Pregnancy Week By Week

29 Weeks Pregnant: Development, Symptoms and Care

At 29 weeks pregnant, sleep, movement and everyday comfort may need a little more planning. Your baby is continuing to grow, and your care team can help you work out what matters for your own pregnancy. Feeling well does not mean you should skip your appointments.

Your baby’s development at 29 weeks

Your baby’s bone marrow is beginning to produce red blood cells. Breathing movements are becoming more regular, although the lungs still need time to mature. These are developmental changes inside the uterus, not signs that your baby is ready to be born.

Body changes and getting comfortable

Finding a comfortable position in bed can be harder as your bump grows. Try a pillow between your knees or supporting your bump. If pain, reflux or worry is repeatedly keeping you awake, bring it up with your midwife or GP.

Start every sleep on your side from 28 weeks, including naps. Either side is suitable. If you wake on your back, turn onto your side and settle again. You do not need to stay awake checking your position.

Your baby’s movements

There is no universal daily number of kicks. What matters is your baby’s usual strength and pattern. Call your midwife, doctor or maternity unit immediately if movements reduce, become weaker or change in a way that worries you.

Do not wait overnight, use a home Doppler or try food or a cold drink for reassurance. If you cannot reach your care team, go to the nearest hospital maternity or emergency unit. Movements should continue through the rest of pregnancy and during birth.

Check your results and vaccinations

If you have not received the results of recent blood tests or your glucose tolerance test, ask who will explain them. If testing was missed or you could not complete it, contact your team for an individual plan rather than assuming the opportunity has passed.

Whooping cough vaccination is recommended in each pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks. The maternal RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, is recommended in each pregnancy from 28 weeks, with vaccination by the end of 36 weeks encouraged. Review what you have already received with your clinician before booking.

You can ask what a proposed test or vaccination is for, its benefits and risks, and how it fits your care. Our prenatal care guide can help you organise questions.

Preparing at your own pace

Antenatal classes can be useful for questions about labour, feeding and early parenting. A support person may like to come too. Ask your maternity service what options are available, including online sessions if travel or timing is difficult.

If you are staying active, choose activities that feel comfortable and follow any individual advice you have been given. Check with your care team before beginning something new or if exercise causes concern.

When to seek medical help

In Australia, call 000 for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain or collapse. Do not drive yourself if faint or very unwell.

Contact your GP, midwife or hospital immediately for vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, fever, vomiting that prevents drinking, severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling or pain under your ribs. Regular or painful contractions, pelvic pressure or persistent lower back or abdominal pain before 37 weeks may be signs of early labour: call your maternity team and go to hospital. Seek urgent care if your usual team is unavailable.