Everything you need to know about week 29 of pregnancy

Welcome to week 29 of pregnancy

Welcome to week 29 of pregnancy – the countdown is on and the third trimester is in full swing. Your baby is now growing rapidly, putting on weight every day. It is preparing intensely for life outside your womb, while your body is working at full speed to provide the best possible care for both of you. You may now feel your little one’s movements even more strongly and notice how your body is getting ready for the upcoming birth – you might even find that your bra is already feeling noticeably tighter.

In this exciting phase, you may experience a mix of anticipation, impatience, and perhaps some new physical sensations. Your baby is now about the size of a butternut squash and their personality is slowly beginning to emerge.

Let’s explore together what is happening with your baby and your body this week, and which tips can help you feel completely comfortable during week 29 of your pregnancy.

Your baby at 29 weeks pregnant:

• Your baby now measures approximately 38–39 cm and weighs 1200–1300 grams.
• The skin becomes smoother due to increased fatty tissue – this is important for energy and warmth.
• The lungs continue to mature and prepare for breathing after birth.
• The brain is growing rapidly and the senses are becoming increasingly refined.
• Your baby is reacting more strongly to sounds and light and is moving vigorously.
  
  

Your body at 29 weeks pregnant:

• Your uterus now extends a hand’s breadth above your navel, presses on your organs and can cause shortness of breath and more frequent urges to urinate.
• Increased practice contractions (Braxton Hicks) gently prepare your uterus for birth.
• Back pain often increases now, as your centre of gravity shifts and your joints become looser.
• Water retention in your legs and feet may increase.
  
  
  

Development of the baby in the 29th week of pregnancy

At 29 weeks pregnant, your baby measures around 38 to 39 cm (crown to heel) and weighs an impressive 1200 to 1300 grams – roughly the same as a cantaloupe melon. Your baby is now looking more and more like a fully formed newborn: the skin has become smoother as more and more fat tissue is developing underneath. This fat will later serve as an energy reserve and help regulate body temperature.

The organs are now largely mature, but are still focusing on fine-tuning themselves. The lungs in particular are making great progress: the alveoli, the tiny air sacs, continue to develop and are producing increasing amounts of surfactant, a substance that ensures the alveoli do not stick together after birth. Your baby continues to diligently practise breathing movements, even though oxygen supply is still provided entirely via the placenta.

Your baby’s brain is also growing and developing new connections at a rapid pace. The surface of the brain is becoming increasingly wrinkled, indicating growing complexity. The senses are becoming ever sharper: your baby can now respond even better to external stimuli, such as your voice, music, or bright light shining through your abdominal wall.

The eyes are now often open and your little one is becoming increasingly aware of its surroundings. It can already distinguish well between light and dark. Over the coming weeks, your baby will amaze you time and again with its strong movements, ranging from gentle fluttering to pronounced kicks.

The pram you've always wanted.

Your body at 29 weeks pregnant

With the 29th week of pregnancy, the end of your pregnancy is drawing ever closer and your body continues to adapt to your baby's growing needs. Your uterus now reaches about a hand’s width above your navel and is taking up more and more space in your abdomen. This can lead to some new or intensified physical sensations.

Typical at this stage are increased practice contractions (Braxton Hicks contractions), which prepare your uterus for birth. These often feel like a slight pulling sensation or your stomach becoming hard, and are generally harmless. Back pain, especially in the lower back, may also increase as your centre of gravity shifts and your joints loosen.

Many pregnant women also report a feeling of shortness of breath, as the uterus presses on the diaphragm. More frequent urination is also normal, as the bladder has less space. Water retention in the hands, feet and legs can also become more pronounced. Make sure to wear comfortable footwear and elevate your legs as often as possible. An increased need for iron and magnesium can also become noticeable – it’s best to discuss this with your gynaecologist or midwife.

Constipation and stomach problems are a daily occurrence for many pregnant women. Exercise, plenty of fluids, and a fibre-rich diet can help with this.

Between the 29th and 32nd week of pregnancy, the third scheduled ultrasound examination takes place. Here, special attention is given to the position, size and estimated weight of your little one. The amount of amniotic fluid and the position of the placenta are also checked.

Tips for the 29th week of pregnancy

• Strengthening the pelvic floor: Targeted pelvic floor training is now more important than ever. It supports your body during childbirth and helps prevent problems later on. Ask your midwife about suitable exercises.
• Pay attention to your diet: Your baby now needs plenty of nutrients. Make sure to eat a diet rich in iron and magnesium to prevent tiredness and calf cramps. Small, regular meals help keep your blood sugar levels stable.
• Ergonomics in everyday life: As your bump grows, your posture changes. Pay attention to maintaining good posture when standing, sitting, and lifting. A nursing pillow can help you find a more comfortable sleeping position at night—ideally on your left side, to improve circulation.
• Intensify birth preparation: Now is an excellent time to look more closely into antenatal classes, visit the hospital, or draw up a birth plan.
• Take small breaks: Treat yourself consciously to breaks and moments of relaxation. Your body is currently performing incredible feats. A warm bath (not too hot), gentle walks or a massage work wonders.
• Packing your hospital bag: Even though there is still some time, you can slowly start packing your hospital bag. This way, you avoid any last-minute stress and have everything important to hand. The checklist in our my junior® guide can be very helpful here.
  
  
  
  

The most frequently asked questions about the 29th week of pregnancy

What is the average weight gain of the mother up to the 29th week of pregnancy?

The average weight gain for the mother by the 29th week of pregnancy is usually between 7 and 11 kg, but this can vary greatly from person to person. Your doctor or midwife will check your data regularly and inform you whether your weight gain is within the normal range. What’s important is that the weight gain supports the healthy growth of your baby.

What does it mean if my baby is particularly active or changes position in the 29th week of pregnancy?

The fact that your baby is particularly active in the 29th week of pregnancy is a good sign and shows that its muscles and functions are well developed. It still has enough space to change its position and do somersaults. You may feel little kicks with its elbows or arms against your abdominal wall – these create the first moments of closeness.

What is colostrum and when can it occur?

Colostrum is the first pre-milk that your breasts produce during pregnancy. It is extremely rich in nutrients and antibodies and is the ideal first food for your baby. It is completely normal if you notice colostrum leaking from your breasts as early as the 29th week of pregnancy or in the final weeks before birth. This is a sign that your body is preparing for breastfeeding.

Should I be worried if my baby bump feels tight or itchy?

A feeling of tightness or itching on your baby bump is completely normal in week 29 of pregnancy and is usually due to the rapid stretching of your skin. Make sure to keep your bump moisturised regularly throughout your pregnancy. If the discomfort is very severe or you are unsure, speak to your doctor or midwife.

How can my partner support me during this 29th week of pregnancy?

Your partner can support you in many ways during this week of pregnancy: by offering emotional closeness, listening to you, and addressing fears

The dream buggy you always wanted.

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