Your baby this week

About as heavy as a medium phool gobi (cauliflower, 5–6 in head, with leaves).

Your baby's brain is developing fast. Their head is growing to keep up.

Their bones are formed, but stay soft to allow for birth.

You this week

Practice contractions and heartburn are often worse now.

Your prenatal visits are usually more frequent now. Often every two weeks.

Week 29 of pregnancy

Your baby this week

About 1350 g (estimated weight; Source: WHO fetal growth charts (Kiserud et al., PLoS Med 2017)) — about as heavy as a medium phool gobi (cauliflower, 5–6 in head, with leaves) (Source: USDA SR Legacy (FoodData Central) FDC 169986 'Cauliflower, raw': portion '1 head medium (5-6" dia.)' = 588 g edible portion; SR28 FOOD_DES refuse 61% (Leaf stalks, cores and trimmings). As-purchased weight = 588 / (1 - 0.61) = 1507.7 g.). Every baby grows a little differently.

How your baby is developing

  • The brain is developing rapidly, and the head is growing to accommodate this.UNSW Embryology (CC-BY)
  • Bones are fully formed but remain soft and pliable to allow for growth and birth.UNSW Embryology (CC-BY)

How you may feel

  • Braxton Hicks contractions and heartburn are commonly more noticeable.NHS
  • Prenatal visits are typically scheduled more frequently from here (often every two weeks until 36 weeks).ACOG

Nutrition this week

  • Iron — build fetal stores for the first 6 months of life (Red meat)
  • DHA (omega-3) — peak fetal brain + eye growth
  • Calcium — final bone mineralisation (Dairy)

Tests & scans

  • Anti-D prophylaxis if Rh-negative
  • Repeat Hb

When to reach out

  • Heavy vaginal bleeding or passing clots.ACOG
  • Severe or persistent abdominal or pelvic pain.ACOG
  • Severe, persistent nausea or vomiting that prevents keeping any fluids down (possible hyperemesis gravidarum).NHS
  • Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, or chills.WHO
  • Severe dizziness, fainting, or a racing/irregular heartbeat.NHS
  • Pain or burning when urinating (possible urinary tract infection).NHS
  • A severe or persistent headache that doesn't improve.ACOG
  • Sudden swelling of the face, hands, or feet.ACOG
  • Visual disturbances — blurring, flashing lights, or spots.ACOG
  • Regular contractions, pelvic pressure, or low back pain before 37 weeks (possible signs of preterm labor).ACOG
  • Fluid leaking or gushing from the vagina (possible ruptured membranes).NHS
  • Persistent pain in the upper abdomen, especially under the ribs on the right side.ACOG
  • A noticeable reduction in the baby's usual movements, or no movement felt — contact your midwife or doctor promptly rather than waiting; do not wait until the next appointment.ACOG
  • Regular, painful contractions before 37 weeks, or any contraction pattern that concerns you near term.ACOG
  • Waters breaking, or blood-stained ('bloody show') discharge — a normal sign labor may be starting at term, but call your midwife or doctor to be checked.NHS

These apply to this week specifically. See the full list of urgent warning signs the CDC publishes for pregnancy and the year after birth.

Part of the Third trimester (weeks 28–42).

Educational reference only — not medical advice. Typical/average figures; every pregnancy differs. Always consult your doctor or midwife. Seek urgent care for any warning sign.

Tips for this stage

  • Extra calcium — ragi, milk, paneer, nachniSource: ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians (2024)
  • Dates — a traditional snack, especially in the final weeks before labour; studies of date consumption late in pregnancy (last ~4 weeks) link it to more spontaneous labour onsetSource: Al-Kuran et al. 2011, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 31(1)
  • Warm ghee milk at bedtimeSource: ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians (2024)
  • Light, warm meals preferredSource: NHS — Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy

Checklist

  • Hospital pre-registrationSource: ACOG patient education — preparing for labor and delivery
  • Baby essentials shoppingSource: NHS — Pack your bag for labour