Week 29 of pregnancy and everything is getting bigger – from your swollen ankles to your baby’s rapidly growing body and organs. Your excitement levels are probably on the increase too…
Your baby’s development
This week your baby is the size of an… acorn pumpkin.
As your third trimester advances, your baby is getting bigger and stronger (even though she is still less than half the weight she will be when she’s born). While the prospect of a premature birth is a cause of anxiety for many mums-to-be, the chances of your baby’s survival – without the need for a respirator – are incredibly high by this stage.
On the cards this week you can expect:
· An increase in fat (which your baby uses for energy and insulation when she is born).
· The continuing development of your baby’s brain.
· Further growth and change in the lungs as bronchioles and alveoli (which keep the lungs open and capture essential oxygen) multiply.
· More movement from your baby as she tries to get comfortable before space runs out in the uterus. At that point, you’ll begin to feel her squirming and somersaulting less.
Your physical pregnancy changes
In the 29th week of your pregnancy, you’ll find:
· Your appetite increasing to keep up with the energy needed to fuel your baby’s third trimester growth spurt.
· Moving about and general everyday tasks may be becoming a bit of a challenge – with your belly increasing in size everyday, it’s starting to dictate what you can and can’t do. Bending over is becoming harder, so take the opportunity to shave your legs while you can!
· You’re feeling generally more uncomfortable as your core temperature rises ever so slightly due to the amount of blood circulating through your body.
· Your breasts becoming heavier as they prepare to start producing milk. Their veins are also more prominent and your nipples are darker.
· Your wrists, ankles, fingers and feet may well be swollen. It might be time to remove and store any jewellery that you’re worried will become too tight.
Your health and fitness during pregnancy
In the final trimester, your body will have changed a great deal since the early days of pregnancy. Try not to worry about the way you look – you may be craving a return to your pre-pregnancy body, but that time will come soon enough. Keep up the exercise if you can; it will help your body return to its usual size after you give birth; it makes you feel good too!
Also be aware that mood swings are common and perfectly natural. You could be ecstatically happy one minute and feeling down the next. You’re not losing it, honest!
Your week 29 pregnancy checklist
· Can’t touch your toes? The perfect excuse for a little pampering session. Pedicure anyone?
· Spend some time with your partner – perfecting that baby name list, taking a stroll in the park, an impromptu date night – he’s part of this special time too.
· If you haven’t already packed your hospital bag (out of sheer excitement) start gathering together the essentials now.
· Become an online shopping pro to get yourself prepared for your baby’s arrival – if you haven’t already done