It’s a good idea to keep track of the number of times the baby moves. Ask your health care provider how to do this. If you feel that baby is not moving as much as he or she should, a biophysical profile or a non stress test may be needed.
However, remember that as your pregnancy progresses your baby may seem less active simply because there is that much less space to move about. Baby is bigger and there is less space; so the movements may feel different – you may feel an elbow or a knee being shoved rather painfully into a rib or two. You (and others) may actually be able to see your belly undulate as your baby moves about inside.
Changes in the baby
A significant proportion of the baby’s weight is now made up of fat stores. And the body systems are mature enough that a baby born prematurely as early as this stage has a good chance at survival.
- Baby may respond to your exercising routine either by being lulled to sleep by the motion or becoming very active along with mommy.
- The spleen is mature now and is performing the functions that it is supposed to.
- Baby is now urinating regularly into the amniotic fluid – perhaps as much as half a liter a day.
Changes in the mom to be
You may find yourself getting tired with far less effort now. If you find that working full time is getting too much for you, you may consider starting maternity leave. However many women choose to work right up till their due date, which is OK too. Confer with your doctor to make the best decision for you.
- Constipation can worsen as the digestive system tends to slow down at this stage of pregnancy.
- Gas and bloating may also be a problem.
- You can no longer see your ankles and they may well be swollen as well!
Tips for the 29th Week
Keep up your calcium intake because this is the time when baby needs a lot of the stuff for building strong bones, and you don’t want your own calcium reserves to become depleted.
- Drink skim milk, eat yoghurt and have calcium fortified juices to get this nutrient naturally from food.
- You should make a checklist of baby things that you know will be required. Shop for them so you are well prepared by the time baby arrives. This way you don’t have to rush to the shops urgently.