meaning your chance of a stillbirth is very low.
Of course, some factors can increase your chance of stillbirth, including complications during pregnancy, your weight, age, and any medical conditions. Your doctor can explain how these factors might impact your chances of a stillbirth and put any of your worries to rest.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
The following precautions should be taken to maintain your health during pregnancy.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Continue to take your prenatal vitamins this week. Your doctor can recommend suitable prenatal multivitamins for you to take that ensure you and your baby get the nutrients you need. You can look for vitamins that will help increase your calcium intake if you struggle to get enough in your diet. You should also look for a multivitamin with high Vitamin D levels if pregnant during the winter.
Enjoy A Healthy And Balanced Diet
You should eat a healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy to ensure your body is fuelled correctly. In your third trimester, you might need an extra 200 calories a day to provide you and your baby with energy to grow and develop. Your doctor will advise you on this, as not all women will need the extra calories depending on their eating during pregnancy.
You should enjoy a balanced and varied diet of calcium-rich food, lean protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables. Your doctor can help create a meal plan if you need help deciding what to eat. Weight gain is a part of pregnancy, but it should be done in a sustainable manner that ensures your baby is still getting the nutrition it needs.
Stay Hydrated
Try to drink plenty of water during your pregnancy. Drinking water and staying hydrated during pregnancy can help to form the amniotic fluid around your baby, aid digestion, and circulate nutrients around your body. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)states you should drink eight to twelve glasses of water a day to remain hydrated during pregnancy.
Stop Smoking
You should stop smoking as soon as you discover you are pregnant. Smoking is extremely harmful to your baby during pregnancy. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that smoking during pregnancy doubles your risk of abnormal bleeding birth defects and can increase your baby’s chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Your doctor can help you to stop smoking during pregnancy if needed.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
At twenty-nine weeks pregnant, the following foods should be avoided.
- Raw juices and smoothies
- Highly processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurised dairy and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw sprouts
- Organ meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Deli or processed meat
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Seafood with high mercury content
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all alcoholic drinks at twenty-nine weeks pregnant. Alcohol passes through your blood to your baby’s cord blood and can have serious implications. Research by the CDC found that drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases your risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and a range of behavioural, intellectual, physical, and emotional disabilities. Speak to your doctor if you need help to stop drinking during pregnancy.
You should also reduce your caffeine intake during pregnancy. Consuming 350mg or more daily during pregnancy can increase your risk of preterm labour, low birth weight, or stillbirth. The Royal College of Midwives recommends reducing your caffeine intake to 200mg a day during pregnancy and when breastfeeding to prevent this.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid any supplements that your doctor does not recommend you take at twenty-nine weeks pregnant. Most supplement labels state they are not suitable for pregnant women to consume; avoid these as they could harm your baby.
Can I Exercise While 29 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise at twenty-nine weeks pregnant, but you need to select which exercises you do carefully. Avoid contact sports, high-impact exercises, or any exercises where you can injure yourself. Instead, opt for low-impact exercise like walking or swimming. Yoga can be fantastic during pregnancy and help to stretch your sore muscles, but ensure that you are following a pregnancy-friendly workout or let your instructor know before the class that you are pregnant.
Is It Safe To Travel When 29 Weeks Pregnant?
It is safe to travel at twenty-nine weeks pregnant, but there are some things you need to do. Most airlines require you to travel with a letter from your doctor that confirms you are fit to fly. This must be dated within the last ten days before your flight, detailing any complications in your pregnancy, your due date, and how many babies you are carrying.
You should also speak to your doctor beforehand if you are experiencing any pregnancy complications, have high blood pressure, or deep vein thrombosis. Check before travelling to another country if there are any vaccinations you need or advisories in place for pregnant women.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at twenty-nine weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 29 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to have sex at twenty-nine weeks pregnant unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or midwife.
How Should I Sleep At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
You might struggle to sleep this week as you feel more uncomfortable or your baby kicks you awake. Adding extra pillows or using a pregnancy pillow can make you more comfortable and help you to sleep. Napping during the day or when your baby isn’t kicking helps you stay well-rested.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 29 Weeks Pregnant?
