29 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development & What to Expect

What Is Happening with My Baby at 29 Weeks?

At 29 weeks, your baby weighs approximately 1.1-1.2 kg and measures about 38-39 cm from head to toe. The brain is developing rapidly with billions of neurons forming, the lungs are producing surfactant, and your baby can now open and close their eyes, respond to light and sound, and has established regular sleep-wake cycles.

Week 29 marks an exciting period of rapid growth and development for your baby. The brain is undergoing remarkable changes, with billions of neurons forming new connections every day. This neurological development means your baby is becoming increasingly aware of their surroundings, responding to sounds, light changes, and even your emotional state through hormonal changes in your bloodstream.

Your baby's sensory systems are becoming more refined during this period. The eyes can now detect changes in light filtering through the uterine wall, and research suggests that babies at this stage show preferences for certain sounds, particularly their mother's voice. The hearing apparatus is fully functional, and your baby is busy processing the sounds of your body, including your heartbeat, digestive system, and voice.

The development of the respiratory system is a crucial focus at 29 weeks. The lungs are producing increasing amounts of surfactant, a substance that prevents the tiny air sacs (alveoli) from collapsing when the baby breathes air for the first time. While babies born at 29 weeks are considered premature and would need specialized care, the survival rates are excellent with modern neonatal intensive care, typically exceeding 90% in well-equipped medical facilities.

Brain Development at Week 29

The brain is perhaps the most rapidly developing organ at this stage of pregnancy. Your baby's brain now has the characteristic grooves and ridges (gyri and sulci) that increase its surface area, allowing for more complex neural processing. The cerebral cortex, responsible for conscious thought and sensory processing, is developing millions of new connections daily.

Research indicates that babies at 29 weeks demonstrate recognizable patterns of brain activity during different states of consciousness, alternating between deep sleep, active (REM) sleep, and periods of wakefulness. These sleep-wake cycles are becoming more established and will continue to mature throughout the remainder of pregnancy and the first months after birth.

Physical Development Milestones

Your baby's body is maturing in numerous ways during week 29. The bones are continuing to harden through ossification, although the skull bones remain flexible and separated by gaps (fontanelles) to allow passage through the birth canal. The skeleton is accumulating calcium and other minerals essential for bone strength.

Fat deposits are increasing under the skin, giving your baby a rounder, less wrinkled appearance. This white fat (as opposed to the brown fat that helps regulate temperature) serves as an energy store and helps maintain body temperature after birth. By 29 weeks, approximately 3-4% of your baby's body weight consists of fat, a percentage that will increase significantly over the coming weeks.

The fingernails have now grown to cover the fingertips, and toenails are developing rapidly. Your baby's taste buds are fully developed, and studies show that the flavor of amniotic fluid, which reflects your diet, influences the baby's taste preferences after birth. Babies whose mothers consumed certain flavors during pregnancy often show preferences for those flavors in early childhood.

What Changes Are Happening in My Body at 29 Weeks?

At 29 weeks, your uterus extends about 10 cm above your navel. Common changes include increased Braxton Hicks contractions, shortness of breath due to the expanding uterus pressing on your diaphragm, heartburn, swollen feet and ankles, difficulty sleeping, frequent urination, and back pain. Your blood volume has increased by about 50%.

Your body is working harder than ever to support your growing baby. By week 29, your blood volume has increased by approximately 50% compared to pre-pregnancy levels, placing additional demands on your cardiovascular system. Your heart is pumping more blood with each beat, and your resting heart rate may be 10-15 beats per minute higher than before pregnancy.

The growing uterus is now a significant presence in your abdominal cavity, reaching approximately 10 centimeters above your navel. This expansion causes a cascade of physical effects: your diaphragm is pushed upward, reducing lung capacity and causing the characteristic shortness of breath many women experience during the third trimester. Your digestive organs are compressed, contributing to heartburn, indigestion, and sometimes constipation.

