Pregnancy at week 29
4-minute read
Your baby
Your baby is still growing rapidly. They now weigh about 1.15 kg – about a third of the size they will be if they are born at full term (over 37 weeks). All of their organs are developed and most are fully functioning. Their lungs are maturing, and they are practising to breathe in a more regular rhythm.
They are making red blood cells in their bone marrow. Their eyes are open and their eyelashes have grown. They are also learning how to focus their eyes.
Your baby at 29 weeks
| Length: | 26cm (head to bottom) |
| Weight: | 1.15kg |
Your body
At this point, because your uterus is pushing against your internal organs (such as your diaphragm, stomach, liver and intestines), you might feel quite uncomfortable.
Since your uterus is pushing against your diaphragm and lungs, you might be feeling quite breathless. This is normal, but talk to your doctor or midwife if you’re feeling very out of breath. If you have asthma, your symptoms can get worse when you’re pregnant. It’s very important to keep asthma under control so that both you and your baby are getting enough oxygen. Talk to your doctor about your asthma medications and take them as instructed.
The extra weight might also make you feel very tired. It can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep now because you feel so uncomfortable. Rest as much as you can and go to bed earlier if you need to.
Things to remember
Now is the time to make a birth plan, if you don’t already have one. A birth plan is a written list of things you would like to happen during labour and the birth. It means you can be involved in decisions about your care and let your healthcare team know what you want.
When you’re thinking about your birth plan, decide where you would like to give birth, who you want to support you, what aids you might like to have (like bean bags or music), what pain relief you would like, and what position you would like to give birth in.
Remember, things don’t always go to plan. A birth plan is just a guide, and you may need to be flexible when the time comes.
Read next
Your pregnancy at 30 weeks
Learn about your pregnancy journey and what is happening to you and your baby.
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Last reviewed: April 2022
