29 Weeks Pregnant

At 29 weeks pregnant, your baby is looking more and more like the little one who will be born. If you are expecting a boy, this is the stage when the testicles descend permanently into the scrotum¹. For girls, the clitoris is still prominent, but by birth, the labia majora will cover it². At 29 weeks, your baby is already starting to get into birth position, and it’s common to feel them turning head down at this time.

Week 29 is a very active stage for your baby, who moves, turns, and plays all the time inside your belly. The movements are so strong that you can feel their feet, hands, arms, and elbows—sometimes this even causes some discomfort for mom. This week, your baby is about 38.6 cm long and weighs around 1,153 kg. Getting big, right?

Your baby’s organs, as well as all the senses, are developing and becoming increasingly mature to survive after birth. At 29 weeks, the lungs are starting to become active, and your baby is learning to regulate their breathing. Their body can also maintain an adequate temperature by itself.

The bones are getting harder and stronger, so your calcium intake remains very important for development³. At this stage, consuming vitamins like iron, folic acid, calcium, and vitamin C is essential for your baby’s correct development. Include foods rich in these nutrients in your diet!

How Mom Is Feeling…

We are now in the third week of the 7th month—something to celebrate for both mom and dad! Your baby’s movements usually get more intense and sleeping can be a challenge for some moms. At 29 weeks, your baby is moving a lot and sometimes loves to play right under mom’s ribs.

At 29 weeks, it’s already time for mom to start washing the baby’s clothes, if you have everything purchased, of course. It is recommended to use a liquid detergent specifically for this or else coconut soap, which is neutral. Remember, it’s important to iron everything very well and preferably, avoid strong perfumes to prevent a possible allergy in the baby.

Pack your hospital bag according to the time of year! “Nesting” is a common maternal instinct, so mom wants to leave everything nice, clean, and tidy for the baby-to-be. Do what you can within your means. Of course every mom wants to make a dream nursery, but remember you’re doing your best right now.

Mom’s Discomforts

At 29 weeks pregnant, it’s quite common that swelling starts if it hasn’t already. Hands, and especially feet, are the areas most affected due to reduced and more difficult blood flow. Use compression stockings made for pregnant women, which can help circulation, as well as lower and more comfortable shoes. Elevate your legs whenever possible, and even if you can’t lie down with your feet up during the day, at least try to rest them on something higher whenever you remember.

External Factors…

The end seems to take longer to arrive. At 29 weeks pregnant, sleep isn’t the same anymore, your energy isn’t either, and everything can start to feel a bit uncomfortable. Don’t feel guilty if you find yourself imagining and wishing it was over already—after all, we all have limits and get tired. But hang in there, there’s not much longer to go now! Ask your partner for a nice foot massage to help your swollen feet.