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Sign InWeek 29 — Getting Cosy
Overall Pregnancy
Your Baby is About
butternut squash
Your baby is about 39cm and 1.15kg — roughly the size of a butternut squash. Kicks and jabs are becoming more like pokes and rolls now, as the available space decreases. Fat continues to build up under the skin. The brain is developing rapidly, and your baby's head is growing to accommodate it. The muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and your baby is practising breathing movements constantly.
Heartburn and indigestion often become significant from now on, as your growing uterus pushes the stomach upward. Smaller, more frequent meals help, as does avoiding lying down immediately after eating. Propped-up sleeping can reduce night-time acid reflux. Antacids that contain calcium carbonate are generally safe in pregnancy — but check with your provider before taking anything regularly.
Your baby's brain is growing so rapidly right now that it's actually developing folds and ridges to create more surface area — because a smooth brain can only hold so many neural connections. A smooth-brained fetus at 29 weeks will have a deeply folded, wrinkled brain by birth — all that complexity added in just 11 weeks.
Perineal massage — gently massaging the tissue between the vagina and rectum — can reduce the risk of tearing during birth if started from around Week 34–36. This week is a good time to research it and get comfortable with the idea. Ask your midwife about technique at your next appointment.
Heartburn is now a nightly occurrence for many — avoid large meals before bed, elevate your head slightly when sleeping, and try a glass of cold milk. Spicy, acidic, and fatty foods are the main triggers.
Heartburn and back pain often peak this week — evening foot rubs and helping prop pillows for better sleep positioning are small but meaningful gestures.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. Read full disclaimer