29 weeks pregnant: baby, body and what to expect

Trimester 3 of 3About 6.5 months11 weeks to go

Week 29 of pregnancy: baby is about the size of a butternut squash

Week 29 at a glance

At 29 weeks, the baby is often about 38–39 cm (15–15.4 in) long and weighs around 1,250 g (2.8 lb), about the size of a butternut squash. Fat is building under the skin, which helps the baby stay warm after birth.

29 weeks pregnant is about 6.5 months. You are in month 7 of pregnancy and the third trimester.

Your baby at 29 weeks

Your Baby Is Building Fat Under the Skin

At 29 weeks, your baby is starting to store white fat under the skin.

What is happening this week

Your baby is often about 38–39 cm (15–15.4 in) long and weighs around 1,250 g (2.8 lb). White fat begins to build up under the skin, which helps the baby stay warm and keep up energy after birth.

Fat gradually makes the body look rounder.
The skin looks less see-through, and body outlines become softer.
The brain, muscles, and senses continue to develop.

Your baby may be quite active at this stage. Changes in movement are often linked to sleep, body position, or your daily activity. Still, any noticeable drop in movement should be checked.

How this week may feel

Many people notice stronger movements and a growing belly at 29 weeks. Heartburn, swelling, back pain, and evening tiredness are common.

Call your provider right away if you have bleeding, severe pain, fever, regular painful contractions, or a noticeable decrease in movement after you have already been feeling regular movements.

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Your body at 29 weeks

Why Your Walk Changes at 29 Weeks

Your Walk May Be Changing, and That Is Common

At 29 weeks, many pregnant people notice that their usual movements feel different. You might feel less steady on your feet or notice that you are standing or walking with your feet a bit wider apart. These changes are common and are usually part of how your body adapts to pregnancy.

The Role of Hormones: Softer Ligaments

A hormone called relaxin is one reason for these changes. It helps loosen the ligaments and joints, especially in the pelvis. This added flexibility may help the pelvis make room for birth.

Ligaments in your whole body can become looser during pregnancy, not just in the pelvis. Many providers suggest wearing comfortable shoes with good arch support.

Center of Gravity and Balance

As your baby grows, your center of gravity moves forward. Your body often adjusts your posture and how you place your feet to help you stay balanced. This can make your walk look different, sometimes described as more of a waddle. Be extra careful on wet or uneven surfaces, and use handrails on stairs.

When to Contact Your Provider

Call your OB-GYN or midwife if you have sharp pain in the pubic area or lower back that makes it hard to move around, or if you develop a limp, tingling, or numbness in your legs. Call right away or seek emergency care if you have sudden weakness, severe pain, or swelling in one leg, or if you fall.

Common symptoms at 29 weeks

Shortness of breath

Your growing uterus presses up on your diaphragm, so a deep breath may feel harder to get. Sitting up straight, taking breaks, and moving slowly can make it feel easier.

Heartburn

Hormones relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus, and a full stomach pushes acid upward. Smaller meals, staying upright after eating, and avoiding late-night snacks often help.

Leg cramps

Cramps in the calves, often at night, are common this late in pregnancy. Gently stretching your calf before bed and staying hydrated may ease them.

Swelling in feet and ankles

Extra fluid in the body can cause mild swelling, especially after standing for a long time. Resting with your feet raised and wearing supportive shoes may help, and sudden swelling in the face or hands is worth reporting to your care team.

Braxton Hicks contractions

Your belly may tighten for a bit and then relax, without a steady pattern. Changing position, drinking water, or resting often helps these tightenings pass.

Hip and pelvic discomfort

Relaxin loosens the joints around your pelvis, which can cause aching or pressure in the hips and groin. Supportive pillows between your knees in bed and gentle movement may bring some relief.

Your week 29 checklist

Keep a note of your baby's movements each day and share any big changes with your care team. Ask your care team about your blood count and whether your glucose screening is complete. Plan for a Tdap vaccine, which is often offered between 27 and 36 weeks. Sleep on your side with pillows for support when you can. Pack a water bottle and healthy snacks for appointments and outings. Start thinking about your birth plan and questions for your next visit.

Tests and appointments

Glucose screening. A blood test or drink test, usually offered between 24 and 28 weeks, checks for gestational diabetes if it has not been done yet.
Tdap vaccine. This vaccine helps protect your baby from whooping cough, and it is commonly given in the late second or third trimester.
Rh blood test and RhoGAM. If your blood type is Rh-negative, your care team may offer RhoGAM around 28 weeks to protect your baby's blood.

For your partner: You can help by keeping track of appointments, questions, and any changes in how your partner feels. Offering to massage tired feet, help with pillows for sleep, or handle chores can make a real difference right now.

Questions about week 29

How many months is 29 weeks pregnant?

29 weeks pregnant is about 6.5 months. You are in month 7 of pregnancy and the third trimester.

What trimester is 29 weeks?

Week 29 is in the third trimester. The first trimester runs through week 13, the second from week 14 to 27 and the third from week 28 until birth.

What is happening with the baby at 29 weeks?

At 29 weeks, the baby is often about 38–39 cm (15–15.4 in) long and weighs around 1,250 g (2.8 lb), about the size of a butternut squash. Fat is building under the skin, which helps the baby stay warm after birth.

Why does my hip hurt when I walk at 29 weeks?

Relaxin loosens the joints in your pelvis, and your weight shifts as the baby grows. This can cause hip or groin aching. Gentle stretching, supportive shoes, and rest often help. Let your care team know if the pain is severe or comes with other symptoms.

How often should I feel my baby move at 29 weeks?

Many care teams suggest tracking movements daily and noticing your baby's normal pattern. Changes in how often your baby moves are worth sharing with your care team, even if you are unsure.

Is it normal to feel short of breath at 29 weeks?

Yes, it is common because your growing uterus pushes against your diaphragm. Sitting upright and pacing activities can help. Contact your care team right away if you have chest pain, trouble breathing at rest, or a sudden cough.

Safe or not?

Generally OKCan you lift weights while pregnant?Generally OKCan I eat cream cheese while pregnant?LimitCan I eat sushi while pregnant?Ask your doctorCan you drink kombucha while pregnant?

Guides for this stage

Medical careBirth plan: how to make a document for your care team ExerciseBreathing Techniques for Labor Contractions and Pushing Trying to conceiveCord Blood Banking: Is a Storage Contract Worth It?Medical careWhat fetal heart rate monitoring is and why it is often used near the end of pregnancy

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Learn more

NIH: Pregnancy (NICHD)
CDC: Pregnancy

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General information only; it does not replace advice from your doctor or midwife.