29 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Brain is Growing Fast

At 29 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a butternut squash, measuring around 15.2 inches (38.6 cm) from head to heel and weighing approximately 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg). Your baby’s brain is developing rapidly, adding billions of neurons, and you may notice that kicks and jabs feel more like pokes as space becomes tighter in the womb.¹

What’s Happening at 29 Weeks Pregnant?

You’re now 11 weeks (or about 2.5 months) away from your due date, though remember that only about 5% of babies arrive on their exact due date. Your baby is continuing to grow rapidly, and you’re likely feeling increasingly pregnant—both the joys of movement and the physical challenges of carrying this weight.

Your uterus extends about 3.5-4 inches (9-10 cm) above your belly button, and your total pregnancy weight gain is likely between 19-25 pounds if you started at a healthy weight (recommendations vary based on your pre-pregnancy BMI).²

Many people find that the third trimester brings mixed emotions: excitement about meeting baby soon, anxiety about labor and parenthood, physical exhaustion, and sometimes impatience as the weeks seem to drag.

How Big is My Baby at 29 Weeks?

Your baby at 29 weeks is about the size of a butternut squash, measuring approximately 15.2 inches (38.6 cm) from crown to heel.³

Weight-wise, your baby now weighs around 2.5 pounds (1.1 kilograms). From this point on, your baby will gain approximately half a pound per week as they build fat stores needed for temperature regulation after birth.⁴

Your baby is starting to run out of room in your uterus, which is why you may notice the quality of movements changing—less rolling and tumbling, more poking and stretching.

Baby Development at Week 29

Remarkable brain and body development continues:

Rapid brain growth: Your baby’s brain is developing billions of neurons and forming trillions of connections (synapses). The brain tissue is becoming more complex, with increased folding that creates more surface area for neural connections.⁵

Temperature regulation: Your baby is developing the ability to regulate their own body temperature to some extent, thanks to increased fat stores and maturing brain function.

Bone marrow produces blood cells: Your baby’s bone marrow is now fully responsible for producing red blood cells, a function previously performed by tissue groups and the spleen.

Senses continue maturing: All five senses are functional now. Your baby can see light and shadows, hear sounds (both internal and external), taste amniotic fluid, and respond to touch.

Muscle and fat development: Your baby is building muscle mass and accumulating fat beneath the skin, making them look less wrinkled and more like a full-term newborn.

Lungs maturing: While not yet fully mature, your baby’s lungs continue producing surfactant. Babies born at 29 weeks have survival rates above 90% with intensive neonatal care.⁶

Head-down movement: Many babies begin settling into a head-down position around this time, though some won’t turn until closer to delivery (and some may need assistance turning).

Stronger movements: You may notice that your baby’s movements feel different—stronger, more concentrated, and sometimes uncomfortable as they push against your ribs or pelvic area.

Common Symptoms at 29 Weeks Pregnant

Third trimester discomforts are becoming more pronounced:

Shortness of breath: Your expanding uterus continues pushing upward on your diaphragm, making it harder to take deep breaths. This improves when your baby drops into your pelvis closer to delivery.⁷

Frequent urination: You’re likely making constant bathroom trips as your baby presses on your bladder.

Heartburn and indigestion: Progesterone relaxes the valve between your stomach and esophagus, and your growing uterus compresses your stomach, both contributing to acid reflux.⁸

Back, hip, and pelvic pain: The physical demands of carrying your growing baby, combined with loosening ligaments from the hormone relaxin, can cause significant discomfort.

Fatigue: Many people experience renewed exhaustion in the third trimester as their body works hard to support rapid fetal growth.

Swelling: Mild swelling in your feet, ankles, and hands is normal. Elevate your feet when possible and stay hydrated.

Leg cramps and restless legs: Painful nighttime leg cramps and an irresistible urge to move your legs can disrupt sleep.

Braxton Hicks contractions: Practice contractions may become more frequent and sometimes uncomfortable, though they remain irregular.

Trouble sleeping: Between frequent urination, difficulty finding a comfortable position, heartburn, and leg cramps, sleep can be elusive in the third trimester.

Varicose veins: Increased blood volume and pressure can cause enlarged, visible veins in your legs.

