With prominent baby moments in the womb, the baby, at week 29, can kick once or even twice a day. The baby as big as butternut squash is looking for more breathing room as it moves and squirms more often.
The pleasant pregnancy days are lessening as the date to deliver gets nearer. Mothers-to-be may get uncomfortable and uneasy managing the growing tummy, leg cramps, backaches, sciatic pains, and other symptoms.
Learn about how the baby is developing, pregnancy symptoms, and tips for mothers-to-be at week 29 of pregnancy through this article.
In this Article
Baby’s developments @ Week 29 of pregnancy
The baby, at week 29, is 38.6cms long from head to toe and weighs approximately 1.2kgs. The baby’s growth and developments occurring this week include:
More fat and lesser wrinkly skin
Unlike the brown fat that regulates body temperature developed in the previous weeks of pregnancy, the white fat skin develops from week 29 of pregnancy. The white fat is a source of energy and strength to the little one. And the wrinkly appearance of the baby slowly diminishes.
Increased kicks and fetal movements
The baby may require more room to move, increasing the kicks, jerks, pokes of the elbows, and knees, tiring the mom-to-be.
Mom-to-be @ Week 29 of pregnancy
The increased blood flow and the growing uterus exert pressure on the pelvic veins. While the pregnancy hormones relax them. Sometimes, varicose of the rectal region can pop out, swell and get painful, causing hemorrhoids. Pregnancy symptoms observed at week 29 of pregnancy are:
- For some, the varicose veins can get painful and for others, it causes no discomfort at all,
- Constipation, heartburn, indigestion,
- Migraines,
- Memory issues and forgetfulness crop up, especially during the third trimester, as the brain cells tend to work slowly,
- Fast-growing nails, hair,
- Leaking of yellowish fluid called colostrum from the nipples,
- Restless leg syndrome- constant movements of legs that can keep you awake all night,
- Hypersensitive skin to sunlight, detergents, certain foods, medications, heat, and chlorine- causing itching, redness, and rashes,
- Backaches, leg cramps, increased urination frequency, pregnancy insomnia,
- Fatigue.Also Read: https://pregajunction.com/blog/week-28-of-pregnancy/
What is colostrum?
Colostrum is the first milk or pre-food likely to be produced by the milk glands during the third trimester. It is normal if your bras get wet due to the yellowish fluid or colostrum. Colostrum contains more proteins, low in sugars, and fats, compared to regular breast milk.
What are Braxton Hicks Contractions? How is it different from the normal labor contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions are pseudo labor contractions, tightening the abdominal muscles that are mild and intermittent, unlike the normal labor pain that is severe and increasing. The Braxton Hicks contractions are also called “rehearsal” labor contractions. Connect with your doctor to know more about identifying these contractions to help understand the kind of pain you are dealing with.
Things to consider at week 29 of pregnancy
The third trimester leads to a spectrum of changes within the expecting mothers as the bulging tummy and rapidly growing baby gear up for the upcoming delivery. The to-be-mothers will need to consider the following things at week 29 of pregnancy.
- Avoid standing or sitting for long durations as this can help blood circulation in the lower half of the body.
- Consider relaxing with your leg in an elevated position to reduce fluid accumulation in the limbs and leg cramps and ease blood pressure.
- Try regular exercising, and slow walking by wearing a support hose. Varicose veins are likely to recede post-delivery.
- To fight constipation, consider having yogurt- a natural probiotic with beneficial bacteria that aids digestion and smooth bowel movements. Increased fluid and water intake can also help.
- Avoid coffee or chocolate, especially in the evening, as they can enhance sleep difficulties.
- Pump up your iron intake and keep yourself moving and active throughout the day. It can help ease major pregnancy symptoms, including insomnia and leg cramps.
- Look for pregnancy-safe topicals for sensitive skin issues.
- Keep yourself comfortable with good support while sleeping, stretching, and sitting. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Avoid tight clothing.
What is cord blood? How is this helpful?
Cord blood is the remains of the umbilical cord and placenta after birth. The cord blood, stored in cord banks, has stem cells that can treat certain diseases, including cancers, leukemia, and lymphoma.
Drawing the cord blood is a safe and painless process where the doctor withdraws the cord blood from the umbilical cord immediately after childbirth. It is preserved in cord banks and can be either used for donation or in the treatment of specific disorders. Talk with your doctor before delivery, about cord blood, as processing and paperwork are lengthy and need to be done in advance.
Also Read: https://pregajunction.com/blog/types-of-baby-delivery-during-pregnancy/
Conclusion
At week 29, as the baby gains its white fat layer and the wrinkled appearance fades, the mothers-to-be can have painful varicose and leg cramps with the tummy growing in size. The baby’s movements are more regular- at least one or two kicks a day. Contact your doctor to know about pregnancy progression, cord bank details, and more.
