What to expect at 29 weeks pregnant

Your baby

Say cheese! This week your baby’s brain is continuing to develop and senses are becoming more acute and so this week your baby might even begin to smile! Baby’s skull is growing and forming to accommodate the ever-increasing brain. Baby is now also developing a special layer of fat called brown adipose tissue (BAT) which will help keep them warm once born. Baby weighs around 1.2kg now but will almost triple that (if not more) by birth.

How you’re feeling

Feeling itchy? Your skin is stretching to accommodate baby’s rapid growth right now, so keep applying that moisturiser or stretch mark cream diligently and drinking lots of water!Baby is also starting to run out of space in the womb so you’re likely to start feeling more movement now, and they’re probably going to be stronger kicks and jabs as baby struggles to find space – it won’t be doing summersaults for much longer as it will soon run out of space!

Weekly tip

Around about now your doctor or midwife will probably tell you to start monitoring baby’s movements, ensuring you feel baby move or kick every day and to let them know if the activity slows down or changes significantly. If you haven’t felt baby move, try lying down, playing some music, or drinking some iced water (or you can try something fizzy or with a little hit of sugar) and if you’re still worried always call your doctor.