How Big is Your Baby?
In the 29th week of your pregnancy, the baby measures 15.2 to 16.7 inches and weighs 2.5 to 3.8 pounds. However, the growth hasn't stopped as its to gain more weight in the coming weeks.
Baby's Growth and Development
The baby is getting a bit cramped as its growing very fast. You will be able to realize this owing to the jabs and kicks you keep getting. Its now growing deposits of white fat under its skin, and the energy is rising owing to it. You might even get to feel its hiccups.
Mother's Development
Changes You Experience
The uterus has now risen to around 9 to 10 cm above the belly button. The weight gain is around 22 to 23 pounds. The weight gain may start to accelerate from now on. Due to the effect of progesterone, heartburn and constipation may aggravate. Backaches and leg cramps might become a regular feature by now.
At this stage, many women may also suffer from iron deficiency. It is an important nutrient and doctor conducts a test at this stage to ensure that the woman does not have this deficiency. Some women also suffer from supine hypertensive syndrome. This is a condition when one feels dizzy while lying down on back and standing up quickly. All this is due to the sudden change in blood pressure and heart rate.
Complications
The haemorrhoids can trouble a lot. If they are very painful or there is rectal bleeding, let your doctor know. Avoid taking any medication without consultation. Try to prevent constipation by taking a high fibre diet and lots of water.
Extreme swelling may indicate pre-eclampsia, a disorder only about 3 to 8 percent of the women suffer from. In such a condition, consult your doctor immediately as delay could threaten the health of your baby. In case one suffers from mild swelling and water retention, try taking a low-salt diet. Also, reduce the consumption of diuretics such as coffee and have adequate amount of water.
Diet
As mentioned, this is the time when your baby is storing a lot of energy and is developing by leaps and bounds. So you need to constantly supplement the baby’s dietary needs. There must be adequate amount of vitamin C, calcium, iron and folic acid in your diet. Milk, cheese, orange juice, yoghurt are a must in the mother’s diet. Tofu, dried nuts, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, pulses and even dark chocolate are considered rich in iron and must be eaten.
Folic acid, vitamin D and iron supplements can be included in your diet on the advice of the doctor. This ensures that the baby gets adequate amount of these important nutrients.
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