Baby is the size of a small pumpkin
👶 Baby's development
The baby actively stores calcium for bones. The brain grows very fast. Skin becomes smoother.
💛 How mom feels
Walking and sleeping become harder. A pillow between the legs helps. Pelvic pain may occur.
📖 Tip of the week
The brain is developing so quickly that the head is growing faster than the body right now. The baby gains about 200g per week. Sign up for childbirth classes if you haven't already.
🔬 Detailed baby development
- The fetus's muscles and lungs continue to mature in preparation for life outside the womb
- The head is growing larger to accommodate the rapidly developing brain
- The fetus's bones are fully developed but still soft and pliable (important for delivery)
- White fat deposits increase, making the skin appear smoother and less wrinkled
- The fetus can regulate its own body temperature to a small degree
- The fetus is about 38.6 cm long and weighs approximately 1,150 grams, roughly the size of a butternut squash
🤱 What mom may feel
- Increased frequency of urination as the baby presses on the bladder more
- Hemorrhoids may worsen due to increased pelvic pressure
- Varicose veins may become more prominent
- Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position
- Mild forgetfulness or 'pregnancy brain' (difficulty concentrating)
🏥 Tests and check-ups
No major tests specific to week 29. Prenatal visits may increase to every 2 weeks from now. Standard checks include blood pressure, weight, fundal height, fetal heart rate, and urine protein and glucose screening. Continue monitoring fetal movement patterns.
💡 Tips for this week
- Use a pregnancy pillow or arrange regular pillows to support your belly and back while sleeping
- Practice prenatal yoga or gentle stretching to relieve tension and improve flexibility
- Begin packing your hospital bag with essentials: comfortable clothing, toiletries, phone charger, and baby's first outfit
- Continue drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
❓ Frequently asked questions
What is 'pregnancy brain'?
Many pregnant women experience forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and mental fog. This is thought to be caused by hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the brain prioritizing maternal behaviors. It is temporary and improves after delivery.
How can I sleep more comfortably?
Sleep on your left side with a pillow between your knees and under your belly. Avoid sleeping flat on your back. Keep the bedroom cool and dark. Limit fluids before bedtime to reduce nighttime bathroom trips.
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Start packing between weeks 28-32 and aim to have it fully packed by 35-36 weeks. Include items for labor, postpartum stay, and the baby. Don't forget important documents like your ID, insurance card, and birth plan.
📝 Week 29 of pregnancy: preparing for birth
At 29 weeks, your baby measures around 38 cm and weighs approximately 1.2 kg — about the size of a butternut squash. The skeleton is hardening as calcium is deposited into the bones, which means your diet now plays a direct role in your baby’s bone development. The muscles are growing stronger and you will likely be feeling vigorous kicks, rolls, and jabs throughout the day. Brain development continues at a remarkable pace, and your baby is now capable of regulating their own body temperature to a limited degree.
As your uterus continues to expand, you may notice that your centre of gravity has shifted, making you feel less steady on your feet — take care on stairs and uneven surfaces. Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a common complaint at this stage, causing discomfort in the hips, groin, or lower back; speak to your midwife about a referral to a physiotherapist if this is affecting your daily life. You may also find that getting comfortable in bed is increasingly difficult — a pregnancy pillow placed between your knees can provide considerable relief. Sleeping on your left side is recommended as it optimises blood flow to the placenta and reduces pressure on the vena cava.
If you have not already done so, ensure you are registered with a GP and maternity unit, and that your birth preferences are beginning to take shape. Discuss your options with your midwife — whether you are considering a midwife-led unit, a hospital birth, or a home birth — so that your care can be planned accordingly. Your midwife will monitor your blood pressure and the baby’s growth at each visit; any concerns about fundal height measurement will be followed up with an ultrasound scan. Ask about antenatal classes if you have not yet attended any, as places can fill up quickly.
Calcium is crucial at this stage — aim for at least 1,000 mg per day through dairy products, fortified plant milks, almonds, and green vegetables. Continue taking your vitamin D supplement of 10 micrograms daily throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding, as recommended by the NHS. Staying active with gentle exercise such as swimming, walking, or pregnancy yoga can help manage backache, improve sleep, and prepare your body for labour. Begin organising your maternity leave if you have not already done so — in the UK, you are entitled to up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, with the first 26 weeks as Ordinary Maternity Leave and a further 26 weeks as Additional Maternity Leave.
⚠️ When to see a doctor
- Vaginal bleeding
- Sudden decrease in baby movements (fewer than 10 in 2 hours)
- Severe headache or seeing spots
- Swelling of face, hands, or sudden leg swelling
- Leaking or gushing of amniotic fluid
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks (every 10 minutes)
- Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
Sources
- WHO recommendations on antenatal care (2016)
- ACOG Practice Bulletins
- Williams Obstetrics, 26th Edition
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