Hormonal changes continue to affect multiple body systems. Relaxin, a hormone that prepares your body for childbirth by loosening ligaments and joints, can contribute to pelvic discomfort and back pain. Progesterone causes smooth muscle relaxation throughout your body, which slows digestion and can exacerbate constipation and heartburn. These same hormones affect blood vessel walls, contributing to varicose veins and hemorrhoids in some women.

Common Symptoms at 29 Weeks

The third trimester brings a distinctive set of symptoms that, while uncomfortable, are typically normal parts of pregnancy. Understanding what to expect can help you distinguish between normal pregnancy discomforts and signs that warrant medical attention.

Shortness of breath is experienced by the majority of women at this stage. As your uterus grows, it pushes your diaphragm upward, reducing the space available for your lungs to expand fully. This mechanical restriction, combined with the increased oxygen demands of pregnancy, can make you feel winded during activities that previously caused no difficulty. Most women find relief by sitting upright, sleeping propped up on pillows, and taking breaks during physical activity.

Sleep disturbances become increasingly common as pregnancy progresses. Finding a comfortable sleeping position becomes challenging, and many women experience leg cramps, frequent urination, and vivid dreams that disrupt rest. Healthcare providers typically recommend sleeping on your left side, which optimizes blood flow to the placenta, and using pillows to support your back, belly, and between your knees.

Braxton Hicks Contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions typically become more noticeable during the third trimester. These practice contractions are named after the British doctor who first described them in 1872 and serve as a way for your uterus to prepare for labor. Unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks are irregular, do not increase in intensity, and typically subside with rest or a change in position.

You may notice Braxton Hicks more frequently when you are dehydrated, after physical activity, when your bladder is full, or after sexual activity. The sensation is often described as a tightening or hardening of the uterus that lasts from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. While they can be uncomfortable, they should not be painful. If you experience contractions that are regular, increasingly intense, or accompanied by other symptoms like vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

How Should I Track My Baby's Movements?

By 29 weeks, you should feel your baby move regularly throughout the day. Count fetal movements during baby's active periods, aiming for at least 10 movements within 2 hours. Movements include kicks, rolls, and swishes. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice a significant decrease in movements.

Monitoring your baby's movements is one of the most important things you can do during the third trimester. Fetal movement counting, often called "kick counting," provides valuable information about your baby's well-being. A baby who is moving regularly is generally a healthy baby, while a significant decrease in movements can sometimes indicate a problem that needs medical attention.

By 29 weeks, your baby has developed regular patterns of activity and rest. Most babies are most active after meals, in the evening, and when their mother is resting quietly. You may notice that your baby becomes more active when you drink cold water or eat something sweet. These patterns vary from baby to baby, and what matters most is knowing what is normal for your baby and recognizing any significant changes.

Healthcare providers recommend various approaches to fetal movement monitoring. One common method is to choose a time when your baby is usually active, lie down or sit comfortably, and count how long it takes to feel 10 movements. These movements can include kicks, rolls, swishes, or flutters. Most healthy babies will make 10 movements within 2 hours. If you do not feel 10 movements within this time frame, or if you notice a significant change in your baby's typical movement pattern, contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.

What Prenatal Care Should I Expect at 29 Weeks?

At 29 weeks, prenatal appointments typically occur every 2-3 weeks. Visits include blood pressure monitoring, urine testing, fundal height measurement, listening to baby's heartbeat, and discussing any symptoms or concerns. If you haven't already, you may discuss birth planning and hospital pre-registration.

As you progress through the third trimester, prenatal appointments become more frequent. Most healthcare providers schedule visits every 2-3 weeks during weeks 28-36, then weekly until delivery. These more frequent check-ups allow your healthcare team to monitor for complications that can develop later in pregnancy, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm labor.

At each visit, your healthcare provider will measure your blood pressure and check your urine for protein and glucose. Elevated blood pressure or protein in the urine can be signs of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication that requires careful management. Your fundal height, the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus, will be measured to assess fetal growth. At 29 weeks, this measurement typically corresponds closely to your gestational age in centimeters.

