29th week of pregnancy: what happens to the expectant mother and child?

Week 29 – the moment of birth is getting closer. It becomes increasingly difficult for the expectant mother to feel the pressure of additional weight. She begins to get tired and often tries to find a moment to rest. Her gait changes due to a shift in the center of gravity, the outline of her figure has also undergone significant changes - the future child still weighs a lot.

There is no need to be afraid of the prospect of such a birth. They will save the lives of both – mother and fetus.

Baby's weight at 29 weeks of gestation

Sometimes women joke that towards the end of pregnancy they feel as if they are carrying a head of cabbage or a small watermelon in their stomachs. Generally speaking, the statement is not far from the truth: the weight of the fetus at 29 weeks of pregnancy reaches 1250 g. The child’s weight may be slightly less: this is also a variant of the norm. In any case, try walking with this “additional weight” all the time: naturally, this is a significant burden on the mother’s body. This is where many unpleasant sensations come from:

• it becomes difficult to breathe;
• Low back pain occurs periodically;

We know who will be born and how many children there will be. Often there are training contractions that can be removed with a no-shpa.

Now the main thing is to carefully monitor your well-being, not to let a cold and especially the flu take its course, to take action in time if signs of poisoning suddenly appear - vomiting, fever and diarrhea.

What else is required from an expectant mother? Of course, watch your diet. Weight gain should not exceed 300 g per week. The menu should include a lot of vegetables, fruits, and fish.

You also need to walk a lot and relax. Yes, by the way, isn’t it time to think about it? Maybe we should go shopping in search of diapers, baby vests and other little things that will come in handy very soon?

Additional Information:

29th week of pregnancy - video

At the 29th week of pregnancy, the belly has already reached an impressive size, which causes great inconvenience to the expectant mother. But the greater the anticipation of meeting a new family member soon. Maternity leave will soon come, and work will not distract you from preparing for such a long-awaited meeting. Now the center of the universe will be you and the little miracle inside you.

At this week of development, the baby has reached 35-37 cm in length and weighs 1000-1250 grams.

His brain and nervous system continue to actively develop. A huge flow of information comes through the senses: rays of light directed at the stomach will make him turn away with dissatisfaction; it distinguishes sounds of different frequencies, and low ones are perceived better than high ones; its receptors are already capable of detecting taste and smell. The baby not only perceives and differentiates the information coming to him, but also remembers it. Some scientists argue that at this stage of development the child is able to dream.

The baby has less and less space left, and he does not tumble as before, and the movements of the limbs are less and less chaotic, he rests more against the walls of the uterus. Hair is already present on the head, and the germinal fluff, lanugo, gradually disappears on the body. Along with this, the amount of original lubricant also decreases.

The subcutaneous fat layer continues to accumulate, which regulates the baby’s heat exchange. The proportion of fat during this period is approximately 4% of total body weight. Accumulations of white fat in the cheeks will greatly help him in the future when sucking the breast, because... Thanks to fat, the necessary negative pressure is created in the oral cavity. And it is these accumulations that give the baby’s cheeks a cute swelling.

The swallowing reflex is also well developed in this period. The child continues to train him by swallowing amniotic fluid. The digestive system itself is almost ready to receive the first food at birth - mother's milk.

The bone marrow is sufficiently formed to successfully produce blood cells. The blood itself has a constant composition, its cells carry oxygen, the coagulation system protects against bleeding, and the cells of the immune system against infections. The child receives ready-made antibodies intended to fight infectious agents after birth from the mother. The heart pumps blood through the body at a rate of 120-140 beats per minute.

The reproductive system continues to develop intensively: in boys, the testicles from the abdominal cavity begin to descend into the scrotum; in girls, the clitoris is not yet covered by the labia minora, and therefore protrudes forward. The kidneys are fully functional, releasing approximately 500 ml of urine per day.

The teeth already have enamel, although the teeth themselves are hidden inside the gums. The skeletal and muscular systems are increasingly strengthened.

Thus, every day the child becomes more and more adapted to a full life outside the mother’s body.

