29 Weeks Pregnant: Baby is as big as an butternut squash!

Week 29 at a glance

How’s the third trimester treating you so far, mama? You might be wondering, how many months is 29 weeks pregnant? Well, you’re into your 7th month of pregnancy now. The weeks might seem to be rushing by quicker than ever. These days, just as you get into that elusive comfortable position, your baby decides it’s time to do their daily exercise class. It’s about now that your doctor will probably recommend starting “kick counts’’ to track your baby’s movements once or twice a day. Place your hands on your belly and time how long it takes for your baby to make 10 moves. Kicks, rolls, punches ‒ anything goes. So what else is going on at 29 weeks pregnant? Here’s what you can expect…
In this article: 📝

• Week 29 at a glance
• Baby development at 29 weeks
• Pregnancy symptoms at 29 weeks
• Pregnancy tips at 29 weeks

Baby development at 29 weeks

Your 29 weeks fetus is pretty close to their full birth length ‒ wow! Around now, they’ll probably be around 15.5-16 inches (that’s around 40cm) or the size of an butternut squash. On the other hand, the average 29 week fetus will only weigh around 2.5 pounds, so they’ve still got a lot of weight to put on, which will mostly come from fat. You might be wondering, what does a 29 week baby look like? Well, you’ll be pleased to hear all this fat-storing is making your little one look much more baby-like, with chubby cheeks well on their way. Cute! Unfortunately, you probably won’t get to see those chubby cheeks on a sonogram screen at this point. Having a 29 weeks pregnant ultrasound is unlikely, as it’s not part of the routine schedule. Your baby’s bones are developing and hardening, too, using 250 milligrams of your dietary calcium each day. If you aren’t getting enough calcium from your diet, it might start to impact your bone health. So say yes to that milkshake that’s looking so tempting. After all, it’s for the baby, right?! What else is your baby doing at 29 weeks pregnant? Smiling and hiccuping are their favorite new skills. You might even feel their hiccups as a rhythmic tapping in your belly.

Can a baby survive at 29 weeks?

A baby born at 29 weeks is very preterm and will require extended, specialized care in the NICU. However, studies have shown the survival rate to be as high as 89%.

What position should baby be in at 29 weeks?

At 29 weeks, it’s unlikely your baby will have dropped, and they may still be heads-up. There’s still plenty of time for that to change!

Pregnancy symptoms at 29 weeks

Your second-trimester energy is probably waning, but how else might you be feeling? Here are some common 29 week pregnant symptoms:

Braxton Hicks

If you start feeling an on-off tightness in your 29 weeks pregnant belly, it’s most likely Braxton Hicks contractions, not the start of labor. Phew!

Restless Leg Syndrome

Yet another reason falling asleep might be about as easy as climbing Everest right now. The causes of Restless Leg Syndrome are unknown, but drinking plenty of water, exercising, doing pregnancy stretches, and making sure you’ve got plenty of iron and magnesium in your diet are said to help.

Constipation and hemorrhoids

With your ever-growing bump putting increasing pressure on your pelvis and rectum, it can get pretty uncomfortable. A sitz bath or bathing in Epsom salts, along with other home remedies, can help.

Pregnancy tips at 29 weeks

Now for some tips on things you can do at 29 weeks pregnant:

• Take off your rings if they’re feeling snug. It’s totally normal for fingers to swell during pregnancy, so it’s easier to remove them now before they get any bigger.
  
  
• It’s time to start decorating the nursery!
  
  
• Keep track of baby’s kicks and movements. If you’re ever concerned that your little one isn’t moving enough, don’t hesitate to check in with your doctor for some reassurance.
  
  
• It’s time to fully embrace that maternity wardrobe. If you’re tired of tight-fitting clothes, why not swap them for the comfort of stretchy pants and flowy tops? Whatever makes you the most comfortable in your own skin!
  
  
• Start thinking about your birth plan, like the possibility of having a doula by your side to support you during labor.
  
  
• Get educated by attending a childbirth class. Knowledge is power, and learning about the birthing process can help you feel more prepared and confident as your due date approaches.

You’re almost ¾ of the way there, mama! And you’re doing great.