At 29 weeks pregnant, you’re firmly in the third trimester—a phase marked by rapid fetal growth, changing energy levels, and a gradual shift toward preparation. Your baby is getting stronger and more responsive, and your body is doing increasingly demanding work to support that growth.
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What’s New With Baby at 29 Weeks
At 29 weeks, your baby is continuing a period of meaningful growth and refinement, especially when it comes to the brain, lungs, and nervous system.
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Size and weight: Your baby now measures about 15–16 inches long (head to heel) and weighs approximately 2½ to 3 pounds, roughly the size of a butternut squash. Baby continues to gain weight steadily each week.
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Brain development: The brain is growing rapidly, developing deeper grooves and folds that support learning, memory, and sensory processing. Sleep–wake cycles are becoming more distinct, and periods of REM sleep are more consistent.
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Lung maturation: While lungs are still developing, breathing muscles are strengthening and practicing rhythmic movements with amniotic fluid. This ongoing preparation is critical for life after birth.
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Fat accumulation: Layers of fat continue forming beneath the skin, helping your baby regulate body temperature and energy levels after delivery.
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Movement patterns: You may notice that movements feel strong, deliberate, and sometimes less fluttery than before. Space is becoming tighter, so movements may feel more like stretches, rolls, or firm kicks rather than quick jabs.
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Sensory awareness: Hearing continues to sharpen, and your baby may respond to familiar voices, music, or rhythmic sounds.
These developments reflect how close your baby is getting to readiness, even though there’s still important growth ahead.
How You’re Feeling at 29 Weeks
As your baby grows, your body continues adapting, often in ways that are both expected and surprising. At 29 weeks, many people notice a combination of physical symptoms and emotional shifts.
Common Physical Symptoms
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Increased fatigue: Energy levels may dip again in the third trimester as your body works harder to support your baby’s growth and your sleep becomes more fragmented.
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Sleep disruption: Finding a comfortable position can be challenging. Pressure on the bladder, heartburn, and nighttime baby movement can all contribute to interrupted sleep.
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Heartburn and indigestion: Hormonal changes and upward pressure from the uterus often make reflux more noticeable during this stage.
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Shortness of breath: As your uterus expands upward, it can press against the diaphragm, making breathing feel slightly more labored — especially during activity or when lying flat.
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Back, hip, or pelvic discomfort: Shifts in posture, loosening ligaments, and added weight can contribute to aches and soreness.
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Swelling in feet, ankles, or hands: Mild swelling is common due to fluid retention and circulation changes. Elevation and gentle movement can help.
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Braxton Hicks contractions: You may feel occasional tightening of the uterus. These practice contractions are usually irregular and ease with rest or hydration.
Emotional and Mental Experiences
Emotionally, week 29 can bring heightened awareness of what’s ahead. Many parents feel a mix of excitement, anticipation, and vulnerability as the third trimester progresses. It’s also common to notice “pregnancy brain” aka mild forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating—influenced by hormonal shifts, sleep disruption, and mental load.
If anxiety or low mood feels persistent or overwhelming, it’s important to reach out to your healthcare provider for support.
Your To-Do List at 29 Weeks
This week is a good opportunity to focus on support, comfort, and preparation, without rushing or overloading yourself.
1. Prioritize Prenatal Care
Third-trimester prenatal visits are often more frequent now. Use these appointments to discuss:
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Baby’s growth and movement
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Any new or worsening symptoms
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Sleep, digestion, or pain concerns
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Questions about labor, delivery, or postpartum care
Your provider may also review blood pressure, fundal height, and overall wellbeing.
2. Tune Into Baby’s Movement
Regular movement is a reassuring sign at this stage. While patterns may change as space becomes tighter, you should still feel consistent daily activity. If your provider recommends it, you may begin tracking movements at roughly the same time each day to notice patterns.
Contact your provider if you notice a significant or sudden decrease in movement.
3. Support Sleep and Rest
Sleep may feel elusive, but intentional rest still matters. Consider:
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Side-sleeping, particularly on your left side
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Using pillows to support your belly, back, and legs
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Taking short rest breaks during the day if nights are disrupted
Even small adjustments can improve comfort and recovery.
4. Focus on Nourishment and Hydration
Your nutritional needs remain high. Aim for meals that include:
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Protein to support fetal growth and maternal tissues
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Iron-rich foods to support increased blood volume
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Calcium and vitamin D for bone health
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Healthy fats, including DHA, for brain development
Staying hydrated supports circulation, digestion, and may help reduce swelling. Continuing your prenatal vitamin helps ensure consistent micronutrient support during this demanding phase.
5. Ease Physical Discomfort
Gentle movement like walking, prenatal yoga, or stretching can help reduce stiffness and support circulation. Warm showers, supportive footwear, and avoiding long periods of standing may also help manage aches and swelling.
Always listen to your body and adjust activity levels as needed.
6. Begin or Revisit Birth Planning
While there’s no rush to finalize every detail, week 29 is a good time to start thinking about:
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Birth preferences or a birth plan
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Childbirth or parenting classes
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Postpartum support and recovery needs
Breaking planning into small, manageable steps can reduce stress and help you feel more prepared.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Reach out to your provider if you experience:
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Severe or persistent headaches
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Vision changes
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Sudden or severe swelling of the face, hands, or feet
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Regular, painful contractions
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Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage
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A noticeable decrease in baby’s movement
These symptoms may require prompt evaluation.
The Takeaway
At 29 weeks pregnant, your baby is continuing rapid growth, and your body is navigating the realities of the third trimester. While this stage can bring new discomforts and emotional shifts, it’s also a time of deepening connection and preparation. You’re doing important work, one week at a time.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Perelel.
References:
1. Mayo Clinic. 3rd trimester pregnancy: what to expect.
2. What to Expect. 29 Weeks Pregnant.
3. Babylist. 29 Weeks.
4. The Bump. 29 Weeks.
