You are now 29 weeks pregnant, which is the beginning of week 30. At this stage your baby weighs about 1,350 grams (3 lbs) and measures about 40 cm in length from head to toe (15.75 inches).
Your baby is now developing a special layer of fat called brown adipose tissue (BAT). This fat layer is your baby's main source of heat production after birth (similar to the fat of hibernating animals). Newborns have a limited ability to shiver, sweat or move to regulate their own body temperature. By 40 weeks, BAT makes up 2 to 7 % of your baby's total body weight. Premature babies have trouble keeping warm after birth because they lack BAT. This is why they are cared for with overhead heaters or humidicribs in intensive care nurseries.
What is my body doing at 29 weeks?
You’ve probably been visiting the loo more frequently ever since you became pregnant, but as your baby is so big, she’s now putting some serious pressure on your bladder - so those visits to the loo are likely to treble around now!
As tempting as it may sound to go cold turkey on the fluid front, it’s crucial that you keep hydrated – no matter how many times loo visits interrupt your sleep – because in extreme cases, dehydration can lead to premature labour.
You may also notice that you leak small amounts of urine when you laugh, cough or sneeze, which is known as stress incontinence . It’s due to the weight of your baby pushing down on your pelvic floor muscles, which controls the flow of urine out of your body. Keep your pelvic floor toned by doing daily exercises.
Common symptoms to look out for:
Physical changes
Occasionally, a pregnant woman will describe a distinctive 'click' or 'pop' coming from inside her uterus, usually when her baby is moving during middle to late pregnancy. This is not very common, and it is hard to know what really causes it. One plausible explanation may be the baby's joints rubbing or 'clicking' as they move, but we cannot be certain. In our experience, women who have noticed this clicking sound have gone on to have normal healthy babies, so we don't think it is anything to be concerned about. Perhaps it will remain one of those strange mysteries of pregnancy?
Bleeding during late pregnancy
Bleeding during pregnancy is always of some concern. Significant bleeding (soaking a pad or more) after 20 weeks of pregnancy is referred to as an Antepartum Haemorrhage (APH). Lesser amounts of blood loss may be referred to as spotting.
Emotional changes
Body changing
A woman's body changes dramatically during pregnancy. When looking in the mirror it can be hard to believe how your body has accommodated your unborn baby so far and if you will ever be 'normal' again. Some women (and their partners) love the look of pregnancy, finding it beautiful, sensual and fascinating. Other women just feel tired, big and uncomfortable.
Intercourse
A frequently asked question by pregnant women is "Will orgasm start labour?" The answer to this is "No", unless your body is already prepared to start labouring, near the end of the pregnancy. Braxton Hicks contractions do commonly occur when women climax. This is normal and will not start labour.
Men may be concerned about hurting their pregnant partner, or their baby, when having intercourse during late pregnancy. Penetration won't hurt your unborn baby. The cervix is sealed with a thick mucous plug that helps prevent infection and the bag of waters (membrane) and amniotic fluid, act as a cushion to protect your baby.
Different positions during love-making may need to be explored as your belly gets bigger. The conventional missionary position (partner lying on top of woman) can be a bit tricky.
Other considerations
Birth preparations
Labour and birth overview
The process of labour is traditionally divided into 3 different stages. The 1st stage being when the woman's cervix dilates, the 2nd when the baby is being pushed down the birth canal, and the 3rd being the birth of the placenta. However, prelabour is a phase that can precede 1st stage and some caregivers also refer to a 4th stage, being the recovery period for an hour or so after the birth.
Caesarean or VBAC
A Caesarean birth is always a possibility if complications arise. Some women already know they will have a Caesarean and are planning for this. Others have had a previous Caesarean but would like to plan for a vaginal birth (called a VBAC - Vaginal Birth After Caesarean).
Sibling preparation
The birth of a new brother or sister is a major life event for a child, as they contend with not being the centre of their parents' world. Letting your child(ren) know about the pregnancy, deciding whether they will be at the birth and/or how you will introduce the new baby, are all universal issues.
Your baby is now developing a special layer of fat called brown adipose tissue (BAT). This fat layer is your baby's main source of heat production after birth (similar to the fat of hibernating animals). Newborns have a limited ability to shiver, sweat or move to regulate their own body temperature. By 40 weeks, BAT makes up 2 to 7 % of your baby's total body weight. Premature babies have trouble keeping warm after birth because they lack BAT. This is why they are cared for with overhead heaters or humidicribs in intensive care nurseries.
What is my body doing at 29 weeks?
You’ve probably been visiting the loo more frequently ever since you became pregnant, but as your baby is so big, she’s now putting some serious pressure on your bladder - so those visits to the loo are likely to treble around now!
As tempting as it may sound to go cold turkey on the fluid front, it’s crucial that you keep hydrated – no matter how many times loo visits interrupt your sleep – because in extreme cases, dehydration can lead to premature labour.
You may also notice that you leak small amounts of urine when you laugh, cough or sneeze, which is known as stress incontinence . It’s due to the weight of your baby pushing down on your pelvic floor muscles, which controls the flow of urine out of your body. Keep your pelvic floor toned by doing daily exercises.
