BabyBerry29 Weeks Pregnant
Content last reviewed 2026-08-10.
Your baby this week
Baby is about the size of a butternut squash, measuring approximately 15.2 inches and weighing around 2.5 pounds. The bones are actively absorbing large amounts of calcium — about 250 milligrams per day — as the skeleton hardens and strengthens, though the skull remains flexible for delivery. The brain is growing so rapidly that the head is getting bigger to accommodate it, and the brain's surface is becoming more grooved and indented, resembling a walnut. Baby's muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and the adrenal glands are producing hormones that will help stimulate milk production after birth. The baby is also building up white fat deposits beneath the skin, which will help regulate body temperature after birth.
How you may feel
Hemorrhoids and constipation may worsen as the growing uterus puts increasing pressure on the rectum and slows down your digestive system. Finding a comfortable sleeping position is becoming a real challenge — between the belly, back pain, leg cramps, and the need to urinate frequently, uninterrupted sleep feels like a luxury. You may notice more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions as your body ramps up preparation for labor. Heartburn may reach its peak intensity as the uterus pushes the stomach even higher. Varicose veins in the legs and even the vulvar area are possible due to the increased blood volume and pelvic pressure.
Common symptoms
- Frequent urination returns with a vengeance as baby's head presses on your bladder.
- Fatigue resurfaces — growing a baby in the third trimester is exhausting.
- Varicose veins may appear or worsen in your legs and vulvar area.
This week's tips
Boost your calcium intake to at least 1,000 mg daily through dairy products, fortified plant milks, leafy greens, and almonds — your baby is drawing heavily on your calcium stores for bone development. Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods like whole grains, prunes, pears, and beans, and drink at least 10 glasses of water daily to combat constipation. For hemorrhoid relief, try witch hazel pads, warm sitz baths, and avoid straining during bowel movements. Begin doing perineal massage (starting around now) to help prepare the tissue for stretching during delivery and potentially reduce the risk of tearing. Practice prenatal yoga or gentle stretching before bed to help ease your body into sleep.
Eating well
- Eat complex carbohydrates at dinner — brown rice, quinoa, or pasta — to improve sleep.
- Include anti-inflammatory foods like berries, fatty fish, and turmeric.
- Snack on cottage cheese or a small handful of almonds before bed for sustained energy.
Nutrition focus
- Ensure adequate vitamin K (90 mcg/day) — it helps with blood clotting for delivery.
- Continued iron (27 mg/day minimum) is crucial to prevent third-trimester anemia.
Everyday wellbeing
- Compression stockings can significantly reduce leg swelling and varicose veins.
- Limit screen time before bed — blue light disrupts melatonin production.
- Start perineal massage at 34 weeks to reduce tearing risk — learn the technique now.
For your partner
Keep the path from bedroom to bathroom clear and well-lit for her increasingly frequent nighttime trips — remove any tripping hazards and consider a motion-activated nightlight. Help with meal prep for fiber-rich, pregnancy-friendly meals that will help with her digestion issues. If the nursery isn't fully set up yet, prioritize getting the essentials done: crib assembled, car seat installed, and basic supplies stocked. Be prepared that her sleep difficulties may affect her mood — offer extra patience, emotional support, and perhaps take on more morning tasks so she can rest a bit longer.
Signs to mention to your provider
- Constant leaking of fluid (not urine) could be a slow amniotic fluid leak.
- Sharp chest pain or coughing up blood could indicate a pulmonary embolism — call 911.
- Blood in your urine or severe flank pain may signal a kidney stone or infection.
Disclaimer: BabyBerry is for general information and self-tracking. It is not a medical device and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.