Fetal development in pregnancy week 29:
This week your baby weighs in at 2.6 pounds and measures at about 16 inches. To help with the discomforts of pregnancy that you may be having at this time you should get plenty of rest, wear comfortable, supportive shoes and continue to eat a healthy balanced diet. If you haven’t started working on your birth plan, now is the time to get started! Be sure to get your partner’s input on this important document that will help guide everyone during your labor and birth.
Baby’s head is no longer disproportionate to the rest of the body. The senses are functioning and the eyes can move around inside the eye sockets. Little boy’s testicles are now moving toward their scrotum and little girls will have a prominent clitoris because it is not yet covered by the small labia, as this happens in the last few weeks of pregnancy.
Baby’s skin is becoming less wrinkly as they continue to add fat and gain weight. The uterus is becoming more cramped now and the kicks and punches that you have felt will probably feel less pronounced at this point. You’ll definitely still be able to tell that baby is there, though!
Maternal Changes
You have now entered your third trimester. This is an important time for both you and your baby. During your third trimester you may start thinking about labor and delivery. If you haven’t already you might also start preparing your nursery and your home for the arrival of your newborn baby.
During pregnancy week 29 most women experience some heartburn, even if they haven’t previously. This can result from the pressure your belly places on your stomach as it continues to grow and expand. Make sure you pay attention to your baby’s movements as you continue your pregnancy week by week from pregnancy week 29 and beyond. You will start noticing patterns of sleeping and activity in your baby. If you notice for any reason your baby’s movements seem abnormal or less vigorous be sure to contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
Be sure you eat several small meals per day. This will help with heartburn but also ensure that you are getting the nutrients you and your baby need to grow and develop during the final stages of pregnancy. You’ll also find you feel better if you drink plenty of water during the third trimester. This will help with constipation and fluid retention. Contrary to popular belief drinking fluid does not contribute to fluid retention, it helps flush excess fluid from your body.
Be sure to spend plenty of time in the upcoming weeks enjoying your pregnancy and your baby. In the blink of an eye you will realize you are being whisked away to labor and delivery. While the last couple of weeks of your pregnancy may seem long indeed, you’ll find you look back and marvel at how quickly your pregnancy actually proceeded. You should also take some time to pamper yourself if you can during the last weeks of your pregnancy. If you haven’t considered a prenatal massage get one. You can also consider a nice pedicure, which will keep your toes looking spectacular right up until delivery. These small luxuries will be hard to come by after your baby is born, so you might as well enjoy them while you can.
Most experienced parents will also tell you to take some time during the last trimester to spend some quality one on one time with your partner. Having a baby changes everything, and generally make life a lot more chaotic (albeit wonderfully so). Your partner will appreciate the one on one time together before your baby arrives. Once your baby arrives you will find a lot of your time (most of it) is spent carrying for your special delivery.
Dad
Her back is aching and she’s probably not feeling as comfortable as she once did. Have you rubbed her back? You might even consider a professional pregnancy massage. It makes a great gift.
Maternity Clothes
You can be pregnant AND look great during the summer, even when wearing swimwear! In the times of old, swimwear designed for expectant mothers was often bulky and almost tent like. Don’t want to look like a tent during your pregnancy? Fear not!
Today’s maternity swimwear at Destination Maternity is stretchy, elegant, sexy, fun, and even sporty. Whether you want a one piece to cover your belly or a daring two-piece that shows off your baby to be, you are bound to find what you are looking for and more when shopping for swimwear during your pregnancy! Most maternity swimwear is designed with ample room in the hips, bottom, and chest, so moms-to-be don’t have to be self conscious about their expanding and bountiful bodies! If you are expecting, why not show off your new curves in a snazzy and well fitting piece of swimwear?
Pregnancy Health Tips
As you begin your third trimester, you might start thinking about whether or not you want to breastfeed your newborn baby. Breastfeeding offers your baby many advantages. It is one of the most important things you can do for your baby. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, human milk is the best food for all newborn infants, particularly premature or sick newborn babies. The Academy recommends that, if at all possible, you breastfeed your baby for the first 12 months of life. In many countries, it isn’t uncommon to breastfeed children for the first 1-3 years of life!
Why is breast milk so good for your baby? For one, it is constantly changing and adapting to your baby’s needs as he grows. It is also easily digested by your baby, so it may reduce colic and spitting up. Here are some other benefits of breastfeeding:
- Breastfeeding may reduce the number of food allergies your baby is susceptible to.
- Breastfeeding provides your newborn baby with natural antibodies that help combat colds and other illnesses.
- Eczema is typically much less common in breastfeeding infants.
- Breastfeeding is free!
Breastfeeding also has many benefits for moms. Breastfeeding, for example, encourages uterine contractions that help contract the uterus after delivery, reducing a woman’s risk of postpartum hemorrhage. In addition, breastfeeding may help provide natural contraception for women in the weeks following delivery. Breastfeeding may also help facilitate postpartum weight loss.
Breastfeeding may also help protect women from developing breast cancer. Many women enjoy breastfeeding because it helps establish a nurturing bond right at the time of birth. Most new mothers can start breastfeeding within minutes of giving birth!
In some situations, it may not be possible to breastfeed. If this is the case or if you choose not to breastfeed, there are many varieties of formula available that will provide your baby with the nutrients he needs. If you have questions about breastfeeding, there are numerous resources available to help you. Most hospitals provide new mothers with a meeting with a lactation consultant after delivery. A lactation consultant can talk with you about breast care, proper latch on, and feeding positions. A lactation consultant may also be invaluable if you find yourself having trouble during the first week or two after delivery.
Most of the soreness and pain associated with breastfeeding is due to improper positioning or latch, which is the way the baby grabs the breast. If you are having trouble you should try to schedule an appointment with a lactation consultant so that you and your baby have the opportunity to establish a healthy and successful breastfeeding relationship.
Some women prefer to breastfeed exclusively initially and then supplement with either pumped milk or formula as their baby gets older. If you plan on introducing a bottle to your newborn baby, experts recommend that you do so within 2 to 3 weeks after birth, though not before. If you wait too long your newborn baby may decide that they never want to take a bottle. If you try too soon, your baby may experience what is referred to as ‘nipple confusion’. Your baby may have a hard time latching on or switching back between bottle and breast.
Remember that you are learning as much as your newborn baby in the first few weeks. If your baby doesn’t seem interested in a bottle at first, try again in a few days. Eventually most babies make the transition smoothly. Introducing one bottle per day may be a nice way to include your partner in the bonding process and allow them to feed the baby once per day. You should enjoy a light nap during these times, as you will be hard pressed to get any sleep in the early weeks after your newborn baby arrives!
Twin Tips
You’re likely to be feeling very large by now. If you haven’t found refuge in a swimming pool, even indoors, you should try it. The weightlessness is amazing.