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🌳Third Trimester•Weeks 28-40
Week 29 of Pregnancy
Your baby is the size of butternut squash
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Length
15.2 inches
⚖️
Weight
2.5 pounds
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Size Comparison
Butternut squash
👶 Baby Development
- •Baby is delivering stronger, more forceful kicks that may even be visible through your belly
- •Bones are fully developed but remain soft and pliable to allow passage through birth canal
- •Baby can now control their own body temperature better
- •White fat is rapidly accumulating under skin, filling out wrinkles
- •Muscles continue strengthening and lungs are maturing with surfactant production
- •Head is growing to accommodate developing brain
- •Baby is practicing more complex movements like grasping
💭 Common Symptoms
- •Severe heartburn and acid reflux as stomach is compressed
- •Hemorrhoids from increased pressure and constipation
- •Varicose veins in legs from blood volume and pressure
- •Fatigue returns as carrying extra weight becomes exhausting
- •Significant pelvic pressure and heaviness
- •Trouble sleeping and finding comfortable positions
- •Possible carpal tunnel symptoms in hands and wrists
🥗 Nutrition Tips
- •Eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day to minimize heartburn
- •Include 30-35g of fiber daily with plenty of water to prevent constipation and hemorrhoids
- •Stay hydrated with 10-12 glasses of water
- •Avoid spicy, acidic, greasy, and fried foods that trigger heartburn
- •Don't lie down for 2-3 hours after eating
- •Elevate your head while sleeping to reduce nighttime heartburn
- •Try papaya or pineapple which contain natural digestive enzymes
✅ To-Do This Week
- •Count baby kicks daily - you should feel 10 movements within 2 hours
- •Continue and complete childbirth education classes
- •Finalize nursery setup including furniture assembly and organization
- •Have car seat professionally installed or checked at inspection station
- •Pack hospital bag with essentials for labor, delivery, and postpartum
- •Prepare frozen meals for easy postpartum eating
- •Discuss pain management options with your provider
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Did You Know?
Your baby is gaining about half a pound per week from now until birth! This rapid weight gain is essential for temperature regulation and energy reserves after birth.