Common symptoms to look out for:
- Varicose veins: Another lovely pregnancy symptom, varicose veins affect nearly 40% of expectant mums. Some women find them painful, while others have no feelings of discomfort, and if your mum had them, chances are you’ll have them too. To try to avoid and minimise them, try special maternity support hosiery, and keep moving to keep your circulation going.
- Heartburn: If this unpleasant symptom is keeping you up at night, stay away from energisers like coffee or chocolate before going to sleep, and try to avoid eating too much too close to your bedtime.
- Leaking breasts: You haven’t even given birth yet, but your breasts may already be leaking pre-milk known as colostrum. It’s time to start shopping for breast pads (oh, the glamour!).
- UTIs: Now you’re in your third trimester, you’re more susceptible to urinary tract infections, so if it burns when you go to the loo, talk to your doctor or midwife to get advice.
Physical changes
Clicking sound
Occasionally, a pregnant woman will describe a distinctive 'click' or 'pop' coming from inside her uterus, usually when her baby is moving during middle to late pregnancy. This is not very common, and it is hard to know what really causes it. One plausible explanation may be the baby's joints rubbing or 'clicking' as they move, but we cannot be certain. In our experience, women who have noticed this clicking sound have gone on to have normal healthy babies, so we don't think it is anything to be concerned about. Perhaps it will remain one of those strange mysteries of pregnancy?
Bleeding during late pregnancy
Bleeding during pregnancy is always of some concern. Significant bleeding (soaking a pad or more) after 20 weeks of pregnancy is referred to as an Antepartum Haemorrhage (APH). Lesser amounts of blood loss may be referred to as spotting.
Emotional changes
Body changing
A woman's body changes dramatically during pregnancy. When looking in the mirror it can be hard to believe how your body has accommodated your unborn baby so far and if you will ever be 'normal' again. Some women (and their partners) love the look of pregnancy, finding it beautiful, sensual and fascinating. Other women just feel tired, big and uncomfortable.
Intercourse
A frequently asked question by pregnant women is "Will orgasm start labour?" The answer to this is "No", unless your body is already prepared to start labouring, near the end of the pregnancy. Braxton Hicks contractions do commonly occur when women climax. This is normal and will not start labour.
Men may be concerned about hurting their pregnant partner, or their baby, when having intercourse during late pregnancy. Penetration won't hurt your unborn baby. The cervix is sealed with a thick mucous plug that helps prevent infection and the bag of waters (membrane) and amniotic fluid, act as a cushion to protect your baby.
Different positions during love-making may need to be explored as your belly gets bigger. The conventional missionary position (partner lying on top of woman) can be a bit tricky.
Other considerations
Circumcision
Some parents choose to have their baby boy circumcised (removal of their foreskin). This may be for personal, religious or cultural reasons. At present there is no strong medical evidence that supports the routine circumcision of baby boys and rates are declining. However, parents who do choose to circumcise their son should find an experienced doctor who uses proper anaesthetic in a surgery or hospital that can deal with any possible complications.
Some parents choose to have their baby boy circumcised (removal of their foreskin). This may be for personal, religious or cultural reasons. At present there is no strong medical evidence that supports the routine circumcision of baby boys and rates are declining. However, parents who do choose to circumcise their son should find an experienced doctor who uses proper anaesthetic in a surgery or hospital that can deal with any possible complications.
Birth plans for labour or Caesarean
A birth plan is a written plan or verbal agreement outlining your (and your partner's) preferences for the environment and procedures pertaining to the birth of your child. A birth plan can range from a few ideas, to an extensive plan covering many contingencies and may also include requests unique to your philosophies or beliefs.
A birth plan is a written plan or verbal agreement outlining your (and your partner's) preferences for the environment and procedures pertaining to the birth of your child. A birth plan can range from a few ideas, to an extensive plan covering many contingencies and may also include requests unique to your philosophies or beliefs.
Labour and birth overview
The process of labour is traditionally divided into 3 different stages. The 1st stage being when the woman's cervix dilates, the 2nd when the baby is being pushed down the birth canal, and the 3rd being the birth of the placenta. However, prelabour is a phase that can precede 1st stage and some caregivers also refer to a 4th stage, being the recovery period for an hour or so after the birth.
Caesarean or VBAC
A Caesarean birth is always a possibility if complications arise. Some women already know they will have a Caesarean and are planning for this. Others have had a previous Caesarean but would like to plan for a vaginal birth (called a VBAC - Vaginal Birth After Caesarean).
Sibling preparation
The birth of a new brother or sister is a major life event for a child, as they contend with not being the centre of their parents' world. Letting your child(ren) know about the pregnancy, deciding whether they will be at the birth and/or how you will introduce the new baby, are all universal issues.
What to do this week:
- Drive safely - there are two of you in the car now! Having a big bump is no excuse to stop belting up in the car. Wear the lap portion so that it fits across your thighs and hips, and under your bump – not across the middle of it. The diagonal strap of the belt should sit over your collarbone, then go down between your breasts and be fastened so it sits above your bump, not on it. If you’re going on a long journey, make sure you take regular breaks to prevent your legs and ankles getting swollen (just like you would if you were on a plane). If you’ve got backache, a cushion wedged in the small of your back can help ease it.
- Eat well: You should also make sure you’re eating enough of the good stuff to keep up with your baby’s growing nutritional demands: make sure your diet includes plenty of folic acid, iron, vitamin C, calcium and protein.
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