29 weeks pregnant: advice, symptoms and what to expect

At twenty-nine weeks pregnant, your baby’s getting stronger and if you haven't already, now's a good time to start counting their kicks throughout the day to get used to their normal movements. It probably feels as though there's a lot going on in both your body and your life as you prepare for the arrival of your baby, so we've spoken to the experts, accredited doula and antenatal teacher, Emiliana Hall from The Mindful Birth Group and Dr Hazel Walklin, NHS GP, to bring you everything you need to know about being 29 weeks pregnant. From the size of your baby and the symptoms to look out for, to baby's development and how you can look after yourself, here's what to expect from your bump at 29 weeks pregnant.

How many months pregnant is 29 weeks?

At 29 weeks pregnant, you're in your seventh month of pregnancy and have reached the third trimester.

Baby development at 29 weeks pregnant

Growth

This week, your baby measures around 38cm from head to toe and is roughly the same size as a butternut squash. They also weigh between two and a half to three pounds.

While baby is perfectly formed, they still have a lot of growing to do and over the next 12 weeks, they’ll more than double or even triple their current weight, accumulating fat and building muscle. This helps regulate their body temperature after birth.

Skeleton hardening

The baby's bones are continuing to harden and strengthen, although the skull remains soft and flexible to facilitate birth.

Brain Development

Rapid brain development is ongoing, with billions of neurons forming. This growth supports future learning and cognitive abilities.

Movements

Now that your baby is much bigger, you’ll definitely start noticing more vigorous and regular kicks and wriggles. They may even kick when asleep and you could also notice fluttering movements which are likely to be baby hiccups in the womb.

As your baby grows, you may notice that these movements are now less erratic and they kick in response to all sorts of stimuli, from the food you eat to the sounds and light they can detect from the womb. There’s no set number of times that your baby should be moving but you should start monitoring kicks twice a day, in the morning and at night. Keep reading to find out how to count the kicks.

If you notice that your baby hasn’t moved around for longer than you feel is normal, try to get them moving by drinking an ice cold glass of water or eating a snack. If that doesn’t work, call your midwife for advice.

Skin

Your baby is still covered in the sticky white substance called Vernix which protects their skin. This will continue playing this vital role for a while, and you may see it on the skin after birth too. They're starting to be a little less wrinkly now as they fill out and the soft lanugo hair that used to cover their body is starting to reduce this week.

29 weeks pregnant symptoms

By 29 weeks you're probably getting used to the side effects of carrying a baby. If you suffered from morning sickness that should have improved but your growing bump is likely to be causing a range of other pregnancy symptoms at 29 weeks.

Frequent urination

Have you found yourself constantly needing the loo? As your uterus expands and grows, you will have an increased urge to go to the toilet. While it might be tempting to cut back on your fluids, staying hydrated in pregnancy is vital and experts advise around 8-12 cups of fluid a day.

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.

Varicose veins

Another lovely pregnancy symptom, varicose veins affect nearly 40% of expectant mums and while they're most common on your legs, they can also occur in your rectum (as haemorrhoids) or your vulva. Some women find them painful, while others have no feelings of discomfort. To try to avoid or minimise varicose veins, try pregnancy compression socks and keep moving to keep your circulation going.

Fatigue

Your body is working hard to support your growing baby, which can lead to increased tiredness. Rest whenever you can and listen to your body.

Trouble sleeping

However, while you may want to get as much sleep as possible, your body probably has other ideas. Avoid caffeine and try exercise suitable for pregnancy such as walking or yoga to tire you out carefully.

Headaches

Headaches and migraines may well be a symptom you've experienced previously but they're more likely if you're dehydrated or sleep deprived. Headaches may also be a result of low blood sugar, so eat regular meals or healthy snacks to keep it up.

Leaking breasts

You haven’t even given birth yet, but your breasts may already be leaking pre-milk known as colostrum. Breast pads can help protect your clothes and it's likely you'll need them when you give birth so there's no harm in stocking up early.

Back and hip pain

At 29 weeks, your growing baby is likely to be putting more pressure on your hips and lower back. Your ligaments are also softening in preparation for birth which means they're less able to deal with this extra weight. All this can lead to aching hips and round ligament pain which generally starts towards the end of the second trimester. Luckily, there are many ways of easing back pain in pregnancy but if you're struggling, speak to your midwife or doctor.

Swelling

Oedema, or swelling in your feet, ankles, and hands can become more noticeable. There are a number of ways to help reduce swelling including elevating your feet, avoiding prolonged standing, and wearing comfortable shoes.

Leg cramps

Pregnancy leg cramps and restless legs are common during pregnancy and can often strike at night. Stretching your calf muscles before bed and staying hydrated can help reduce cramps.

Heartburn

You may have been experiencing pregnancy heartburn for a while now but many women find it starts in the third trimester. This is due to hormonal changes and the growing uterus pressing on your stomach. Eating smaller meals and avoiding trigger foods can help.

Shortness of breath

As your uterus expands, it can press against your diaphragm, making breathing more challenging. Practising good posture and gentle prenatal exercises can ease this symptom.

Your body at 29 weeks pregnant

As you might have guessed from this long list of symptoms, at 29 weeks pregnant your body is going through a lot. Your growing bump is putting pressure on various organs, so you may be feeling short of breath, dealing with heartburn, and have back pain.

