Week 29
Your baby is the size of a butternut squash
What's happening this week
Your baby is about 15.5 inches from head to toe and weighs around 2.5 pounds — gaining roughly half a pound per week from here on out. The focus has shifted from building organs to building size and strength.
The brain is developing at a staggering pace. The smooth surface is gaining more folds and grooves (sulci and gyri), dramatically increasing the brain's surface area and its capacity for processing information. The nervous system is now mature enough to control some body functions independently, including body temperature regulation and rhythmic breathing movements.
Your baby is actively storing essential minerals: iron for blood cell production in the first months after birth, calcium for hardening bones, and phosphorus for energy metabolism. If you're wondering why your provider emphasizes iron-rich foods and prenatal vitamins, this is a big part of the reason — your baby is building reserves.
Movements may feel different now. With less room to maneuver in the amniotic sac, the big somersaults of the second trimester are giving way to more deliberate pushes, jabs, and rolls. You might see an elbow or foot pressing against the wall of your belly — a visible reminder that there's a real person in there, getting bigger every day.
Your baby's bone marrow has fully taken over red blood cell production. The adrenal glands are producing hormones that will help stimulate milk production after birth. And the lungs, while not yet mature enough for independent breathing, are continuing to produce surfactant and practice rhythmic breathing movements with amniotic fluid.
Your body this week
The third trimester is making itself felt in every way. Your baby is gaining weight rapidly, and your body is working harder than ever to support that growth. You may notice that everything feels like more effort: climbing stairs, getting out of a chair, rolling over in bed, and even breathing.
Shortness of breath continues as your growing uterus pushes upward on your diaphragm. You might find yourself taking shallower breaths and needing to pause during physical activities you used to do without thinking. This is normal — your body is still getting enough oxygen. If breathlessness is sudden or severe, contact your provider.
Heartburn may intensify as your stomach gets more compressed. Hemorrhoids — swollen veins in the rectal area — are another common and uncomfortable third-trimester complaint, caused by increased blood volume and the pressure of your uterus on pelvic veins. Increased fiber, hydration, and gentle movement can help.
Your provider may start discussing your birth plan more seriously around now. Topics to consider: pain management preferences (epidural, natural methods, or keeping options open), who you want in the delivery room, preferences about interventions, and immediate postpartum wishes like skin-to-skin contact and delayed cord clamping.
Sleep is becoming increasingly challenging. Between bathroom trips, back pain, heartburn, and the sheer difficulty of finding a comfortable position with a large belly, uninterrupted sleep is rare. This is, unfortunately, excellent training for the newborn stage.
For dads
Your partner is entering the hardest physical weeks of pregnancy. The baby is gaining about half a pound per week now, and that weight gain puts increasing pressure on her back, bladder, diaphragm, and pelvis. She may be visibly uncomfortable — struggling to sleep, wincing when she stands up, or running out of breath during normal activities. This is not the time for 'helpful' suggestions about exercise or diet. This is the time for 'what can I take off your plate today?' If you haven't finished setting up the nursery, make it a priority this week. Assemble the crib, wash the baby clothes, organize the changing station. These are tasks you can handle completely on your own, and checking them off the list reduces both of your stress levels.
Talk about the birth plan together — and do it with genuine engagement, not just nodding along. Your partner needs you to understand her preferences and be prepared to advocate for them during labor if she can't speak for herself. Do you both understand the pain management options? Do you know her feelings about interventions? Do you know who she wants in the room? These aren't just her decisions — they affect both of you, and the baby. Approach the conversation as a team, not a spectator.
Common concerns
Is it normal to feel breathless at 29 weeks?+
Yes — increasing breathlessness is one of the most common third-trimester symptoms. Your expanding uterus is pushing your diaphragm upward, leaving less room for your lungs to expand fully. Your body compensates by breathing more efficiently, and you and your baby are still getting adequate oxygen. Slow down when you need to, and avoid overexertion. However, if breathlessness is sudden, severe, or accompanied by chest pain, seek immediate medical attention.
What should be in my birth plan?+
A birth plan is a communication tool — not a rigid contract. Consider including: your preferred pain management approach (epidural, nitrous oxide, breathing techniques, or open to anything), who you want present during labor, preferences about fetal monitoring, feelings about interventions (induction, episiotomy), and immediate postpartum wishes (skin-to-skin, delayed cord clamping, breastfeeding initiation). Keep it flexible — birth is unpredictable, and the goal is a healthy delivery for both you and your baby. Discuss your plan with your provider.
Are hemorrhoids during pregnancy normal?+
Unfortunately, yes — hemorrhoids are very common in the third trimester. They're caused by increased blood volume, pressure from the growing uterus on pelvic veins, and constipation. Increasing fiber intake, drinking plenty of water, avoiding straining during bowel movements, and using witch hazel pads or pregnancy-safe hemorrhoid cream can provide relief. If hemorrhoids are severe or bleeding significantly, talk to your provider about additional treatment options.
When should I finalize my birth plan?+
Aim to have a draft ready by weeks 32-34 and discuss it with your provider at a prenatal visit. This gives you time to ask questions, adjust based on your provider's input, and make copies for your hospital bag. Keep it to one page — labor and delivery nurses appreciate concise, clear communication. Remember that birth plans are guidelines, not guarantees. The most important thing is flexibility and trust in your healthcare team.
Product picks for week 29
We may earn a small commission if you purchase through links on this page — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Pregnancy hemorrhoid relief kit
Hemorrhoids are a common third-trimester reality — a kit with witch hazel pads, soothing spray, and a sitz bath provides relief.
Birth plan template printable
A structured template helps you organize your preferences for labor, delivery, and postpartum into a clear, one-page document.
Nursing pillow
Whether you plan to breastfeed or bottle-feed, a quality nursing pillow supports proper positioning and reduces arm and back strain.
A quick note: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns. Learn how we create our content.
Content based on guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Mayo Clinic, and peer-reviewed medical literature. Learn more about how we create our content.