Is your little one more active in the womb? That's indeed one sign of fetal development 29 weeks. In addition, pregnant women also often experience several complaints during this gestational age, such as constipation and mood swings. Entering 29 weeks of pregnancy, pregnant women may be impatient to wait for the day of delivery and meet their baby. Therefore, it is important to know any developments in the 29th week of pregnancy.

29 Weeks Fetal Development

At the beginning of this third trimester of pregnancy, the average size of the fetus is the size of a small pumpkin with a weight of about 1–1.2 kg and a body length of about 38–38.5 cm. Not only that, the 29-week fetus will also experience various developments as follows:

1. The movement of the fetus and its position in the uterus

At this gestational age, the position of the fetal head is at the bottom of the uterus and facing the birth canal. However, if the position of the head is still at the top of the uterus, pregnant women do not need to worry because the position can still move closer to the time of delivery.

At week 29, the fetus is already moving more actively in the womb. Pregnant women can even feel 10 kicks in an hour. If your little one is not very active, pregnant women can lure him by drinking cold water or playing a song. If these methods are not effective and the fetus is still less active or suddenly stops moving, pregnant women are advised to immediately consult a doctor.

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2. Head and brain development

The size of the fetal head will get bigger to support the very fast brain growth in the womb. The fetal brain has also begun to form wrinkles to create extra space for the brain's nerve cells and tissues to grow and develop.

3. Growth of genital organs

If the fetus is a boy, the testicles begin to descend from near the kidneys to the scrotum or testicles. Whereas in female fetuses, the clitoris will be more formed at this gestational age.

4. Bone formation

As the gestational age increases, the fetal bones will harden. Approximately 200–250 mg of calcium is absorbed by his bones each day. This is equivalent to the amount of calcium pregnant women get by drinking a small glass of milk.

5. Lung development

The lungs of the fetus at 29 weeks are not perfect. However, the air sacs or alveoli in his lungs have started to produce surfactant substances that function to lubricate the lungs so they can expand better. In addition to the various developments above, the 29-week fetus has also begun to be able to regulate its own body temperature and open and close its eyes. His hearing was getting better and the bone marrow began to produce red blood cells.

Some conditions that can be experienced by pregnant women

Along with the growth and development of the fetus at 29 weeks of gestation, the pregnant woman's body will experience various conditions or complaints, such as:

1. Stomach bloating and constipation

During pregnancy, the body produces the hormone progesterone, which relaxes smooth muscle tissue throughout the body, including the digestive tract. The weakening of the digestive tract muscles plus the presence of the fetus in the stomach will slow down the process of digesting food. This condition can cause pregnant women to often experience flatulence and constipation.

2. Hemorrhoids

The uterus is getting bigger and the amount of blood is getting more and more are some of the factors that cause hemorrhoids. This condition is even fairly common during pregnancy. Pregnant women can relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids by increasing their fiber intake from food. Even so, hemorrhoids will usually heal within a few weeks after pregnant women give birth.

3. Varicose veins

Varicose veins are one of the problems that are often experienced by pregnant women. This condition occurs when the uterus presses on the large veins that carry blood from the legs to the heart. Varicose veins are characterized by veins that look bigger and bigger. Sometimes, varicose veins can cause discomfort in the calves or feet. However, this condition usually gets better on its own 3–12 months after delivery.

4. Body aches

Entering the 29th week of pregnancy, the pregnant woman's body weight will increase. Muscle tissue and ligaments in the body will also be more elastic and stretched by the day of delivery. Therefore, do not be surprised if pregnant women feel pain in certain body parts, such as back, legs, or waist.

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To support the growth and development of a 29-week fetus and body condition during pregnancy, pregnant women are recommended to eat foods that contain protein, vitamin C, calcium, folic acid, and iron.

To meet these nutritional needs, pregnant women can consume nutritious food plus pregnancy supplements according to doctor's recommendations. In addition, pregnant women are also recommended to do light exercise to support their health before giving birth, but the type of exercise and the duration must be according to the doctor's advice, yes.

To continue to monitor the development of the 29-week fetus, pregnant women are advised to have regular check-ups with the doctor. Pregnant women can also notify the doctor regarding any discomfort that appears so that they can get appropriate treatment for the pregnant woman's condition.

29 Weeks Fetal Development and Conditions Pregnant Women Can Experience