Key Developmental Milestones for a Baby at Pregnancy Week 29
At pregnancy week 29, your little one has the form of a newborn baby, but she still needs to plump out before she is ready to meet you. Her weight will triple between now and the time you finally get to hold her in your arms. Her activity in your belly will also be more frequent and intense as she reacts to the different types of stimuli all around her. Your healthcare provider should have taught you how to monitor her rhythm so you can tell when it changes or reduces because it might indicate your unborn baby is unwell.
Your baby’s head is growing bigger now to accommodate her brain matter that continues to increase in volume. Her brain is also developing, specifically the part that will determine her personality and intelligence levels and the one that controls her body temperature.
If it’s a girl, her clitoris has already developed and the labia is slowly beginning to grow and for a boy, his testicles have started descending into the scrotum. She has also started to turn into the head down position to get her ready for birth with her eyes now able to focus on objects.
Related: Pregnancy Week 28: Baby’s Development and Your Body’s Changes
Your Changing Body at 29 Weeks Pregnant
By now, you have added between 8 and 13 kilograms with some of these weight coming from the placenta which is growing to match the baby’s nutritional needs.
Your highest nutritional requirement this week is calcium as your baby’s bones continue to develop. If you’re not getting sufficient calcium at this stage, your body will get the needed amounts from your bones which can ultimately weaken them and cause osteoporosis. Foods in Kenya that are rich in calcium include:
- Milk
- Cereals
- Dark green leafy vegetables
- Fish
- Sesame seeds
- Cheese
- Fortified plant milks
When you are 29 weeks pregnant your body is producing a higher volume of blood meaning that your heart and circulatory systems and working overtime. Foods rich in vitamin C such as strawberries, tomatoes, and oranges, will also help your body maintain the blood vessels.
You might also be still struggling with constipation and back pains at this point which is completely normal. Doing light pregnancy stretches will help ease both situations including any pressure you might have on your hips. If your fingers are swollen, try removing your rings and wearing them on a chain around your neck to be more comfortable.
Now is also the time to rethink your initial maternity leave plan. You may have been planning to work at 29 weeks pregnant and up to the last day but this wish may change depending on how you are feeling.
Pregnancy Week 29 Tip
“Money was tight when I was pregnant with my first child. A couple of friends were planning a baby shower for me and I made a small list of the essential baby items I preferred as gifts. This helped me save a ton on baby shopping,” Cathy Kendi, mother of two shares.
Multiple-Layered Pregnancy Care at Malaica
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at this stage of pregnancy because of the many things on your plate. From prenatal anxiety to purchasing newborn essentials, dealing with possible sleep disorders, keeping up with your nutrition needs, not to mention the physical exhaustion.
Malaica’s antenatal clinic provides the holistic care you need from mental health support, regular monitoring, nutritional support, online community, and a 24/7 hotline exclusive to Malaica mums.
Book a consultation today to learn how we can empower your pregnancy from bump to baby and beyond postpartum.
More Resources: