Your baby is growing week by week during pregnancy. Both the change in the mother and the development of the baby continue rapidly. So, what are the developments in the baby in 29 weeks of pregnancy? What are the changes in the mother? How does the baby look in the 29th week of pregnancy? How many months will the 29-week baby be? 

Yeditepe University Hospitals Gynecology and Obstetrics Department Head and IVF Specialist Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar answered these questions about the 29th week of pregnancy.

How Big is a 29-Week Baby?

Your baby now weighs just over 1.2 kilograms and measures about 38.6 centimeters from head to heel.

Baby Development at 29 Weeks of Pregnancy

As your baby's once smooth-surfaced brain becomes more complex, it acquires new folds and grooves. These wrinkles increase the surface area of your baby's brain and provide extra space for cells to grow. Your baby is beginning to store a lot of fatty tissue to help the brain increase in size in the coming weeks. By the end of the third trimester, your baby's brain will have created billions of new cells and will be 3 times its current size.

Its hearing is now developed enough to hear your heartbeat and even your voice. Immediately after birth, it will be able to recognize your voice.

Your baby will be more active, and you will be able to perceive this more easily. It is normal to feel 10 movements in an average of 2 hours. Do not panic if you do not feel it!  Change your position a few times, drink some cold water, do a light massage on your tummy or back, and listen to music to help it move. If you still feel a lack of movement, do not hesitate to call your doctor.

Your baby's bones continue to harden. About 200 milligrams of calcium are deposited in the skeleton every day. Other vitamins and minerals are also essential for your baby's developing bones, so try to eat a balanced diet.

Changes in the Mother at 29 Weeks of Pregnancy

Have you started to notice swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet? Unfortunately, swelling (edema) is very common during pregnancy. If you are on your feet a lot, make sure you wear comfortable shoes and rest regularly. If possible, try to lie down and rest for an hour every day with your feet elevated above the level of your heart.

You may also notice that the swelling affects your hands. If your fingers are sore, weakened, numb or you often feel pinpricks, you may have "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome". To alleviate the symptoms, rest your hands frequently in an elevated position. A wrist splint can also help with symptoms that may increase, especially at night.

In some rare cases, sudden swelling can be a sign of a serious condition called pre-eclampsia. If your face, hands, or feet suddenly swelling, contact your doctor immediately. Other symptoms of pre-eclampsia include severe headache, blurred vision, and pain or tenderness under the ribs.

Now that you are in the last trimester of your pregnancy, you are likely to have a bigger appetite to meet the increased growth rate of your baby. But keep in mind that experts believe that a daily intake of only 200 extra calories is sufficient.