Is your little one more active in the womb? That's indeed one sign of fetal development 29 weeks. In addition, at 29 weeks pregnant, pregnant women may also experience some complaints, such as constipation and mood swings.
Entering 29 weeks of pregnancy, pregnant women may be impatient to wait for the day to give birth. However, what about the development of the fetus in the 29th week of pregnancy? Let's explore the answer.
29 Weeks Fetal Development
At the beginning of the 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. Fetal position and movement
At this gestational age, the position of the fetal head may already be at the bottom of the uterus 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 usually the position can move closer to the time of delivery.
At week 29, the fetus is already moving more and more actively in the womb. Pregnant women can even feel 10 kicks in a period of 2 hours.
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.
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. Development of sex organs
If the fetus is a boy, the testicles begin to descend from near the kidneys to the scrotum or testicles. While in female fetuses, the clitoris will be more visible through ultrasound examination.
4. Bone development
As the gestational age increases, the fetal bones will harden. Approximately 200-250 mg of calcium is absorbed by the 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 (alveoli) in his lungs have started to produce surfactant substances. This substance serves 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, as well as 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 in the womb, in the 29th week of pregnancy, the pregnant woman's body may experience various conditions or complaints, such as:
1. Flatulence and constipation
During pregnancy, the body produces the hormone progesterone, which relaxes smooth muscle tissue throughout the body, including the pregnant woman's 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 feel bloated and constipated.
2. Hemorrhoids
The growing uterus and the increasing number of pregnant women's blood are some of the factors that cause hemorrhoids. This condition is even fairly common during pregnancy. However, 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 blood vessels that look increasingly enlarged. Sometimes, varicose veins can cause discomfort in the calves or feet.
However, this condition usually gets better on its own after 3 – 12 months after giving birth.
4. Body aches
Entering the 29th week of pregnancy, the pregnant woman's body weight will increase. The muscle tissue and ligaments in the pregnant woman's body will also be more elastic and stretch before the day of delivery. Therefore, do not be surprised if pregnant women will feel pain in certain body parts, such as back, legs, or waist.
If pregnant women feel uncomfortable with the various conditions above, pregnant women can consult a gynecologist. The same is true if pregnant women experience vaginal bleeding, swelling, severe headache, or sudden severe abdominal pain.
In addition, pregnant women are also recommended to eat foods that contain protein, vitamin C, calcium, folic acid, and iron, to support the growth and development of a 29-week fetus.
To meet these nutritional needs, pregnant women can consume nutritious food plus pregnancy supplements according to doctor's recommendations.