Week 29: Your Baby Is Gaining Weight Fast

From now on, your baby is gaining approximately 200 grams per week! Fat stores are building up and making the body rounder and warmer. The brain is developing at a rapid pace with new folds on the surface that create space for billions of nerve connections. Your baby is more and more ready for life outside the womb.

Your baby now weighs around 1,100–1,300 grams and measures approximately 39 cm from head to heel. The skeleton is fully formed, but the bones are still soft and flexible — absolutely necessary for the passage through the birth canal. The baby is beginning to regulate its own body temperature to a degree, though still dependent on your warmth.

You are now well into the third trimester, with around 11 weeks left until your due date. Your body is working hard, and many people notice that the fatigue from the first trimester has returned.

Baby's Development

Size and Growth

Length: About 39 cm from head to heel
Weight: About 1,100–1,300 grams (over 1 kg!)
Comparison: The size of a butternut squash
Weight gain: About 200 grams per week from now on

Key Developmental Milestones

Rapid weight gain: 200 grams per week — mostly fat stores
Brain development: The surface is developing folds (gyri) for more nerve cells
Skeleton: All bones fully formed, but still soft and flexible
Temperature regulation: Beginning to regulate its own body temperature
Role of fat: Provides energy after birth and keeps the baby warm
Bone marrow: Has completely taken over as the producer of red blood cells
Movements: Still active, but the pattern changes as space decreases

Brain Development — Folds Provide Capacity

One of the most fascinating developments during this period is that the brain's surface is beginning to develop clear folds. A smooth brain has limited surface area for nerve cells, while the folds (gyri) and furrows (sulci) provide enormously more space — approximately three times as much surface area as a smooth brain.

This folding process starts now and continues through the rest of pregnancy and into the first years of life. The folds make it possible for the brain to contain billions of nerve cells within the limited space inside the skull.

The brain continues to use approximately half of all the energy the baby receives through the placenta. Good nutrition with enough iron, omega-3, and protein is important to support this rapid development.

The Skeleton — Soft and Flexible

All 206 bones in the skeleton are fully formed, but they are still soft and flexible. This is absolutely necessary for the baby to pass through the birth canal. The bones of the skull are separated by soft spaces called fontanelles, which allow the head to be shaped during birth.

Calcium is gradually being incorporated into the bones, making them harder. The process continues after birth and is not complete until the child reaches their late teens. Make sure you are getting enough calcium (around 1,000 mg daily according to WHO/AAP guidelines) and vitamin D (600–800 IU daily) to support your baby's bone development.

Your Body

Common Symptoms

Shortness of breath: The uterus is pushing the diaphragm upward
Fatigue: The tiredness from the first trimester may return
Digestive problems: Heartburn, constipation, and bloating
Round ligament pain: Short, sharp pains in the groin
Weight gain: Normal and necessary for the baby
Swelling: Feet and ankles swell more toward the evening
Sleep problems: Frequent urination, heartburn, and restless legs

Shortness of Breath — What Is Happening?

Shortness of breath is common in the third trimester and is caused by the uterus pushing the diaphragm upward. This does not mean the baby is getting too little oxygen — the placenta ensures a good supply regardless.

Mild shortness of breath is normal, but sudden severe breathlessness, chest pain, or blue-tinged lips require immediate medical attention.

Tips for managing shortness of breath:

Sit and stand upright to give your lungs as much room as possible
Take breaks when climbing stairs or exerting yourself
Sleep with your upper body elevated
Move at a pace that feels comfortable
Breathing becomes easier again when the baby descends into the pelvis in the final weeks

Good to Know

Prenatal Checkup in the Third Trimester

Prenatal appointments become more frequent in the third trimester. At a typical third-trimester checkup, the following is checked:

Blood pressure: Important for detecting preeclampsia early
Urine sample: Checks for protein and glucose
Fundal height measurement: Measures the uterus size to assess baby's growth
Heartbeat: Your midwife listens to the baby's heartbeat
Blood sample: Hemoglobin is checked to rule out anemia
Fetal movements: Discussion about the baby's movement pattern

Prepare by writing down questions in advance. Bring up topics that concern you — your midwife is there to help.

Iron and Supplements

Iron needs increase in the third trimester because blood volume is at its highest. Iron supplementation may be recommended based on your ferritin levels:

Ferritin 30–70: 40 mg iron daily
Ferritin below 30: 60 mg iron daily
Ferritin below 12: Start immediately with a higher dose

Iron-rich foods include red meat, lentils, beans, chickpeas, spinach, and whole grains. Combine with vitamin C (bell pepper, broccoli, orange) for better absorption. Avoid taking iron supplements with milk, coffee, or tea — these inhibit absorption.

Fetal Movements — Get to Know the Pattern

From around week 28–29, it is important to get familiar with your baby's movement pattern. There is no fixed rule for the number of kicks, but you should feel regular activity.

Tips:

Notice when the baby is most active (often in the evening)
Feel for movements after meals
A quiet moment on the sofa is perfect for checking in
The baby has sleeping and active periods — a quiet interval is normal

Contact your midwife or labor and delivery unit if you notice a clear change — for example, if the baby is much quieter than usual. It is always better to check once too many times.

Plan the Postpartum Period

Now is a good time to plan for the weeks after birth:

Food: Batch cook and freeze meals now, so you don't have to think about cooking in the first few weeks
Help: Talk with family and friends about who can help — with cooking, grocery shopping, older children
Visitors: Arrange with family that the first few days are just for you — visitors can wait a few days
Work handover: Start handing over responsibilities and preparing your colleagues
Hospital bag: Start thinking about what you need — use a checklist to stay organized

Breastfeeding — Prepare Yourself

WHO and AAP recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, and continuing breastfeeding alongside solid foods after that.

