28 Weeks, 3 Days - The 29th Week

My Symptoms
I'm a little slow this week. Honestly I just forgot yesterday. Nothing exciting really happening this week except that I feel huge! I still feel good though, so I'm not complaining. I'm dreading the time where I stop sleeping through the night. I get up once usually for a bathroom break, but I can handle that. Grace got the hiccups again today. It was just a rythymic little tap. My belly button is slowly disappearing. Well, not exactly disappearing, but become very close to an "outie." It's very shallow, but I don't think it will be that ugly if it pops, so I'm ok with that now. I also notice I've been very gassy. It's weird that it doesn't really kick in until I get home at night, but then...watch out. Oh well, if that's as bad as it gets... Overall a pretty good week. I've got no weekend plans this week, so I'm hoping to just hang out and catch up on some rest.

The Baby
By this time, your baby weighs about 2.7 pounds. Crown-to-rump length is about 10.4 inches. Total fetal length is 16.7 inches. Week by week, we've noted tha change in your baby's size as pregnancy progresses. Because growth is rapid during pregnancy, infants born prematurely may be tiny. Even a few weeks' less time in the uterus can have a dramatic effect on the size of your baby. The baby continues to grow after 36 weeks of gestation, but at a slower rate. What is the survival rate for premature babies? The most recent information indicates that for infants who weighed 1.1 pound to 1.5 pounds, the survival rate is about 43%. For babies weighting between 1.5 pounds and 2.2. pounds, the survival rate is about 72%.

Her growth has begun to slow down now, but she will still gain approximately 4 pounds between now and birth. If she were born now, she would be almost three pounds and able to breathe, but might tire easily and need assistance. Her little eyes are sensitive to light. Keep that baby cooking! You’re getting there!

Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to accommodate his brain — which is busy developing billions of neurons. With this rapid growth, it's no surprise that your baby's nutritional needs reach their peak during this trimester. To keep yourself and him well nourished, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamin C, folic acid, iron, and calcium. (About 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in your baby's skeleton — which is now hardening — every day.)

Your baby is busy getting ready for the birthday! The baby is beginning to regulate his own temperature and the bone marrow is completely in charge of production of the red blood cells. The baby is even urinating about a half liter of urine into the amniotic fluid everyday!
The movements that you feel will probably begin to change at this point. You once were the home of wild gymnastic parties, now as the space becomes cramped you will notice smaller movements, such as elbows and knees. Try monitoring the baby yourself, using fetal kick counts. Your baby weighs in at about two pounds nine ounces (1.16 kilograms)!

The Mom
Measuring from your belly button, your uterus is about 3.5 to 4 inches above it. Your total weith gain by this week should be between 19 and 25 pounds.

Easily flushed? Your blood volume has doubled, and you’ve gained 15-20 pounds. Keep your calcium and iron intake high -- you need it, and so does your baby! Begin working with your birth support partner or team to plan your birth. As part of your preparations, it’s not too early to begin perineal massage to help prevent an episiotomy or tearing during delivery. You may not be able to reach by yourself -- have your partner assist you. Sleep tip: Use lots of pillows to help relieve back strain and sleepless nights. Try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees and another under your belly. Comfy now?

You should be able to feel your baby's movements strongly now. Pay attention to the kicks and nudges, and let your practitioner know if you ever notice a decrease in activity. She may ask you to do fetal kick counts to make sure everything's okay.Some old friends — heartburn and constipation — may take center stage again. The pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxes smooth muscle tissue throughout your body, including your gastrointestinal tract. This relaxation, coupled with the crowding in your abdomen, slows your digestive process, which can cause gas, especially after a big meal. Another problem you can credit to your growing uterus (and constipation) is hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids — which are simply swollen blood vessels in your rectal area — are very common during pregnancy and usually clear up soon after delivery. If they're itchy or painful, try soaking in a sitz bath and applying a hot pad or cold compresses medicated with a little witch hazel to the affected area. Also avoid sitting or standing for long stretches. Talk with your practitioner before using any over-the counter remedies during pregnancy, and let her know if you have any rectal bleeding. To prevent constipation, eat a high-fiber diet, drink plenty of water, and get some regular exercise.A small number of women get something called "supine hypotensive syndrome" during pregnancy. When they lie on their backs, they get a change in heart rate and blood pressure that makes them feel dizzy until they change position. You might note that you get dizzy if you stand up too quickly, too. To avoid getting the spins, move slowly as you go from lying down to sitting and then standing.

As your baby is growing, so is your body. You may feel as if your internal organs are crowded. They are. The best way to deal with the discomforts of late pregnancy are: Good Posture, Proper Nutrition, Exercise, and Rest (When you can!). Most discomforts will occur in your back, your legs, and the amount of air you can take into your lungs. Hang in there!