7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138 • (901) 682-9222 • Open Weekdays 8:00 - 5:00
PREGNANCY TIMELINE: WEEK 29
By week 29 you may feel like you'll be pregnant forever! Although you are in the home stretch, you still have a way to go in the third trimester. But don't despair; you really will deliver a beautiful baby in just a few weeks. So hang in there and keep up to date with our pregnancy timeline!
Week Overview
Baby is busy preparing for the day both of you are waiting for. By week 29, baby is beginning to regulate his own temperature and the bone marrow is completely in charge of production of the red blood cells. In addition, baby is even urinating about a half liter of urine into the amniotic fluid everyday.
Although your baby's rapid growth spurt is starting to slow down now, baby will still gain approximately 4 pounds between now and birth. If born now, your baby would be almost three pounds and would be able to breathe, but might tire easily and need assistance.
Baby's free-wheelin' days are over! Cramped interior space will cause baby's wild movements to become smaller, more subdued. While you may welcome this new "inner peace" there will still be plenty of elbow and knee action to remind you your little fellow is still be-bopping around in there!
Baby's Physical Development
- Crown-to-rump, baby measures 10.4 inches long and weighs 2.9 pounds
- Total fetal length is 16.7 inches
- Eyes move around in the sockets, and can respond to light and darkness
- Becoming sensitive to light, sound, taste and smell
- Multiples are developing on the same track as singletons
- Head is now in proportion with the rest of the body
- Brain can now control primitive breathing
Your uterus is now about 3.5 to 4 inches above your bellybutton. During the final trimester of pregnancy you will likely experience a series of discomforts such as leg cramps, backaches, and varicose veins. Your baby will rapidly gain weight; you will feel more restricted in your activities. You have probably been experiencing shortness of breath due to increased pressure against your diaphragm and crowding against your lungs. You'll get some relief when the baby "drops" or settles back down into the pelvis about 2 to 3 weeks before delivery.
During the final trimester you may really begin to feel the effects of pregnancy on your back. The position of the baby's body inside the uterus may cause pressure on your lower back. Your hips will tilt forward during pregnancy so you may overcompensate by leaning back too much, causing a strain on back muscles. In addition, your balance may be off center.
Time to Start Thinking About
Now that you've successfully made it into the final trimester, now is the time to start writing a birth plan. Who do you want to attend the labor and delivery? Do you want to take pictures or video during the birth? Who will cut the cord? What about administration of medication? These are only a few of the many questions that may arise at that very stressful time. Planning ahead will give you confidence in your answers come "show time."
Tips for Mom
Your baby is not the only thing growing, so is your body! All this growing and expanding may make you feel as though your internal organs are crowded. Well guess what? They are. Some tips for dealing with the discomforts of late pregnancy include:
Good Posture - Good posture improves back problems, breathing, and digestion, as well as circulation. Back-saving tips include:
- Hold shoulders back to lengthen your spine
- Concentrate on making yourself feel tall by creating a straight line from the top of your head through your hips and down to your feet.
- Lifting your chest helps keep your shoulders back.
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes to avoid back strain.
Proper Nutrition - Your baby's nutritional demands are highest now. Make sure you're eating a balanced diet with plenty of iron and calcium.
Exercise - Your exercise routing should be continued into the third trimester. Remember to use good judgment when working out - don't overdo it!
Rest - Proper rest is important during pregnancy. Use lots of pillows to help relieve back strains and restless nights. Try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees and another under your belly.
Tips For Dad
Mom has enough going on, so jump in and help her plan the perfect "birth" for your little angel. You and Mom are going to be pretty busy when the time comes so go ahead and set up emergency childcare if you have other children. Also, make sure you speak to your employer about your maternity leave options. If you think Mom needs your help now, just wait until she's home from the hospital with the newest addition to the family! There will be plenty of diaper-changing and bottle-washing for Mom, Dad, Grandma and anyone else who wants to lend a hand.
Premature Labor
Full-term infants are born between the 38th and 42nd weeks of pregnancy. Babies born prematurely (prior to the 38th week) are at risk for many health problems. Due to these health risks, it is best for a baby to remain in the uterus as long as possible, so it can grow and fully develop.
When premature labor begins your physician must determine if it is better for the infant to be inside the uterus or to be delivered. Your physician must also determine if the dates of the pregnancy are correct and if it is indeed true labor.
Stopping premature labor can significantly reduce the risks of fetal problems and problems related to premature delivery. Premature labor can be treated in several different ways. Bed rest is often successful in stopping contractions and premature labor. Medication (muscle relaxants) may be prescribed to suppress labor. In addition, sedatives or narcotics may be used to stop labor.
There are many causes of premature labor, but in many cases the exact cause is unknown. Common causes of premature labor include:
- Abnormal shaped uterus
- Multiple fetuses
- Polyhydramnios or hydramnios
- Placental abruption or placenta previa
- Premature rupture of membranes
- An incompetent cervix
- Abnormalities of the fetus
- Fetal death
- Retained IUD
- Abortion performed late in pregnancy
- Serious maternal illness
- Incorrect estimate of gestational age
Complications to Watch For
Most pregnancies occur without any complications or problems. But there are times when your physician should be contacted immediately. The following list contains symptoms to be aware of during pregnancy.
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe swelling of the fingers and face
- Severe abdominal pain
- Loss of fluid from the vagina, usually a gush of fluid, but sometimes a trickle or continual wetness
- A big change in the baby's movements or a lack of movement
- High fever (more than 101.6F;38.7C) or chills
- Severe vomiting or an inability to keep food or liquid down
- Blurring of vision
- Painful urination
- A headache that won't go away or a severe headache
- An injury or accident, such as a fall or automobile accident, that causes you concern about the well-being of your pregnancy
Prenatal Care Checklist
- Lying on your left side with a firm pillow under your head will usually be the most comfortable position for sleeping. This position brings more oxygen to the baby and eases the load on your kidneys.
- Try a body pillow.
- Bath water should not exceed 100 degrees F. Saunas and hot tubs are off limits.
- Do not douche or use tampons. Take a warm bath or use pads instead.
- You should not be changing the kitty litter because harmful parasites may be present.
- Travel is okay as long as you don't travel far from home during the last month of pregnancy. Check with your doctor first if a travel emergency arises.
- Seatbelts will not harm your fetus.
- Use both shoulder and lap belts and make sure to place the lap belt under your belly, across the hips and thighs.
- Avoid contact with any harmful chemicals or fumes.
7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138
Phone: (901) 682-9222; Fax: (901) 682-9505