Welcome to week 29 of pregnancy! Only about two months left to go until you meet your baby. Your growing uterus is putting pressure on some important organs, so you might be feeling a lot of late-pregnancy symptoms like leg cramps and Braxton Hicks contractions.
Now is a good time to have your doctor check your iron and calcium levels. You'll want to ensure you're getting enough iron and calcium for this stage of fetal development (read on to learn how much you need).
At 29 weeks pregnant, your baby is as big as a butternut squash. Though your little one is starting to run out of room, you’ll likely still feel them squirm and kick.
29 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
Fatigue
Feeling tired? Your body is wiped out from working overtime to nourish and support your growing baby. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it’s common to feel very tired in early and late pregnancy.
By this point in your pregnancy, sleep might be hard to come by, so make sure you're listening to your body and taking breaks throughout the day. Exercise (with your doctor’s permission) might give you a boost in energy, but don't forget to make time to relax as well.
Anemia
Pregnancy can lead to an increased risk of iron deficiency or anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is a condition in which you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues.
Severe iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth (when delivery occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy). It has also been linked to low birth weight and postpartum depression.
You may be more likely to have anemia during pregnancy if you have been anemic before, are vomiting frequently due to morning sickness, or are pregnant with more than one baby.
If you’re anemic, you may feel weak and tired as well as dizzy and lightheaded. You might also find yourself wanting to chew ice. If your anemia is severe, you may experience low blood pressure.
During pregnancy, you need 27 milligrams of iron per day. The good news is that most prenatal vitamins contain iron, so make sure you continue taking your prenatal vitamins (and eating a healthy diet).
Talk with your health care professional if you’re having any anemia symptoms or are concerned about anemia during your pregnancy.
Varicose Veins
We covered varicose veins in Week 14, but here's a refresher: Varicose veins are large, swollen blood vessels that can be found anywhere on the lower half of your body but are predominantly associated with the legs.
They're more likely to appear later in pregnancy, so you may be starting to see them now due to pregnancy weight gain. The good news is that they're likely to go away once your baby is born.
Let your doctor know if you start to develop varicose veins during pregnancy. They're usually harmless but can be a symptom of a serious condition like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Baby on Board
Your baby at 29 weeks is around 15½ -16 inches long and weighs about 3 pounds. Quarters are getting tight, so those kicks that felt like flutters a few weeks ago may now start to feel like jabs.
Under Construction: First Smile
As your baby gains more and more control over the muscles in their face, they may begin to smile this week, especially in their sleep. Practice makes perfect! Soon they'll be smiling for all of your family photo ops.
Under Construction: White Fat
The wrinkles on your baby’s skin are starting to smooth out as they gain fat. This white fat is different from the brown fat your baby has been developing up to this point. White fat is used as an energy source whereas brown fat helps with temperature regulation in utero.
Under Construction: Bone Strength
As your baby gets closer to being born, their bones are beginning to harden. Your baby’s bones will be soaking up a lot of calcium (at least 250 milligrams every day), so make sure you’re eating enough calcium-rich foods.
You typically need about 1,000 milligrams of calcium each day (1,300 a day if you're younger than 19). Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are some of the best sources of calcium. You can also get smaller amounts of calcium from dark, leafy vegetables like broccoli.
What to Wear This Week
Want to feel your best at an upcoming event? Try our Bamboo Seamless No Rub Thigh Saver under your dress. You'll be dancing all night in this long-legged underwear made from super-soft, lightweight, and breathable fabric. The ultra-high waist will give you some added support for that 29 weeks pregnant belly! Pair it with one of our maternity dresses or maternity jumpsuits for the perfect look.
If you're ready to treat your pregnant boobs, our Ribbed Signature Cotton Nursing & Maternity Bra is the bra for you. The modern plunge neckline of this nursing bra makes it a breeze to wear under your favorite maternity shirt, no matter how low the neckline is. You'll also love the built-in padding that won't bunch or move around on you. Try it for yourself to see why Kindred Bravely moms are calling this cotton nursing bra “the ultimate date night nursing bra.”
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice that has been medically reviewed. Please reach out to your midwife or doctor with any questions.
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