Baby development at 29 weeks
Strengthening Bones:
During this period, your baby’s bones are actively absorbing calcium for fortification. Ensure you consume adequate amounts of milk or other calcium-rich sources such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice. Approximately 250 milligrams of calcium are added to your baby’s skeletal structure daily.
Nerve Shield:
In this trimester, a protective layer of myelin commences its formation around your baby’s nerves, a process that will persist even after birth.
Respiratory System Preparation:
The development of your baby’s respiratory system is ongoing. Their lungs are generating surfactant, a liquid that aids in keeping the alveoli open. By the 35th week, your baby will produce a sufficient amount of surfactant, facilitating the ability to breathe air upon birth.
Your baby is about the size of a butternut squash
Pregnancy symptoms during week 29
Anemia:
Ensuring an adequate iron intake during pregnancy is crucial for various reasons. Iron is necessary for the development of your growing baby and placenta, and it plays a vital role in producing hemoglobin—the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen to other cells. (During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by almost 50 percent!) Insufficient iron levels during pregnancy can lead to anemia.
Symptoms of low iron may include fatigue or weakness. Your healthcare provider may suggest iron supplements, and if anemia is severe, you might receive iron infusions via IV. Severe anemia poses risks to both you and your baby, prompting your provider to conduct blood tests throughout your pregnancy to monitor iron levels.
Cramping:
In the third trimester, you may experience regular cramping due to round ligament pain and Braxton Hicks contractions, which can resemble menstrual cramps. Constipation can also contribute to cramping.
Typically, pregnancy-related cramping is mild and not a cause for concern. Drinking water, taking a warm bath, or engaging in gentle movement may alleviate discomfort. However, severe cramping during the third trimester may indicate serious issues such as preterm labor or placental abruption. Contact your provider if cramping persists after resting for several minutes, if it is severe, if accompanied by other symptoms like fever or dizziness, if upper abdominal pain occurs, or if your abdomen is unusually sensitive to touch, especially upon release of pressure.
Heartburn:
The pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxes smooth muscle tissue, including in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to slowed digestion exacerbated by the expanding uterus. This sluggish digestion can result in gas, heartburn, and constipation, especially during the third trimester.
Managing heartburn involves eating smaller meals, waiting before lying down after eating, and staying hydrated by drinking water between meals. Prop yourself up with pillows at night to minimize discomfort, and consult your provider about pregnancy-safe heartburn medications if needed.
Lightheadedness:
Occasional lightheadedness or dizziness is common during pregnancy due to significant changes in the cardiovascular system. Increased heart rate, elevated blood pumping, and pressure from the growing uterus on veins can contribute to these sensations, and while most systems adjust, some individuals may experience discomfort or fainting.
To prevent lightheadedness, maintain regular eating and drinking habits, avoid overheating, and be cautious about sudden movements or intense exercise. If persistent lightheadedness, frequent dizziness, or other concerns arise, contact your healthcare provider.
Pregnancy checklist at 29 weeks
Explore third-trimester prenatal appointments
During third-trimester prenatal visits, your healthcare provider will consistently monitor your weight, urine, and blood pressure while also screening for indicators of conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and infections. The frequency of these visits intensifies in the third trimester, transitioning from bi-monthly check-ups to weekly appointments starting at 36 weeks.
Depending on the progress of your pregnancy, additional assessments such as ultrasounds and nonstress tests may be conducted to ensure the well-being of your baby. Fundal height measurements, ultrasound examinations, and Doppler checks on the baby’s heartbeat are routine procedures. This stage is ideal for addressing any concerns about labor and delivery, and if you’re experiencing mood changes like increased anxiety or depression, it’s crucial to communicate this to your healthcare provider.
Prepare baby essentials
If you’ve received baby gear from a baby shower or purchased items, it’s time to unpack and assemble them. Cribs, bassinets, changing tables, and strollers can be complex to put together, and having them ready is essential for your baby’s arrival. Additionally, items like swings, mobiles, and monitors often require batteries, so ensuring you have an adequate supply is advisable.
Tour your birthing facility
Take advantage of this period to tour your chosen hospital or birth center and familiarize yourself with the birthing environment. Many facilities may request preregistration for labor and delivery, streamlining the admission process when the time comes. Before your tour, jot down any questions you may have to address during your visit.
Build your support network
As the third trimester progresses, start organizing your support team, whether it’s your first or fourth pregnancy. Seek assistance from friends and family members to make the initial weeks at home with your newborn smoother. Delegate tasks such as organizing a meal train for nutritious post-birth meals or asking in-laws to help with baby care, allowing you time for essential activities like showering and resting. Don’t hesitate to communicate your specific needs to your closest connections, as they often want to contribute but may be waiting for your guidance.
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