Your healthcare provider will also listen to your baby's heartbeat using a Doppler device or fetoscope. A normal fetal heart rate ranges from 110 to 160 beats per minute. Variations within this range are normal and indicate a healthy, responsive cardiovascular system. The rhythm should be regular, and any concerns about heart rate abnormalities may prompt further evaluation with electronic fetal monitoring or ultrasound.

Tests and Screenings

Depending on your individual health situation and previous test results, you may have additional testing during this period. If you had an abnormal glucose screening earlier in pregnancy, your blood sugar levels may be monitored more closely. Women with Rh-negative blood typically receive an injection of Rh immunoglobulin around 28 weeks to prevent Rh sensitization.

Group B streptococcus (GBS) screening is typically performed between weeks 36 and 37, but your provider may discuss this upcoming test with you now. GBS is a common bacterium that can be present in the vagina or rectum without causing symptoms in adults but can cause serious infections in newborns if transmitted during delivery. Women who test positive for GBS receive antibiotics during labor to protect the baby.

What Should I Eat at 29 Weeks Pregnant?

During the third trimester, you need approximately 450 extra calories daily. Focus on iron-rich foods (to support increased blood volume), calcium (for baby's bone development), protein (for tissue growth), omega-3 fatty acids (for brain development), and fiber (to prevent constipation). Stay well-hydrated with at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.

Nutrition during the third trimester is critically important as your baby undergoes rapid growth and development. Your caloric needs have increased by approximately 450 calories per day compared to your pre-pregnancy intake, but the quality of those calories matters as much as the quantity. Every bite you take is an opportunity to provide essential nutrients for your baby's development and to support your own health during this demanding time.

Iron requirements increase significantly during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester when your blood volume is at its peak and your baby is building iron stores for the first months of life. Good sources of iron include lean red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, fortified cereals, and leafy green vegetables. Consuming vitamin C-rich foods alongside iron-rich foods enhances iron absorption. Many women need iron supplements during pregnancy, and your healthcare provider can advise you based on your blood tests.

Calcium is essential for your baby's developing bones and teeth, as well as for supporting nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood clotting. The recommended intake during pregnancy is 1,000 mg daily for women aged 19-50. Dairy products are excellent sources of calcium, but if you don't consume dairy, you can obtain calcium from fortified plant milks, calcium-set tofu, sardines with bones, almonds, and dark leafy greens like kale and collard greens.

Managing Third Trimester Digestive Issues

Many women experience increased digestive discomfort during the third trimester. Heartburn, indigestion, and constipation are common complaints that can often be managed through dietary modifications. Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than three large ones can reduce heartburn by preventing your stomach from becoming overly full and pressing against your lower esophageal sphincter.

Fiber is your ally against constipation, which affects many pregnant women due to hormonal changes and the physical pressure of the growing uterus on the intestines. Aim for 25-30 grams of fiber daily from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. Increasing fiber gradually helps prevent gas and bloating. Adequate fluid intake is equally important - aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily, more if you are physically active or in hot weather.

Is It Safe to Exercise at 29 Weeks Pregnant?

Exercise is generally safe and beneficial at 29 weeks for women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly. Safe activities include walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, and stationary cycling. Avoid contact sports, activities with fall risk, and exercising on your back. Always stay hydrated and stop if you feel pain or discomfort.

Regular physical activity during the third trimester offers numerous benefits for both mother and baby. Exercise helps maintain cardiovascular fitness, reduces excessive weight gain, alleviates back pain, improves mood and sleep quality, and may help prepare your body for the physical demands of labor. Research suggests that women who exercise during pregnancy often have shorter labors and recover more quickly postpartum.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, spread throughout the week. Moderate intensity means you can carry on a conversation while exercising but would find it difficult to sing. If you were physically active before pregnancy, you can generally continue your routine with appropriate modifications. If you are new to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase duration and intensity.

As your pregnancy progresses, your body's center of gravity shifts forward, affecting your balance and increasing the risk of falls. Your joints and ligaments are also looser due to hormonal changes, making them more susceptible to injury. These changes necessitate modifications to your exercise routine. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and stationary cycling are excellent choices that minimize joint stress while providing cardiovascular benefits.