29th week of pregnancy: changes in a woman’s body

1. Weight gain by this week of pregnancy is 8.5-11.5 kg. It is necessary to continue to monitor the increase in body weight; it should not exceed 300-400 g per week. A large weight gain can mean not only a malnutrition, but also that fluid is retained in the body. Swelling can be not only obvious (they can be detected by marks from socks on your feet, or from a watch strap on your hands), but also hidden, which spread to internal organs. In this case, you need to monitor the amount of fluid consumed per day and excreted. And if the volume of urine is less than the liquid drunk, then the kidneys cope worse with the load placed on them and excess liquid remains in the woman’s body. And this can pose a threat not only to the pregnant woman herself, but also to the child. If excess weight is due to a poor diet, then this too is fraught with problems. In this case, the fetus will be larger than it should be, and childbirth will be more difficult for both the child and the mother.
2. A woman in the 29th week of pregnancy does not feel the baby’s movements as often as in previous weeks. This, as already mentioned, is associated with an increase in the size of the child and a decrease in space for his activity. But kicks and pokes are now becoming more weighty. It especially affects the liver area and ribs, because... The most common is cephalic presentation of the child. Sometimes the expectant mother can clearly determine which part of the body he is kicking - his elbow, knee, or head. Do not forget to monitor the number of movements of the child (normally at least 10 movements in 2 hours during the day). If suddenly he began to behave too actively, or, on the contrary, calmed down for a long time, this is a reason to consult a gynecologist.
3. Due to a large belly, pregnant women are increasingly suffering from heartburn. These unpleasant sensations can be reduced by fractional nutrition, i.e. eat in small portions, but more often. And exclude physical activity after eating, and even more so bending the body. It is better to talk to your doctor about taking medications.
4. The list of unpleasant sensations also includes constipation, increased gas production and frequent urination. They are associated not only with an enlarged uterus and its pressure, but also with the inhibitory effect of progesterone on the digestion. You will have to put up with frequent urination for the time being, and physical activity of the pregnant woman, the presence of plant foods in the diet and a proper drinking regime will help get rid of constipation.
5. A common occurrence may be dilated veins in the anal area - hemorrhoids. It occurs due to stagnation of blood in the veins as a result of pressure from the enlarged uterus on the pelvic floor. The presence of constipation aggravates this problem in a delicate area. Hemorrhoids are dangerous due to possible bleeding and complicate the course of childbirth. Therefore, you should not delay your visit to the doctor.
6. Some women during this period experience dizziness after standing up from a supine position. It is worth noting that it is not recommended to sleep or just lie on your back for a long time. This is fraught with compression of the vena cava, impaired blood flow and a decrease in blood pressure. The result of all of the above can be loss of consciousness and falling. And even if you sleep correctly, on your side, you should never get up suddenly.
7. Due to the fact that the center of gravity is shifted, a woman does not feel as confident when walking as before. You need to be extremely careful not to fall during a sharp turn or tilt.
8. Breast swelling is noticeable. In this case, it often happens that when you press on the nipple, a small amount of yellowish liquid is released. This is colostrum, primary breast milk. But you shouldn’t squeeze it out on purpose, you just need to blot it with a clean napkin, or even better, put special pads inside the bra.

29th week of pregnancy: pregnant belly

The 29th week of pregnancy is 7 obstetric months (4 weeks in each month) plus 1 week. If you go by the usual calendar, then this is the end of the 7th month of pregnancy.

The fundus of the uterus is located approximately one palm above the navel, i.e. 29-30 cm if you count from the pubic joint. And visually, many women already have impressive bellies. Some compare it to a watermelon. Such a comparison is not without meaning, because sometimes he is as “striped” as a watermelon because of the dark line in the middle of the abdomen and small stripes, stretch marks, on the sides. And if the pigment line disappears soon after childbirth, then stretch marks may remain. To avoid this, it is recommended to prevent stretch marks from early pregnancy, and if they occur, use a special cream and light massage.

Often during this period there is a phenomenon such as a hard belly, and the pregnant woman experiences a feeling of heaviness, tension and distension. This is how many describe training contractions (Braxton-Hicks), which prepare the uterus for childbirth. The duration of such tension is several seconds, and then everything returns to its usual state. These training contractions are irregular and painless.