The safest position to sleep in at twenty-nine weeks pregnant is on your side. Sleeping this way does not add any pressure to your stomach.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 29 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date is to use the date of your last menstrual period. This is the LMP method and the most common way to calculate pregnancy due dates. Take the first day of your last period and count forward forty weeks or 280 days to have your estimated due date. There are due date calculators online that can help you with this, too.
Your doctor or midwife will also provide you with an estimated due date. These are usually provided at your first ultrasound, the dating scan. At this scan, your baby will be measured and its development assessed to determine how far into your pregnancy you are. From this, an estimated due date will be provided.
While these due dates are helpful, remember that they are just estimates. Many women give birth after their due date, so don’t panic if your due date passes without your baby’s arrival.
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 29 Weeks Pregnant?
There are a few body changes to expect this week, like feeling breathless. Your baby can push against your lungs, putting a strain on your body and causing you to feel breathless. You might also feel irritated this week, with a combination of a lack of sleep and people’s opinions wearing you down. Try to let them go over your head – after all, most of these opinions come from a place of care and concern!
Leg cramps are a common change this week, with massaging your leg providing relief for some women. These cramps will pass, and you might find that moving around and stretching your muscles can help.
Alongside physical changes, you might notice some emotional changes too. Your emotions could be all over the place as you feel nervous and excited for your new arrival. It is common to feel sad, too, thinking about family and friends who are no longer around to meet your new baby.
Don’t bottle these feelings up; speak to your partner, friends, and family about these feelings. You can also speak to your midwife or doctor for any support you might need.
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your body is working hard this week! As your pregnant belly grows, you might find that your baby is putting pressure on your organs, like your lungs. It can also cause your belly button to push outwards. Your body might also experience fluctuating hormonal levels this week as your body starts to prepare for giving birth. The hormone levels can make you feel more emotional than usual, so be sure to take time for yourself to care for your mental health.
Your body is still pumping more blood than before. As more blood circulates your body, it takes your body longer to move it all, which can leave you feeling dizzy and lightheaded, especially if you stand up too quickly. Take care when standing up or moving around to ensure you don’t fall or hurt yourself.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
The following tips can help you prepare for the remaining weeks of your third trimester.
Consider Your Birth Plan
It is time to think about your birth plan if you have not already. You need to consider what you want to happen when your baby arrives. Your midwife will ask you to consider your birth plan, with some of these questions being common:
- Do you want a hospital birth?
- Do you want a natural birth?
- Do you want medical intervention?
- Do you want an induction if you are overdue?
- Do you want pain relief? What pain relief would you like?
- Do you want a birthing partner? Who do you want?
Spend some time talking with your midwife, partner, friends, and family to help you decide what you would like as your birth plan. Remember that a birth plan is just a plan; sometimes, things don’t go to plan! You will need to be flexible.
Attend Pregnancy And Birthing Classes
Another way to prepare for your pregnancy is to attend pregnancy and birthing classes in your local area. These classes will provide the necessary information and can coach and prepare you for giving birth. These classes can also be a wonderful place to ask any questions you have and put any worries to bed.
You can also meet other expecting mothers in your area that you could support, share information with, and become friends. Pregnancy can be lonely for some women, but by making these connections, you can ensure that you have the support you need.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
Your doctor or midwife might suggest consuming 200 extra calories to give your baby the necessary nutrients, but make sure you maintain a healthy weight. Excessive weight gain can be dangerous during pregnancy, so be sure to avoid it.
A healthy and balanced diet should be followed along with plenty of regular exercise. Your doctor can provide more specific guidance for this, so be sure to ask them if you have any questions or concerns.
Make Lifestyle Changes
You might also need to make some lifestyle changes if you have not already. These include stopping smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking illegal drugs. Not only can these impact your health, but your baby’s too and should be avoided. Your doctor can provide guidance and support to make these changes if needed.
Final Thoughts
Week twenty-nine of your pregnancy is an exciting one, with more changes again! As your baby bump grows, you might feel uncomfortable, but don’t worry; it won’t last. As you inch closer to your baby’s arrival, your symptoms might change. Tiredness, headaches, and feeling puffy are totally normal, so don’t panic if your symptoms vary.
It won’t be long now, and your new baby will be in your arms.