29 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect, Symptoms, and Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

At 29 weeks pregnant, you're officially in the home stretch — and your little one is growing at lightning speed! It’s an exciting time, filled with anticipation, but it can also bring some new physical and emotional challenges. Feeling a bit more tired? Noticing new discomforts? Wondering what’s coming next? You’re definitely not alone. As your baby gets closer to being ready for the world, it’s completely normal to experience a mix of emotions. Let’s take a look at what this week has in store — from how your body is changing to practical tips that’ll help you feel your best as you get closer to meeting your baby.

Baby’s Development at 29 Weeks

At 29 weeks pregnant, your baby measures around 38.6 cm from head to toe — about the size of a butternut squash — and weighs approximately 1.25 kg 

At this stage, the vernix — the greasy, white protective coating on your baby's skin — begins to gradually disappear. Your baby’s organs are continuing to mature, especially the lungs and brain. The lanugo (the fine, soft hair that once covered the baby's body) also starts to shed, although traces may still be visible on the back and shoulders.

Changes in Your Body

By 29 weeks of pregnancy, you may have gained around 8.6 to 11.3 kilograms. As your baby bump grows, it can put pressure on your bladder, causing frequent trips to the washroom. The rising uterus also pushes against your lungs, which might make you feel a bit breathless at times.

This stage can feel quite overwhelming. Your baby’s movements become more noticeable and active—especially when you're trying to rest! While it's a reassuring sign of a healthy baby, it can be a little uncomfortable.

You may also start experiencing leg cramps, which are common in the third trimester.

Common Symptoms at 29 Weeks Pregnant

• Sleeping problems
• Swollen and bleeding gums
• Pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb
• Headaches
• Backache 
• Indigestion and heartburn
• Bloating and constipation
• Leg cramps
• Feeling hot
• Dizziness
• Swollen hands and feet
• Urine infections
• Vaginal infections
• Darkened skin on your face or brown patches – also known as chloasma or the "mask of pregnancy"
• Greasier, spotty skin
• Thicker and shinier hair

Other Symptoms during 29 Weeks of Pregnancy

Pregnancy Heart Burn:

At 29 weeks of pregnancy, your bump has grown to a point where it may begin pressing against your stomach. This pressure can cause heartburn, as stomach acids may be pushed upward, sometimes even reaching the throat. 

To help prevent heartburn, it's generally recommended to:

• Avoid caffeine
• Limit fatty and acidic foods
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals

Varicose Veins:

As your pregnancy progresses, especially around 29 weeks, you may begin to notice physical changes beyond just heartburn and indigestion. One common issue during this stage is the development of varicose veins.

Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged veins that most often appear in the legs. They may be blue or dark purple and can look lumpy, bulging, or twisted. While they can cause some discomfort, they’re generally harmless.

In most cases, varicose veins do not require treatment and are rarely a cause for serious concern. However, if they become painful, itchy, or particularly uncomfortable, it's a good idea to speak with your GP or maternity care provider. 

Some women may also develop varicose veins in or around the vaginal area during pregnancy. This usually doesn't affect how you give birth, but it's still important to inform your doctor or midwife if you notice them.

Signs Of Premature Delivery

From this stage of pregnancy onwards, it’s important to stay alert to any unusual signs or symptoms. Keeping a close eye on your body can help you spot early signs of premature labour and seek timely medical support to avoid complications. 

Signs of premature labour include:

• Regular contractions or tightenings
• Period-like pain or pressure in your vaginal area
• A "show" – this is when the plug of mucus that seals the cervix during pregnancy comes away
• A gush or trickle of fluid from your vagina – this could be your water breaking
• Unusual backache that doesn’t feel normal to you

5 Key Tips For A Healthy & Happy Pregnancy

In the third trimester, constipation is one of the common concerns observed and can cause abdominal discomfort. Let’s check out key tips to prevent it.

• Include more fibre in your diet by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, breakfast cereals, prunes, and bran.
• Stay well hydrated by drinking 10 to 12 cups of fluids daily.
• Stay active with regular moderate exercise like walking or swimming for 20–30 minutes, three times a week, to help keep your bowels moving.
• Consider over-the-counter remedies like Colace or Metamucil—but always check with your doctor before using them.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about adjusting or reducing iron supplements if they're contributing to the problem. 

Now, let’s bust some common pregnancy myths associated with predicting your baby’s gender!

Gender Prediction: Busting Myths

A higher bump indicates a girl baby, and a lower bump indicates boy. There is no scientific evidence supporting this old wives' tale, the position depends on the following factors;

• Your height
• Your weight
• How many babies you've already had
• How much you eat in pregnancy

There is no scientific evidence for another myth: if a baby's heart rate is more than 140 beats per minute, it indicates a girl.

Conclusion:

Week 29 marks an exciting and important part of your pregnancy journey — you're getting closer to meeting your baby! While this stage brings its share of discomforts and new symptoms, understanding what’s normal and staying mindful of warning signs can help you navigate it confidently. Keep up with healthy habits, stay in touch with your healthcare team, and listen to your body. You're doing great — just a few more weeks to go!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1) Are You 7 Months Pregnant at 29 Weeks?

Yes, at 29 weeks pregnant, you are in your seventh month of pregnancy. While pregnancy is typically measured in weeks, 29 weeks falls within the 7-month range and the third trimester. At this stage, your baby is growing rapidly, and your body is preparing for the final stretch before delivery.

Q2) What happens at 29 weeks of pregnancy?

At 29 weeks pregnant, your baby is rapidly growing and developing. Your little one is about the size of a butternut squash, measuring around 38.6 cm and weighing approximately 1.25 kg. As your pregnancy progresses, you may experience increased physical discomforts, such as pressure on your bladder, breathlessness, and noticeable baby movements. You may also start experiencing more common third-trimester symptoms like heartburn, varicose veins, and leg cramps.

Q3) Is my baby still growing at 29 weeks?

Yes, your baby is still growing rapidly at 29 weeks. At this stage, their organs, including the lungs and brain, are continuing to mature. The protective coating on your baby's skin, called vernix, begins to disappear, and the fine hair (lanugo) that covers your baby’s body starts to shed. By now, your baby is putting on weight and becoming more active.

Q4) Is 29 weeks pregnant a good time for a baby to start kicking?

It’s normal for your baby’s movements to become more noticeable around 29 weeks, and in many cases, you may feel more frequent or even stronger kicks. Kicking is a good sign of your baby’s health and activity, but the timing of when you feel these movements can vary. Some women feel kicks earlier, while others may notice them later. If you notice any sudden changes in movement, it’s always a good idea to contact your healthcare provider.