Preparation you can do now:

Read up on breastfeeding basics
Many hospitals offer breastfeeding classes
Birth preparation classes typically cover breastfeeding
Talk to your midwife about any questions
La Leche League and similar organizations offer excellent support

Useful to know:

Most people can breastfeed with the right support
The first days, the breast produces colostrum (early milk)
Milk production is regulated by supply and demand
Skin-to-skin contact after birth stimulates the feeding reflex
Good support is available if it is challenging

You don't need to decide now — just gather enough knowledge to feel prepared.

Exercise in the Third Trimester

It is safe and recommended to exercise throughout pregnancy according to WHO and ACOG guidelines.

Good activities now:

Swimming (a wonderful relief for the body)
Walking (adjust pace to how you feel that day)
Prenatal yoga
Prenatal exercise classes for the third trimester
Pelvic floor exercises daily

Adaptations for the third trimester:

Reduce intensity if needed
Avoid exercises lying on your back
Take more frequent breaks
Listen to your body — stop if something hurts
Drink extra water during exercise

Benefits of staying active:

Less back pain
Better sleep
More energy
Body is prepared for birth
Faster recovery after birth

For Your Partner

Help with practical preparations — nursery, baby clothes, and equipment
Offer extra support with housework — fatigue can make daily life heavier
Talk together about who can help in the first weeks after birth
Read up on breastfeeding together, so you both know what to expect
Start batch cooking and freezing meals — an investment in the postpartum period

Tips for Week 29

Monitor fetal movements: Get familiar with the baby's usual pattern — contact your midwife if you notice a clear change
Eat iron-rich food: Red meat, beans, lentils, and whole grains give the extra iron your body needs. Combine with vitamin C
Plan your parental leave: Notify your employer in good time and learn about your entitlements
Pelvic floor exercises: Daily exercises prepare your body for birth and help with recovery afterward
Batch cook and freeze: Start making extra portions of meals and freeze them for the postpartum period
Prepare for your checkup: Write down questions you want to raise with your midwife
Birth plan: Continue thinking through your wishes for the birth

When to Contact a Doctor

Contact your doctor or midwife if you experience:

A clear change in the baby's usual movement pattern
Constant pressure or pushing downward in the pelvis that does not ease
Shortness of breath that worsens at rest or is accompanied by chest pain
Persistent headache or vision disturbances
Sudden severe swelling in the face or hands
Regular contractions that do not stop with rest
Bleeding or watery discharge from the vagina

Did You Know?

200 grams per week: Your baby is gaining approximately 200 grams per week from now on — the weight of a large orange every week! Most of this weight is important fat stores that provide energy and keep the baby warm after birth.
The skeleton is flexible: The skeleton is fully formed, but the bones are still soft and flexible. The bones of the skull have gaps between them (fontanelles) that allow the head to be shaped during birth. The fontanelles close gradually during the first year of life.
The brain is folding: Your baby's brain is now developing folds on the surface (gyri). A smooth brain has limited room for nerve cells, while folds provide approximately three times as much surface area — and thus room for many more nerve connections.
Skin-to-skin is important: The baby has now developed the ability to regulate its own body temperature to a degree, but still depends on your body warmth. After birth, skin-to-skin contact is important for helping the baby stay warm — and for bonding.
Bone marrow has taken over: From this week, the bone marrow produces all red blood cells. Previously, they were made by the liver and spleen. This transition is an important maturation step showing that the body is preparing for life outside the womb.

Common Questions About Week 29

Is it normal to feel exhausted again?

Yes, many people find that the fatigue from the first trimester returns in the third trimester. Your body is working hard to support the baby's rapid growth, blood volume is at its peak, and sleep quality is often poorer. Rest when you can, and don't be afraid to ask for help with daily tasks.

How many movements should I feel daily?

There is no fixed rule for the number of kicks, but you should feel regular activity. Get to know your baby's movement pattern — when it is most active and when it rests. If you notice a clear change — for example, if the baby is much quieter than usual — contact your midwife or labor and delivery unit. Trust your instincts.

Do I need iron supplements now?

It depends on your iron stores. A blood test can check your ferritin level — if it is below 30, supplements are generally recommended. Iron-rich foods like red meat, lentils, beans, and whole grains are important, and vitamin C from fruit and vegetables helps your body absorb iron better. Avoid taking iron supplements with milk, coffee, or tea.

Is it too early to prepare for the postpartum period?

No, this is a perfect time! Think through who can help in the first weeks, start batch cooking and freezing meals, and talk with your partner about the division of responsibilities. Having a practical system in place makes the first weeks with the baby much easier.

What is checked at a prenatal appointment now?

Your midwife checks blood pressure, urine, uterus size (fundal height), baby's heartbeat, and hemoglobin. You also talk about fetal movements and how you are doing. Prepare your questions in advance — it's a good opportunity to bring up any symptoms or concerns.

How much should I be gaining in the third trimester?

According to ACOG and WHO, a total weight gain of 11–16 kg is typical for an entire pregnancy (at a normal pre-pregnancy weight). In the third trimester, about 0.5 kg per week is common. Weight gain is necessary for baby's growth, amniotic fluid, placenta, increased blood volume, and energy reserves for breastfeeding.

Next week: The brain is growing fast and your baby can focus its gaze!