Pregnancy - Week 29

You are 28 weeks pregnant or in your 29th week of pregnancy (counting from the first day of your Last Menstrual Period).

Keep in mind that this information is approximate. Each pregnancy is different and growth rates vary.  For variations and details, please talk to your doctor.

Week 28

Week 30

What’s happening to the baby?

• The baby is continuing to add layers of fat.  This will also help baby stay warm after she is born.
• The baby’s size and the brain are growing very fast.  The baby’s hair on the head and the body is also continuing to grow.
• The baby’s eyes now have the capacity to produce tears.
• The lungs are continuing to mature, increasing the odds of survival if born, every day.
• The baby is very active and can kick and move very forcefully thanks to her growing size and the development of her muscle tone.
• Your baby is about 37.5 centimetres long (Crown to heel length) and weighs about 1 kilogram.

What’s happening to mom?

• You will gain your maximum weight in the next few weeks because of the growth in the baby.  A weight gain of 1.5 - 2 kilograms per month in the third trimester (Months 7 to 9) is ideal for Indian mothers.
• You will continue to experience Braxton Hicks contractions in your lower abdomen. These are a kind of practice drill to prepare your body for childbirth. You will experience tightening of your uterus or mild contractions. Have water, empty your bladder or have a warm bath to relieve these contractions. But if the contractions get painful, regular and start accelerating, you might be in early labour. If so, call your doctor.
• Some moms might notice their breasts oozing colostrum when pressed.   Colostrum is a thick yellowish secretion that precedes the coming of milk once the baby is born. Even though the quantity of colostrum is limited, it is packed with essential nutrients for the baby.  Even though you are months away from having your baby, your body has started preparing for the baby.
• You will start feeling the forceful kicks and movements your baby makes. An active baby is a healthy baby and that is why around this time, many doctors ask you for the frequency and pattern of your baby’s movements during the appointments. Observe the pattern of your baby’s movements and in case you notice a change in the pattern of movements and a significant decline in the baby’s movements, call your doctor immediately. Your baby might be in distress and there can be risks of being stillborn. The doctor will examine you, hear the baby’s breathing and even do a non-stress test (The doctor will measure the response of the baby’s heart rate to each movement the baby makes as reported by the mother or observed by the doctor on an ultrasound screen).
• Kick counts - Some doctors might ask you to do a kick-count to monitor the baby’s movements. For example, you can drink some juice and lie down (to make the baby active) and then count the number of times the baby kicks in an hour or so. Ask your doctor about what parameters to use for the kick-count. Many doctors use 10 kicks / per hour at 3 different times of the day (accounting for baby’s sleep). It can vary depending on the doctor and your pregnancy, so please check with your doctor.

Create your own customized week-by-week pregnancy calendar

Checklist for mom

• Research childbirth classes and schedule these. Get input from your doctor and even talk to Parentree parents for references for classes. You need to have completed taking these classes by your 37th week. Make sure you take your spouse or labour support person (your mother, friend or other person who is close to you).  Childbirth classes can provide useful information on
  • Labour process, childbirth and pain relief options
  • Teach you breathing exercises and other tips to make labour and childbirth easier
  • Breastfeeding basics
  • Even basic newborn care
• Read Parentree articles on preparing for childbirth, breastfeeding tips, common questions about breastfeeding.
• Especially learn about signs of labour in “How to know that you are in labour?”
• Plan baby shopping
• Continue to go for your walks and get exercise. Remember, walking and fresh air can help you with many pregnancy discomforts and also tone your muscles to make childbirth easier.

Ideas for dad

• Take interest and get involved in baby shopping.  This is one of the ways you and your wife can spend time together and it is usually a lot of fun.

Other tidbits

• Have you decided whether to use disposable diapers or re-usable cloth nappies or both?
  • Talk to Parentree parents about what has worked for them. Many use a combination of both. They use re-usable cloth nappies (can be more cost-effective than disposable diapers and if changed often can prevent diaper rash and are hence better for the baby’s bottoms) for most times and use disposable diapers when they go out and when the baby sleeps for a long time. Also remember, you no longer need to get your disposable diaper supply from abroad.  International quality diapers are found in most baby and other department stores in most Indian cities. They are supposed to be just minimally more expensive than the imported diapers.
• Tip: Some companies have health insurance for employees that have some coverage for delivery expenses. Find out about this provision from your company.  Also, ask your husband to find out from his company.

Useful Parentree articles for this stage of pregnancy

• Common pregnancy discomforts
• How to know that you are in labour?
• Baby toys - the first year - buying guide
• Breastfeeding tips for new moms 
• Breastfeeding - Answers to common questions
• Tips to prepare for childbirth
• How do you know that you are in labour?
• Shopping List for New Baby
• Baby toys - the first year - buying guide
• Baby carriers - Buying guide
• Baby monitors - Buying guide
• High chair - Buying guide
• Strollers - Buying guide
• Non-stress test

Week 28

Week 30