29th week of pregnancy: necessary medical examination

1. At an appointment with a gynecologist: mandatory measurement of abdominal circumference, position of the uterine fundus, blood pressure, pulse and weight.
2. Complete blood count (particular attention is paid to monitoring hemoglobin levels to exclude anemia).
3. General urine test (monitoring kidney function, excluding urinary tract infections).
4. A new study can be added - cardiotocography, during which the fetal heart rate (HR) and the occurrence of uterine tone are calculated. Using a special remote control, the woman will be asked to note the baby’s movements.
5. According to indications - biochemical blood test, blood test for hormones, sugar.
6. If necessary, an ultrasound is performed at 29 weeks. If additional information is required about the condition of the fetus, placenta, amniotic fluid and cervix, it is best to obtain it using ultrasound. If desired, you can take a photo of the fetus.

29th week of pregnancy: possible dangers

Despite the fact that most pregnancies end successfully, it would be useful to know what dangers the expectant mother may face. It is necessary so that the woman can recognize early symptoms and immediately report them to the doctor.

1. Threat of late miscarriage. This pathology can be suspected when bloody discharge from the genital tract, bleeding and pain in the lower abdomen appear. The occurrence is facilitated by nervous shock, cervical insufficiency, changes in the hormonal levels of the pregnant woman, and infections.
2. Premature birth. If there are regular contractions and dilatation of the cervix, we can talk about premature birth. Statistics say that a child born at the 29th week of development survives in 90% of cases with special medical care. But, unfortunately, he is still very premature, which can lead to health problems in the future.
3. Polyhydramnios (excessive amount of amniotic fluid). Infections, fetal development defects, and Rh incompatibility can contribute to this pathology. A woman may feel that her belly is growing too quickly and her skin takes on an unnatural shine. These symptoms may be accompanied by shortness of breath and increased heartburn. When examined by a gynecologist, the size of the abdomen in a woman with polyhydramnios will not correspond to what is expected at this time.
4. Oligohydramnios (insufficient amount of amniotic fluid). According to statistics, up to 8% of women in the third trimester experience oligohydramnios. The reason for this may be infections, arterial hypertension, rupture of membranes, obesity, placental insufficiency. You can suspect this problem if, upon examination, the child turns out to be smaller than his normal size. Accordingly, the size of the abdomen will also be significantly smaller. An ultrasound will help confirm or refute this suspicion. If this pathology is detected in the third trimester, close monitoring by doctors of the fluid level and the development of the child is required.
5. Iron-deficiency anemia. It manifests itself as pale skin, rapid heartbeat, weakness and increased fatigue. In a general blood test, a decrease in the levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells is noticeable. The danger is that in the presence of anemia, serious disturbances in the development of the fetus are possible. This increases the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. Therefore, it is very important to have regular blood tests. The diet should contain meat products and offal.
6. Preeclampsia. Symptoms of this condition include increased blood pressure, swelling and rapid weight gain as a result of fluid retention in the pregnant woman's body. Protein can be detected in a general urine test. The danger for the child lies in the deterioration of the blood supply to the placenta, which entails a disruption in the development of the fetus. The appearance of these symptoms requires immediate consultation with a doctor.
7. Hypoxia. It consists of oxygen starvation of the fetus. Accompanied by a decrease in blood pressure and dizziness in a pregnant woman. Leads to delayed intrauterine development of the baby. The main causes of hypoxia can be: anemia, lung disease, smoking and kidney disease in a pregnant woman, as well as malformations and placental insufficiency of the child. It is very important for expectant mothers to be in the fresh air as much as possible, because... a sufficient supply of oxygen ensures the necessary metabolism in the placenta and reduces the risk of hypoxia.

29th week of pregnancy: position of the fetus in the uterus

During pregnancy, women often hear the phrase “the position of the fetus in the uterus,” and starting from the 29th week of pregnancy, this phrase is used by doctors more and more often.

The position of the fetus is the ratio of the conditional line of the child, drawn from the back of the head to the tailbone, to the vertical axis of the uterus. There are longitudinal, oblique and transverse. And fetal presentation is which part of the baby’s body is closest to the exit from the woman’s pelvis. There are breech and cephalic presentations.

The most ideal position of the child during childbirth is considered to be a cephalic presentation of the occipital type, i.e. when the back of the baby's head is adjacent to the entrance to the pelvis. This is the most physiological location for the passage of the child through the birth canal. All other positions complicate the birth process, and in difficult situations natural delivery is generally impossible. In such cases, surgical intervention is resorted to.

Using an ultrasound, it is not difficult to determine the position of the child. And if you have identified one of the incorrect positions, then you should not be upset in advance: until the 32nd week, the baby still has time to take the correct position on his own. In such cases, doctors recommend that the pregnant woman resort to special gymnastics that will help the baby turn.

29th week of pregnancy: expecting twins

For women who are expecting the birth of two babies at once, pregnancy proceeds somewhat differently.

The difference between multiple pregnancies is that in children at the 29th week, the respiratory system is slightly better developed. Therefore, if they happen to be born prematurely, their chances of survival are much higher. According to statistics, twin births most often occur at 36-37 weeks of pregnancy. This must be taken into account and be prepared for a trip to the maternity hospital. Starting this week, doctors recommend avoiding all stress and lying more, preferably on the left side, to reduce pressure on the blood vessels.

The changes with the mother are the same as when expecting one baby, but all manifestations of pregnancy at this stage double. Weight gain reaches 10-20 kg, heartburn, swelling, constipation are very bothersome, and the stomach itself seems simply huge. A woman is much more tired than during a singleton pregnancy. One can only dream about proper rest when pregnant with twins, because... babies bother her twice as much and more often.

When carrying two children, the risk of arterial hypertension increases, because the load on a woman’s cardiovascular system is much greater. For the same reason, varicose veins of the extremities and hemorrhoids occur more often.

By this time, the babies have almost decided on the position in which they will be born. It often happens that one baby is in an ideal position for birth, but the second is not. This is why twins are often born by caesarean section. But the kids still have time to find themselves in the right position. At the 32nd week of pregnancy, the mother will undergo an ultrasound, and it is its results that will be relied upon to decide on labor management tactics.

Sometimes the expectant mother, in order to avoid premature birth, is offered to put a suture or a special device on the uterus. They will not allow the uterus to open until at least 36 weeks.

The weight of the children may not be identical, for example, if one weighs 1300g, then the other 1200g. Don't worry, this difference does not mean that one is developing worse. The difference of 200-300 g is within the normal range.

It is necessary to take into account the increased need for complete and balanced nutrition. Often, additional intake of iron and folic acid supplements, prescribed by a doctor, is required.

29th week of pregnancy: nutrition

This week, the most important thing is weight control and a balanced, nutritious diet. You need to ensure that weight gain does not exceed 50 g per day, or 300-350 g per week.

In particular, it is necessary to ensure sufficient intake of vitamins and microelements into the body:

• vitamin D and calcium are important for the development of the skeletal system;
• vitamin K and iron for hematopoiesis;
• vitamin C to strengthen blood vessels;
• vitamin E to prevent the threat of premature birth;
• iodine and folic acid for the development of the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

You definitely need to include protein in your diet, because... it is the main building material of all organs and systems of the baby. Amino acids, which make up protein, are synthesized in the human body itself. It should be noted that there are also essential amino acids that should only come from outside. Protein-rich foods include: lean beef, chicken liver, pink salmon, carp, mullet, feta cheese, milk from 0.1% to 1% fat, hard cheeses.

But various sausages that contain preservatives and dyes are best avoided during pregnancy.

For vegetarians, the most valuable foods for obtaining amino acids are green vegetables and herbs. Fruits that are especially rich in proteins include pears, cherries, prunes, persimmons, and figs.

Also, you should not ignore grain crops - buckwheat, wheat, millet. In addition to essential amino acids, cereals are rich in iron, zinc, B vitamins and fiber.

Eating vegetables and greens helps improve the elasticity of the birth canal and improves intestinal function.

29th week of pregnancy. Photo

29th week of pregnancy. Video

The final stage of fetal development is approaching; at 29 weeks of pregnancy, it’s time to prepare for the long-awaited meeting with your baby. It's time to collect your dowry, choose a crib, stroller, various little things, and also prepare for maternity leave! When pregnant with twins at 29 weeks, the woman is already on maternity leave.

