29 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Growth, Breathlessness & Nesting

29 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Growth, Breathlessness & Nesting

At 29 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a butternut pumpkin and is piling on weight. Their kicks and jabs are getting stronger, and you might even see a little hand or foot move across your bump. It's a great time to get your nursery ready.

Baby's size
About the size of a butternut pumpkin (around 39cm head to heel, 1.2kg)
Big development
Laying down fat and building stronger bones
Common symptoms
Shortness of breath, heartburn, feeling hot and constipation
This week
Start setting up your nursery

What's happening this week

Your baby is fully formed and now needs time to grow and mature. Their weight will roughly triple between now and birth.

Filling out

Smoother skin

Fat is building up under your baby's skin, making it smoother and less see-through. The soft lanugo hair is starting to shed, though vernix still protects their skin.

Stronger

Bones and muscles

Your baby's bones are getting denser and their muscles are stronger, so their movements may be more forceful. You might see a hand or foot pushing against your bump.

Brain

Wiring up

Your baby's brain is growing fast and developing its folds. A protective coating called myelin is forming around nerves, helping signals travel quickly.

Keep getting to know your baby's pattern of movements. There's no set number of kicks to count. If movements slow down, stop or change, contact your hospital straight away. Here's more about your baby's movements.

Symptoms at 29 weeks pregnant

  • Shortness of breath. Your uterus is pushing up on your diaphragm. Sit and stand up straight, slow down and rest, and prop yourself up with pillows at night. It often eases when your baby drops lower in the last few weeks.
  • Heartburn. Small meals, sitting upright after eating and finishing dinner a few hours before bed can help. Here's how to ease heartburn.
  • Feeling hot. Your extra blood volume can make you feel warm. Wear light, loose cotton clothes, drink plenty of water and use a fan.
  • Bleeding gums. Brush gently twice a day, floss daily and see your dentist for a check-up and clean.
  • Constipation and haemorrhoids. Fibre, water and gentle exercise help. If you think iron supplements are the cause, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
  • Headaches. Rest, drink water and eat regularly.

Call 000 if you have chest pain or sudden, severe breathlessness. Contact your hospital straight away if your baby's movements change, or if you have a severe or ongoing headache, blurred vision, sudden swelling, pain under your ribs, bleeding or fluid leaking from your vagina.

Getting your nursery ready

With around 11 weeks to go, now is a great time to set up your baby's space while you still have the energy. Think about it in zones, and remember your baby should sleep in your room for the first 6 to 12 months. Here's how to set up a safe sleep space.

Sleep
A bassinet or cot that meets the Australian Standard, a firm, well-fitting mattress, fitted sheets and safe sleeping bags or swaddles.See the sleep list
Changing
A change mat on a stable surface, nappies, wipes, nappy cream and a nappy bin, all within arm's reach.See the baby changing list
Feeding
A comfortable chair with good back support, a feeding pillow, and a small table for water and burp cloths.
Comfort
A room thermometer, block-out curtains and a dim night light for night feeds, plus a baby monitor for when your baby naps in another room.

Planning ahead

  • Check your leave dates. You can usually start unpaid parental leave up to six weeks before your due date. Here's how to plan your parental leave.
  • Plan your handover at work early, so you're not rushing if your baby arrives sooner than expected.
  • Talk about partner leave. Some government Parental Leave Pay days are reserved for partners, so check what your partner is entitled to.
  • Start your hospital bag, and aim to have it packed by 36 weeks. Our pregnancy checklist can help.

Your to-do list for week 29

Helpful for this stage

The sleep listEverything for your baby's sleep spaceSee the list Cots and cot bedsA safe place to sleep for yearsShop cots Baby monitorsPeace of mind from the next roomShop monitors

Week 29 FAQs

How many kicks should I feel at 29 weeks?

There's no set number. Every baby has their own pattern, so the most important thing is to get to know what's normal for yours. If your baby's movements slow down, stop or change, contact your hospital straight away.

Why am I short of breath at 29 weeks pregnant?

Your growing uterus pushes up on your diaphragm, leaving your lungs less room, and pregnancy hormones make you breathe more deeply. It often eases when your baby drops lower in the last weeks. Call 000 if you have chest pain or sudden, severe breathlessness.

What do I need in the nursery?

The essentials are a safe cot or bassinet with a firm, well-fitting mattress, fitted sheets and sleeping bags, plus a place to change nappies and somewhere comfortable to feed. Our sleep list and baby changing list cover everything in detail.

When can I start maternity leave in Australia?

Under the Fair Work rules, you can usually start unpaid parental leave up to six weeks before your due date, or earlier if your employer agrees. If you keep working in the last six weeks, your employer may ask for a medical certificate saying you're fit to work.

Is it normal to feel hot during pregnancy?

Yes. Your extra blood volume and a faster metabolism can make you feel warmer than usual. Wear light, loose clothing, drink plenty of water and use a fan. See your doctor if you have a fever.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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