29 weeks pregnant

What to expect this week

What's happening in week 29

Week 29 and your baby will double in size between now and birth!

Your baby at week 29

At week 29 the average baby measures around 39cm and might weigh close to 2lbs but this will vary from baby to baby. Their skin is smoothing out as they continue to put on fat which is now for energy rather than temperature regulation.

The Vernix Caseosa (the waxy white substance which has been protecting it from the effects of the amniotic fluid) is beginning to disappear, as is the soft downy hair (lanugo) which has covered its body (although you might still see traces of both at birth).

Your baby's eyes are starting to focus now, too – just imagine how their little world currently appears to them!

Amazingly the buds in their gums for their baby teeth have already formed, and they’re now beginning to develop buds ready for the permanent to teeth.

If you’re having a boy, their testicles will have now descended from near their kidneys through the groin and into the scrotum.

You at 29 weeks pregnant

If you haven't already decided who is going to be your birth partner, or should you need a 'back up' partner if your baby's dad could be delayed getting to the hospital, now could be the time to give it some serious thought! Your birth partner will offer you moral and practical support during labour, and speak to medical staff on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
If your partner cannot be at the birth for whatever reason, or you have both decided he won't be (which is a totally personal preference – some men might not wish to be present, and some mums might not want them to be) you might ask your mum, sister, or a close friend to be there instead, but the decision is yours. Whoever you choose, make sure they are aware of your wishes, and have seen – and ideally have a copy of – your birth plan.

What to think about in week 29

You might be on the countdown to your maternity leave now, or perhaps you are planning to carry on in a 'business as normal' fashion at the office for as long as possible. Some mums-to-be like to work right up until the last minute so they can use as much as their maternity leave as possible after their baby is born.
Of course, what you do for a living will have a bearing on this, and how long you can stay at work for, but regardless of when you decide to finish up, do take those last few weeks easy – don't try and be superwoman! Have a look at our maternity rights pages for info on statutory maternity leave and paternity leave.