The 29th week of pregnancy is 7 months. From now on, you will have to visit your doctor more often and strictly follow all recommendations. The help of loved ones in everything will be very helpful, since it becomes difficult for the expectant mother to even find a comfortable position for herself and adapt to her growing belly, not to mention various matters.

In the third trimester, the belly grows literally “before our eyes.” It should increase because at the 29th week of pregnancy the weight of the fetus grows rapidly, and the mother’s weight at this stage requires careful monitoring. The increase should not exceed 350 grams per week. Normally, weight gained at 29 weeks of pregnancy should be no more than 11.5 kg.

Fetus

The fetus at the 29th week of pregnancy is actively preparing for independent life outside the mother’s body. The immune system is already formed and working. Your own thermoregulation and blood composition are established, your kidneys begin to work, excreting about 0.5 liters of urine per day. The digestive system is preparing for the first meal.

At the 29th obstetric week of pregnancy, mucus plugs are separated from the baby’s nasal passages, and if previously the amniotic fluid entered his stomach only through the mouth, now this also happens through the nose. The baby feels and distinguishes tastes, sees light through the walls of the uterus, hears sounds and voices, can detect the mother’s mood and react to it in his own way.

The skin of the fetus at the 29th week of pregnancy brightens and begins to smooth out, as subcutaneous fat accumulates and muscle mass increases, and folds appear. The work of internal organs is united into systems and gradually improves, creating harmony.

The activity of movements in the 29th obstetric week of pregnancy gradually decreases, but the baby can still roll over and somersault inside, although there is less and less space left for him. The tremors now have a more pronounced character and noticeable force.

Feel

One of the interesting sensations at 29 weeks of pregnancy is a quivering stomach. The shudders can be quite strong and rhythmic, but there is no need to be afraid of them, this indicates that the baby is hiccupping.

The uterus puts more and more pressure on the internal organs, which increases heartburn, nausea, and a feeling of lack of air. The 29th obstetric week of pregnancy is the right time to learn various breathing techniques to alleviate the condition a little.

At the 29th week of pregnancy, sharp attacks of sensation of heat occur, so even in a cool room the pregnant woman may feel hot. Metabolism at this stage takes on a more intense pace, and the load on the heart also increases, which leads to increased sweating.

Blood pressure may drop from week 29, as well as, and the pulse, on the contrary, begins to increase. This leads to frequent dizziness and sometimes fainting, as well as a constant feeling of fatigue. This is another reason to exercise caution when moving and need frequent rest.

Stomach

The belly continues to grow at 29 weeks of pregnancy. He may ache, which is normal. It becomes increasingly difficult for the muscles to hold the growing belly, stretch marks and itchy skin appear. In case of severe itching, it is important to exclude an allergic reaction to underwear, food and cosmetics.

All movements of the baby are visible to the naked eye. Even when the baby hiccups, belly tingling appears.

Uterus

At the 29th week of pregnancy, the uterus reaches an impressive size. It becomes heavy, so it puts considerable pressure on the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory organs. The uterus rises 8-10 cm above the navel, so the woman experiences shortness of breath and a feeling of heaviness in the upper abdomen. It is located at a distance of 30 cm from the pubic symphysis. The advantage of this period is that the load on the urinary organs is reduced.

Minor cramping pain below may be a consequence of contraction of the uterus. These are training contractions, also called Braxton-Higgs contractions. To alleviate the condition, you need to lie on your left side and rest. If the pain intensifies or bleeding appears, then you should go to the hospital.

Discharge at 29 weeks of pregnancy

Discharge at the 29th week of pregnancy should retain its usual appearance and smell, and have a uniform consistency. If you have dark-colored discharge or an unusual odor, you should consult a doctor and take a smear, since it is better to identify and treat the infection in time.

During this period, amniotic fluid may leak in small portions, but if the leakage is strong enough or the water contains impurities, you should consult a doctor and go to the hospital. The simultaneous outpouring of water in a strong stream indicates the onset of premature labor.

Childbirth at 29 weeks of pregnancy

There is still quite a long time before the planned birth, 11-12 weeks, but no one is immune from unforeseen situations. In addition, there may be situations when childbirth at 29 weeks of pregnancy is the best option, and the doctor decides whether it is necessary. Fortunately, the baby is now able to survive, and this is the most important thing.

