Your growing baby
Your baby is the size of a butternut squash and weighs around 1.2kg and measures 38.6cm (head to heel).The size of your baby’s head is now in proportion with the rest of the body. The brain is getting faster and more powerful and is building up the connections between nerve cells and is now controlling your baby’s breathing and body temperature.
Your baby is becoming more sensitive to light, sound, taste and smell.
Your baby’s adrenal glands are helping to make oestriol. This is thought to stimulate the production of prolactin, which is responsible for the production of milk. This means that even babies born early will be able to breastfeed from their mothers.
Pregnancy week 29 – What’s happening to you
Heartburn and constipation may be more of a problem. Excess progesterone is the cause of these conditions as this hormone has the effect of relaxing smooth muscle tissue throughout the body. This relaxation slows digestion and in turn causes heartburn and constipation.
It is very common for piles (haemorrhoids) to develop in your rectal area during pregnancy. They can be itchy and uncomfortable. Fortunately these swollen blood vessels disappear soon after your baby is born.
You are more susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs) in this trimester.
This is because the muscle tone of the bladder has been reduced, which means your urine flow slows down which gives bacteria longer to multiply in the bladder. It’s very important to consult your GP or midwife if you experience any symptoms such as pain when passing urine, back pain and flu-like symptoms. Left untreated a UTI can lead to kidney infection, which can increase the chance of premature labour.
Need to know
Things for you to consider during week 29 of your pregnancy
Eat a high fibre diet and drink plenty of water to relieve constipation.
Doing pelvic floor exercises will help to prevent haemorrhoids by improving the circulation to this area.
If you have haemorrhoids and you find they are itchy or painful talk to your pharmacist who can advise you on an ointment to use which is suitable in pregnancy.
Buy some breast pads as your breasts may start to leak colostrum (your baby’s first food).
Help to prevent UTIs by drinking plenty of water and don’t go for long periods without emptying your bladder.