29 weeks of pregnancy: what happens to the mother and fetus in the 7th month?
Congratulations! You have been pregnant for 29 weeks and, therefore, for 7 months! The belly continues to grow inexorably, as does the little one inside you. You feel it moving and kicking and he or she begins to perfectly distinguish voices, lights and sounds. But what exactly happens inside your body? And at what stage is the fetus developing? To find out this and other curiosities regarding the twenty-ninth week, all you have to do is read this article!
Before reading, watch this video and find out how to pamper your baby while he is still in his belly!
How many months are 29 weeks pregnant?
If it has been 29 weeks since you got pregnant, then it means that you have officially entered the seventh month and, therefore, you have finally reached the third trimester. There is less and less to give birth and to the moment when you can hold your baby in your arms!
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30th week of pregnancy for mom and baby - 7th month of pregnancy 27th week of pregnancy for mother and baby - 7th month of pregnancy 4th week of pregnancy for mom and baby - 1st month of pregnancy © Getty ImagesWhat changes in the mother's body
As time goes by, your belly gets bigger every day. A dark line may appear under your navel ... don't panic, it will disappear after delivery. Due to the pregnancy hormones, all of your tissues, including cartilage and muscles, will become more flexible and your skin will also be more elastic.
During this time, you may feel more tired and heavier than usual. Don't worry, it's normal! The fetus, in fact, continues to grow and your body will inevitably suffer from this "sweet" extra weight, accusing discomfort and pain, especially in the back, stomach and bladder.
Now in the twenty-ninth week of pregnancy, we recommend that you eat fish, especially salmon, mackerel and anchovies, as they are rich in docosahexaenoic, a particular type of fat (omega 3) that facilitates the formation of the nervous system in the fetus.
During the seventh month, it sometimes happens that the mother's breast begins to secrete a thick, yellow substance: it is colostrum, the fluid that precedes the actual milk. It is a nutritious, low-fat and easy-to-digest drink that is perfect for feeding your baby in the first few days of life!
The development of the child
Your baby's growth continues smoothly: he now weighs around 1300 grams and is 41.5 cm long. If we could compare it to a vegetable, we would say that it is the size of a cauliflower. After 7 months, his bones are strengthened thanks to the gradual formation of calcium in the bone skeleton and, at the same time, the structuring of the brain, muscles and lungs proceeds at a rapid pace (in fact, even if he were to be born premature, he would already be able to to breathe). The body fat turns from brown to white and the daily urine production is equal to half a liter. The little one inside you is more and more reactive to external stimuli: in fact, he begins to perceive light, sounds and voices, so it is important to stimulate him by talking to him and making him listen to music.
© Getty ImagesHave you already chosen the name for your baby? If you run out of ideas, get inspired by our list of names for all tastes!
How to take care of the belly
During pregnancy, your body undergoes major hormonal changes. Expectant mothers secrete a hormone, cortisol, which tends to atrophy collagen, the main cause of tissue elasticity. This could lead to the appearance of stretch marks, which appear especially during the last trimester. Do you want to solve the problem? It's all about prevention. Moisturize and soften the skin by applying an anti-stretch mark moisturizer in the morning and in the evening with circular massages: first of all on the stomach (including the lower abdomen and the navel!) And then on the hips, breasts and buttocks.
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Breast in pregnancy: some useful tips
This part of the body, which is subject to enormous changes during pregnancy, has no muscles, but it is important to ensure that it is maintained by working the pectorals. To do this, extend your arms to the side and make small circular movements (15 in one direction and 15 in the other). Then, with your elbows raised and parallel to the ground, push your palms together for 10 seconds. Relax and start over. (To be repeated 10 times).
Back pain in pregnancy? Here's how to do it:
The weight of the belly leads to an increase in lordosis, that is, the curvature of the lumbar spine towards the front. This phenomenon, associated with weight gain and changes in hormonal balance, can lead to compression of the intervertebral discs (the elastic pads that separate the vertebrae) and of the nerves that, starting from the spinal cord, exit the vertebral column. one of the symptoms most often encountered by pregnant women is back pain, associated with lower back pain and pain in the back of the legs and buttocks, due to compression of the sciatic nerve.
© Getty ImagesHere are some positions to adopt to relieve back pain:
- To relax your back, kneel down and, a little at a time, rest your forehead on the floor. Put your arms behind your body, palms facing the ceiling. Stay in this position for a few minutes, breathing deeply.
- To stretch your back and perineum, you can sit with your legs crossed, keeping your hands folded in front of your chest: keep your back straight, raising your arms upwards, above your head. Inhale deeply and slowly. Exhale, relaxing your arms. arms Repeat this exercise until your back feels well "stretched".
- To relieve lower back pain, squat down and put your hands between your thighs. Avoid squeezing your belly. Inhale deeply, as if you want to let air into your belly and lower back. Drop your head forward and breathe through your nose, following your own rhythm.
Twenty-eighth week of pregnancy: some useful tips
- Exercise regularly (postural exercises, walking, bodyweight gymnastics)
- Relax and avoid putting too much effort
- Limit sun exposure as much as possible
- Pay attention to nutrition and follow a rich and varied diet, preferring foods rich in magnesium, calcium, iron and folic acid, such as almonds, lentils, vegetables, fish, apples, nuts and fresh fruit. On the contrary, avoid spicy foods, fatty and fried.
- Drink lots of water
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Baby's room: all the tips
Now that the birth is around the corner, you need to start thinking about where you will welcome your baby. In this way, when you return from the hospital, everything will be ready for reception! Here are some tips on how to create a safe space and hospitable for your little one:
- Choose a non-toxic, water-based paint. The ideal would be a washable paint as soon the walls will be full of fingerprints. There are many odorless paints on the market that dry quickly. Of course, it's not up to you to redecorate the room - pregnant women should definitely avoid making this kind of effort!
- If you want to give this room a personal touch, you can choose wallpaper or stickers! If you like friezes, put them on the upper part of the walls, in order to protect them from any "scribbles" of your child ... As for wallpaper, today there are even washable ones.
- For the floor, perhaps, the best solution is parquet: it is easy to wash, it is warm, it does not retain dust, and it is objectively beautiful. To give a touch of originality, just add a nice rug. If you choose carpet, opt for a natural fiber fabric with anti-mite treatment, to limit the risk of allergies. Vacuum often and ... watch out for stains! Plasticized coatings are difficult to clean.
- Don't forget the cradle: it must be stable, comfortable and rigid. Be careful to choose one that complies with the safety rules of European legislation. From 4 or 6 months, the baby will be able to sleep in a bed with a protective railing. Remember: safety first!
- The changing table is essential and must be chosen with care. It must comply with the safety rules of European legislation, stable and with high side edges.
- When choosing your bath tub, make sure it is stable and rigid. Furthermore, some models are adaptable to bathtubs. A bath thermometer will also be essential to systematically check the water temperature.
- The car seat will soon become your place to observe the world. It is important to check its stability and secure locking system for positions. Before purchasing, consider the presence of other practical details that facilitate use (removable and washable cover, removable tablet, folding model with carrying strap). Regardless of the model chosen, remember that the seat must be placed on the ground and never on the table or bed!
Visits and exams
- Make an appointment for the third ultrasound between the 28th and 32nd week
- Fifth compulsory prenatal gynecological examination
- Blood analysis
- Complete urine examination