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Week 29 of Pregnancy: Week by Week Pregnancy Calendar

Your baby is now the size of a butternut squash in weight, measuring sixteen (16) to seventeen (17) inches from head to heel and weighing just over two and a half (2.5) pounds. You are in your seventh month of pregnancy.

Your Baby

Ultrasound of 29 Week Fetus
Ultrasound of 29 Week Fetus

During week 29 of pregnancy, your baby continues to grow and mature. The head grows bigger to make room for the developing brain. The lungs continue to mature in preparation for breathing. The muscles also continue to develop, and layers of fat continue to deposit under your baby’s skin. Make sure you are getting enough calcium in your diet to meet the needs of your baby. Over the next few weeks, your baby requires about 250 milligrams of calcium each day, which will help to harden your baby’s bones. Your baby’s eyes are most likely blue right now and are becoming increasingly sensitive to light. Between now and birth, your baby will gain about four more pounds.

As your baby continues to grow, you may notice fewer acrobatics from your little womb mate as space in your uterus becomes more cramped. However, your baby should still be poking, punching, and kicking you regularly. If you notice that your baby have been moving less than usual, try drinking some juice and laying down to stimulate some movement. If you cannot count about ten fetal movements per hour, then contact your health care provider immediately. You may be able to feel the different parts of your baby’s body in your abdomen with your hands. If your baby were born during week 29 of pregnancy, he or she would most likely survive but may require some assistance with breathing.

Your Body

Baby Bump at 29 Weeks
Baby Bump at 29 Weeks

Remember all of those symptoms from earlier in your pregnancy? You may still be experiencing any number of those aches and pains during week 29 of pregnancy. Fortunately for you, most moms no longer suffer from morning sickness during the third trimester, but you may find yourself needing to go to the bathroom more frequently again as your uterus and baby press on your bladder. Your uterus is about four inches above your belly button, and you should have gained between nineteen and twenty-five pounds. As your belly expands, you may begin to notice dry or itchy skin on your abdomen. Use lotion, oil, or cocoa butter to alleviate the itchiness and dryness. But, if you have stretch marks, keep in mind that stretch marks are largely hereditary and cannot be prevented. Other symptoms during week 29 of pregnancy include constipation, flatulence, heartburn, indigestion headaches, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, forgetfulness, difficulty sleeping and insomnia, mood swings, and changes to the skin, hair, and nails.

Butternut Squash
Baby Is the Size of a Butternut Squash
During Week 29 of Pregnancy

Learn about your baby during week 28 of pregnancy or week 30 of pregnancy.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is not meant to replace the professional medical advice of your health care provider.

References

29 weeks pregnant: http://www.babyzone.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/29-weeks-pregnant_70853
Curtis, Glade B. & Judith Schuler. 2011. Your pregnancy week by week. 7th edn. Philadelphia: Running Press.
Stone, Joanne & Keith Eddleman, eds. 2003. The pregnancy bible: Your complete guide to pregnancy and early parenthood. Willowdale, Ontario: Firefly Books.
Your pregnancy: 29 weeks: http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-29-weeks_1118.bc
Your pregnancy week by week: Weeks 26-30: http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/your-pregnancy-week-by-week-weeks-26-30

Image Credits

Ultrasound of 29 Week Fetus: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:3dultrasound.png
Baby Bump at 29 Weeks: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sheila_29_weeks.jpg
Butternut Squash: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Starr_070730-7821_Cucurbita_pepo.jpg

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