But while that's a lot to deal with, you're also at the point where your baby is likely to be moving more in response to specific stimuli such as your hand or things you eat and this can be a wonderful time. These stronger kicks can encourage you to bond with baby in the womb, whether by talking to them or just seeing how they respond to your touch.

Looking after you at 29 weeks pregnant

As Emiliana says, "As you progress into your 29th week of pregnancy, the reality of your impending arrival becomes more tangible. This is an exciting yet challenging phase, with both physical and emotional changes taking centre stage. To keep yourself in the best physical and mental heath it's important to look after yourself.

Physical wellbeing:

Drive safely

Remember to wear your seat belt with the lap portion 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 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 a backache, a cushion wedged in the small of your back can help ease it.

Eat well

You should make sure you’re eating enough pregnancy superfoods to keep up with your baby’s growing nutritional demands, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains to get your recommended allowance of folic acid, iron, vitamin C, calcium and protein. Your midwife may also suggest taking pregnancy vitamins. Remember to drink enough water to stay hydrated and support your overall health.

Exercise

Engage in safe, moderate pregnancy exercise such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga. Exercise can boost your energy levels, improve mood, and help with sleep. And we've said it before, but your pelvic floor exercises are key so keep doing them throughout your pregnancy.

Attend your prenatal appointments

Continue attending regular prenatal check-ups. Your healthcare provider will monitor your baby’s growth and your overall health, checking for any signs of complications.

If you haven’t already, you might undergo a glucose tolerance test to screen for gestational diabetes. This is typically done between 24 and 28 weeks but can be performed slightly later if needed.

Emotional wellbeing:

The third trimester can be an emotional time. Here are some ways to support your mental and emotional health:

Stay Connected

Share your thoughts and feelings with your partner, friends, or family. Joining a support group or antenatal class can also provide comfort and companionship. You can find antenatal classes through your hospital or the NCT, or you could join a mum networking app like Peanut.

Prioritise self-care

Prioritise activities that help you relax and recharge. This could be reading, taking a bath, practising mindfulness, or spending time on hobbies.

Seek Support

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or down, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Your midwife or GP can provide resources and referrals to counselling if needed.

Other things to consider at 29 weeks pregnant

Kick Counts

As mentioned above, your baby's stronger movements make now a good time to start monitoring their movements. While some recommend counting the kicks twice a day and timing how long it takes to reach 10 kicks, our expert Dr Hazel Walklin and the NHS suggest monitoring the movements throughout the day and getting to know your baby's pattern of movements rather than limiting this to just two set times.

There's no specific number of kicks you should feel as every baby is different but getting to know your baby's pattern of movements should allow you to spot any changes which might be a sign of complications or potential issues. Your midwife can provide guidelines on what to expect and when to seek advice and Dr Walklin emphasises that "if you have any concerns, no matter how many times you have previously been reassured, contact your Maternity unit's triage number on their 24/7 help line".

Preparing for baby

With your due date approaching, now's a good time to prepare for your baby's arrival:

• Nursery Preparation: Continue setting up the nursery, ensuring you have essentials like a crib or cot and baby clothes ready.

• Hospital Bag: Start packing your hospital bag with necessary items such as comfortable clothing, toiletries, baby outfits, and important documents.

• Birth Plan: If you haven't already, now's a good time to write your birth plan. This can be a great way of thinking through every route or scenario and discussing it with your healthcare provider so you feel confident and well-informed. Include preferences for birth place, pain relief, birthing positions, and who you want to be present during labour.

• Childcare Classes: Consider attending antenatal classes or workshops. These can provide valuable information on childbirth, infant feeding, and newborn care, Emiliana says.

Speak to your midwife or doctor

As you get closer to your due date, don't be afraid to speak to your midwife or doctor with any questions or concerns or if anything's worrying you. That could include:

• Symptoms and Concerns: Bring up any symptoms or concerns you have, no matter how minor they may seem. Your healthcare provider is there to support you and ensure your pregnancy is progressing smoothly.

• Birth Preferences: Discuss your birth plan and any preferences you have regarding labour and birth. As Midwife Pip told us, having all the information you need can give you the best possible chance of a positive birth experience.

• Postnatal Care: Emiliana suggests looking ahead and asking what to expect after birth, including infant feeding support, postpartum recovery, and newborn care.

About the experts

Emiliana Hall is the founder of The Mindful Birth Group® which provides award-winning Mindful Natal® courses and the PregnaHub® app, as well as an accredited Teacher Training program and Midwife CPD courses. She is also an experienced Birth and Postnatal Doula. Emiliana's vision is to make vital antenatal and postnatal education and ongoing support accessible to everyone in the UK.

Dr Hazel Walklin MBBS, BSc(hons), MRCGP, IFMCP, also known as The Balance Medic, is an experienced NHS GP of over 8 years, and a certified Functional Medicine Practitioner with a special interest in women’s and children’s health. As a mother herself, she blends the science of conventional medicine with the whole-person approach of functional medicine to provide compassionate, evidence-informed care for mothers and babies.

About the author

Deborah Cicurel is a London-based freelance journalist, editor, and copywriter with a diverse portfolio spanning travel, lifestyle, parenting, health, finance, and entertainment. Her work has been featured in numerous leading publications, including Mother&Baby, The Telegraph, Stylist, The Independent, Marie Claire, and The Guardian.