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

• Regular, painful contractions (4+ per hour)
• Fluid leaking or gushing from your vagina
• Vaginal bleeding
• Sudden severe swelling, especially with headache or vision changes (possible preeclampsia)
• Severe persistent headache or vision changes
• Significant decrease in fetal movement
• Severe abdominal pain

Tips for Week 29

Continue kick counting: Pay attention to your baby’s movement patterns. You should feel at least 10 movements within 2 hours during your baby’s active times. Contact your provider if movements significantly decrease.⁹

Sleep strategies: Sleep on your left side with pillows supporting your belly and between your knees. Try a pregnancy pillow designed to support your changing body. Limit fluids 1-2 hours before bed to reduce nighttime bathroom trips.

Manage heartburn: Eat small, frequent meals; avoid spicy, acidic, or fatty foods; don’t lie down for 1-2 hours after eating; sleep with your upper body elevated; and ask your provider about safe antacids.

Stay active: Continue gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga to maintain strength, improve circulation, and boost mood. Always get your provider’s approval.¹⁰

Pelvic floor exercises: Continue Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which can help during delivery and prevent incontinence.

Address swelling: Elevate your feet when sitting or lying down, avoid standing for extended periods, stay hydrated, and wear comfortable shoes. Compression socks may help.

Childbirth education: If you’re enrolled in childbirth classes, you’re likely attending them now. These classes cover labor stages, pain management options, interventions, and newborn care.

Tour your birth facility: Many hospitals and birth centers offer tours. Knowing where to go and what to expect can reduce anxiety when labor begins.

Start your hospital bag list: While you don’t need to pack yet, start thinking about what you’ll want for labor, delivery, and recovery—comfortable clothes, toiletries, phone charger, snacks, and items for baby.

Plan for postpartum support: Line up help for after baby arrives—whether that’s a partner, family member, postpartum doula, or meal delivery service.

Practice relaxation techniques: Learn breathing exercises, visualization, or meditation that can help during labor and in managing third-trimester stress.

Preparing for Baby’s Arrival

With about 11 weeks to go, it’s time to finalize preparations:

Finalize your baby registry: Make sure you have the essentials—car seat, safe sleep space (crib or bassinet), diapers, clothes in various sizes, and feeding supplies.

Install the car seat: Install it now and have it checked by a certified technician (many fire stations and hospitals offer free inspections). You can’t leave the hospital without a properly installed car seat.

Choose a pediatrician: Interview potential pediatricians and select one before delivery. You’ll need to provide their information to the hospital.

Prep your home: Set up the nursery, wash baby clothes and linens in gentle detergent, organize baby supplies, and baby-proof areas where you’ll spend time with your newborn.

Stock up on essentials: Have postpartum supplies on hand—pads, nursing bras if breastfeeding, stool softener, pain reliever, and easy snacks.

Plan maternity/parental leave: Finalize arrangements with your employer and understand your benefits under FMLA or company policies.

Track Your Baby’s Movements with Nooko

At 29 weeks, your baby’s movement patterns are becoming well-established, making kick counting an important way to monitor their wellbeing. Nooko makes it simple to track movements, log them over time, and share data with your healthcare provider.

Track your symptoms, count down to your due date, and access evidence-based information about what’s happening during week 29. You’re in the third trimester home stretch!

Download Nooko on the App Store | Get Nooko on Google Play

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References

Footnotes

1. Cleveland Clinic. (2025). “Fetal Development: Week-by-Week Stages of Pregnancy.” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth ↩

2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2025). “Weight Gain During Pregnancy.” https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/weight-gain-during-pregnancy ↩

3. BabyCenter. (2025). “29 Weeks Pregnant.” https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/29-weeks-pregnant ↩

4. Mayo Clinic. (2024). “Fetal development: The 3rd trimester.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20045997 ↩

5. Mayo Clinic. (2025). “Fetal development: The 3rd trimester.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20045997 ↩

6. Merck Manual. (2025). “Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Newborns.” https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/children-s-health-issues/lung-and-breathing-problems-in-newborns/respiratory-distress-syndrome-in-newborns ↩

7. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2025). “Exercise During Pregnancy.” https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/exercise-during-pregnancy ↩

8. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2025). “Problems of the Digestive System.” https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/problems-of-the-digestive-system ↩

9. Tommy’s. (2025). “Your baby’s movements in pregnancy.” https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/pregnancy-news-and-blogs/your-babys-movements-pregnancy ↩

10. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). “Physical Activity and Exercise During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period.” https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/04/physical-activity-and-exercise-during-pregnancy-and-the-postpartum-period ↩