Pain

During this period, some expectant mothers note the appearance of mild pain in the lower abdomen of a rhythmic nature. If the pain at 29 weeks of pregnancy is weak and infrequent, then there is no need to worry - these contractions are training contractions, with their help the body prepares for the birth process.

If you feel uncomfortable, you can lie down on your left side and lie quietly. However, if contractions become more frequent and intensified, this may indicate the onset of premature labor at 29 weeks of pregnancy - you need to call a doctor or go to the maternity hospital.

Already now it is necessary to prepare for the upcoming birth, tune in to the process, cast aside all fears, but the main thing is to try to make this event happen on time.

Nutrition

Digestive problems can often accompany late pregnancy. The growing uterus puts more and more pressure on the organs, and the digestive system suffers first of all from this. Nutrition at the 29th week of pregnancy should be correct, only in this case problems such as constipation or diarrhea can be avoided.

Meat consumption is important because at 29 weeks of pregnancy the baby's weight increases rapidly and the baby needs a lot of protein to build muscle mass. If the mother adheres to a vegetarian diet, then the lack of protein must be compensated for with plant foods, for example, legumes, which must be cooked properly to avoid bloating.

It is important to consume fiber, namely raw fresh fruits and vegetables, this will help avoid the appearance of.

Salt intake should now be reduced to a minimum to reduce swelling. You should avoid baked goods, especially sweet ones, and fatty, spicy and fried foods, since the calorie content of your daily diet needs to be significantly reduced.

Vitamins

From the 29th week, the baby needs up to 250 mg of calcium per day, which it takes from the mother’s body. It is necessary to make up for these losses, and best of all by taking additional special medications.

You can replenish calcium with plant foods, but you should not do this with products of animal origin, since animal calcium can lead to early ossification of the baby’s skull and complications during childbirth.

Taking vitamin complexes is still relevant.

Sex

Sexual contacts should be limited and exercise caution. If there is any threat of premature birth, it is better not to practice sex at 29 weeks of pregnancy.

Physical activity

Physical activity from week 29 should be minimal. This does not apply to walking, but long periods of walking and standing should be avoided. It is necessary to rest more, if possible, elevating your legs to reduce the load on them.

It is important to watch your movements. The center of gravity at this stage is already greatly shifted, so any sudden movement, turn or even normal tilt can lead to loss of balance and fall.

Medicines and medical procedures

Massage of the back and legs for pregnant women at this stage is simply necessary, as it greatly alleviates the condition. But taking medications is very undesirable and can only be done if absolutely necessary.

Possible problems

A constant feeling of fatigue, weakness, dizziness usually leads to drowsiness and the need to take a nap, which you should not deny yourself, since the body needs frequent rest.

Pathological discharge at week 29, green, white or bloody, is a reason to immediately consult a gynecologist.

Ultrasound and tests

Necessary tests at 29 weeks of pregnancy:

• Analysis of urine;
• a general blood test to determine hemoglobin levels;
• blood sugar test for overweight.

The picture of the tests may change, for example, in the later stages of pregnancy, hemoglobin is reduced in most pregnant women, and the blood may become thicker. There should be no protein in the urine.

In addition, the doctor can issue referrals for re-examination of all specialists before applying for maternity leave. A routine ultrasound is not performed at the 29th week of pregnancy, but if necessary, the doctor may prescribe one.

Features of Eco-pregnancy

During an IVF pregnancy, the expectant mother requires supervision and stay in the maternity ward until the moment of birth. Since any complications can arise suddenly, doctors should always be nearby. At the 29th obstetric week, additional studies may be prescribed, all tests, CTG or ultrasound may be performed.

Features of the 29th week of pregnancy with twins

The babies are now actively gaining weight, and the mother usually feels the same as during a normal full-term pregnancy just before giving birth. The pelvic bones and lumbar region of the back may be very painful - the body is actively preparing for the upcoming birth, but it is important to postpone it for as long as possible.

At 29 weeks pregnant with twins, you need to carefully monitor your condition and be extremely careful in everything.

Video of the twenty-ninth week of pregnancy