29 Weeks Pregnant – Pregnancy Week 29

29 Weeks Pregnant: Baby’s Development

At 29 weeks pregnant, you are beginning your third trimester of pregnancy. Your baby is approximately 13 inches from head to toe. The baby can open its eyes and focus them. Your baby is still developing fat under the skin.

29 Weeks Pregnant: Common Signs and Symptoms

At this stage, your baby and womb are pushing against your abdomen, and this is causing heartburn. This occurs when acids that are normally used in the stomach to digest foods are pushed upward out of the stomach and into your esophagus.
Eat small amounts often, and avoid fatty and spicy foods. Drink milky drinks often. If this doesn’t help, consult your physician.
Another problem that can develop at this stage is varicose veins, which are swollen, bumpy veins in the legs. Putting your feet up whenever you get the chance can ease this problem. You start having stretch marks and your belly button pushes out during this stage.

29 Weeks Pregnant: Self-Care Tips

• Start sleeping on your side. Research has shown that going to sleep on your back is linked to an increased risk of stillbirth.
• At this stage, applying for maternity leave is essential.
• Try not to be discouraged at this stage. If you get tired easily when you climb stairs or exercise, you can slow down.
• It is not too late to travel on an airplane in week 29 of pregnancy.

30 Weeks Pregnant – Pregnancy Week 30

30 Weeks Pregnant: Baby’s Development

At 30 weeks pregnant, you are closer to delivery. Your baby’s lungs are developing at a nice pace. Its kidneys are functioning well, and its urine is mixing with the amniotic fluid, which is also increasing.

30 Weeks Pregnant – Self-Care Tips

Sleeping on your side is good for you and your baby both.
Relax and breathe.
At week 30 of pregnancy, you can start preparing for delivery. This is the time when you can start buying things for the baby.

31 Weeks Pregnant – Pregnancy Week 31

31 Weeks Pregnant: Baby’s Development

At 31 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing rapidly but is still slender. It will be putting on about 7 ounces per week for the next few weeks.

31 Weeks Pregnant – Self-care tips

• Sleep on your sides.
• At your antenatal appointment this week, your doctor will measure the size of your womb and check to see which way your baby is positioned.
• Your blood pressure will be checked this week and your urine will be tested for protein. Your obstetrician will discuss the results with you and with your general practitioner, if necessary.
• At week 31 of pregnancy, practice doing Pilates. They help in strengthening your pelvic floor, tummy, and back muscles. This is not only good for preparing your body for labor, but it also helps you cope with your growing bump.

32 Weeks Pregnant – Pregnancy Week 32

32 Weeks Pregnant: Baby’s Development

At 32 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing really fast. His fingernails are growing. He can hear now, and you can even talk to him.

32 Weeks Pregnant – Common Signs & Symptoms

• You experience vaginal discharge. There is lots of leakage of a wet substance resembling urine.
• You feel itchy all over your tummy area because your skin is stretching.
• You suffer from constipation, cramps, swollen feet, and heartburn.

32 Weeks Pergnant – Self-Care Tips

At week 32 of pregnancy, practice your breathing for labor. Slow rhythmic breathing will put you into a more relaxed state that should help you cope better in labor.

33 Weeks Pregnant – Pregnancy Week 33

33 Weeks Pregnant: Common Signs and Symptoms

In the third trimester, women become overheated due to hormonal shifts, an increased blood volume, and a faster metabolism.

At 33 weeks pregnant, specific hot spots are likely to develop on your abdomen. They are caused by nerve compression from uterine pressure or the swelling of tissue. They may be accompanied by numbness.

33 Weeks Pregnant – Baby’s Development

Your baby weighs between 4½ and 5 pounds and measures about 16 inches long. Your baby is fully developed, but its skull is still tender.

The baby’s bones need to remain pliable in order to pass through the narrow birth canal. The areas called the fontanelles are normal gaps that provide room for the baby’s brain to continue growing. They will remain soft even up to a year after the baby is born.

At week 33 of pregnancy, the baby’s lungs and central nervous system are almost fully mature.

33 Weeks Pregnant – Self-Care Tips

You need to take care of yourself as you prepare for delivery.

If you have a vaginal delivery, you will need the following items. Practicing using them before your due date can make your recovery time easier.

Peri bottle: Fill this plastic container with warm water and indirectly spray your vaginal area while urinating. The spray stops the sting of urine and soothes delicate tissue.

Anesthetic spray: Use a pain-relieving spray after bathroom visits or after changing a pad to numb your vaginal area.

Doughnut pillow: Sitting on this type of a cushion takes the pressure off your sensitive perineum, which is the area between your vagina and rectum.

Stool softener: Consult your doctor to recommend a gentle stool softener.

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