Exercises to Avoid

Certain activities should be avoided during the third trimester due to increased risks. Contact sports and activities with significant fall risk, such as horseback riding, skiing, and cycling on uneven terrain, are not recommended. Exercises that require lying flat on your back for extended periods should also be avoided after the first trimester, as the weight of the uterus can compress the vena cava and reduce blood flow to the heart and baby.

Hot yoga, hot Pilates, and exercising in hot, humid environments should be avoided as overheating can be harmful to fetal development. Activities at high altitude and scuba diving are also contraindicated during pregnancy. If you experience any warning signs during exercise, including vaginal bleeding, dizziness, chest pain, headache, muscle weakness, calf pain or swelling, regular painful contractions, or fluid leaking from your vagina, stop exercising immediately and contact your healthcare provider.

When Should I Contact My Doctor at 29 Weeks?

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience: regular painful contractions, vaginal bleeding, sudden or severe swelling in face or hands, severe headache with vision changes, significantly reduced fetal movements, fluid leaking from vagina, severe abdominal pain, or signs of urinary tract infection. These symptoms may indicate complications requiring immediate attention.

While most pregnancies proceed without major complications, it is essential to recognize warning signs that require medical attention. Knowing what to look for and when to seek help can make a significant difference in outcomes for both mother and baby. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and contact your healthcare provider.

Preterm labor is a concern during the third trimester, particularly before 37 weeks. Signs of preterm labor include regular contractions that occur more than 4-6 times per hour, a change in vaginal discharge (especially if it becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody), pelvic pressure that feels like the baby is pushing down, lower back pain that is different from your usual pregnancy discomfort, and abdominal cramping with or without diarrhea. If you experience these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, typically developing after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Warning signs include severe headache that does not improve with pain medication, visual disturbances such as blurred vision, spots, or light sensitivity, sudden swelling of the face, hands, or feet, upper abdominal pain (especially on the right side), and sudden weight gain of more than 2 pounds in a week. Preeclampsia can progress rapidly and requires immediate medical evaluation.

How Can I Prepare for Birth at 29 Weeks?

At 29 weeks, start preparing for birth by taking childbirth classes, touring your birth facility, creating a birth plan, preparing your hospital bag, and discussing pain management options with your provider. Also consider arranging help for after baby arrives and preparing older children if applicable.

With approximately 11 weeks until your due date, now is an excellent time to begin active preparations for childbirth and the postpartum period. While it may seem early, addressing these tasks now means you will be ready if your baby decides to arrive ahead of schedule, and you will have more energy for preparation than you might in the final weeks of pregnancy.

Childbirth education classes provide valuable information about the stages of labor, pain management options, medical interventions, and newborn care. Many hospitals and birthing centers offer these classes, and online options are also available. If you have a partner or support person who will be present at the birth, encourage them to attend with you. Understanding what to expect can reduce anxiety and help you make informed decisions during labor.

Creating a birth plan can help you communicate your preferences to your healthcare team. While flexibility is important, since birth rarely goes exactly as planned, a birth plan serves as a starting point for discussions about pain management preferences, positions for labor and delivery, who you want present, your preferences regarding interventions, and immediate newborn care. Discuss your birth plan with your healthcare provider to ensure your preferences are realistic and to understand any circumstances that might require deviation from your plan.

Practical Preparations

Your hospital or birth center bag should be packed and ready by 36 weeks, but starting now gives you time to gather items thoughtfully. Essential items include comfortable clothing for labor and postpartum, toiletries, going-home outfits for you and baby, your insurance card and hospital paperwork, phone charger, and any items that help you feel comfortable. Many people also bring items like their own pillow, music or audiobooks, and snacks for their support person.

Consider arranging for help in the weeks following your baby's birth. This might include family members who can stay with you, friends who can prepare meals, professional postpartum doula support, or hired help for household tasks. The early weeks with a newborn are physically and emotionally demanding, and having support in place can make a significant difference in your recovery and adjustment to parenthood.