29 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore

Ever woken up feeling like you’ve been turned into a human water balloon with legs? Welcome to 29 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore, love. At this stage, it ain’t just “ooh, I’m pregnant”—it’s “oh god, what’s that kicking my bladder?!” Your bump’s now the star of the show, and your baby’s doing backflips like they’re auditioning for *Dancing on Ice*. Kicks used to be gentle flutters? Nah. Now they’re full-on tap-dancing in your ribs. Your centre of gravity? Gone. You waddle like a penguin who’s had one too many pints at the pub. And don’t get us started on the ankles—look like two overfilled sausage rolls. Back pain? Mate, getting off the sofa feels like scaling Snowdon in flip-flops. Pro tip: Keep a kick chart. Not ‘cause you’re turning into a spreadsheet wizard—though, no shame if you are—but ‘cause if your little one’s gone quiet for two hours, it’s time to ring the midwife. Better safe than sorry, innit?

Point to your tummy. Now point to your chin. Which one’s closer? Exactly. Your bump at 29 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore isn’t just big—it’s *dominant*. Medically, your uterus is about 3–4 inches above your navel, roughly the size of a watermelon someone forgot to eat. Emotionally? It feels like you’re carrying a hot air balloon that’s about to launch. That’s why you can’t take a deep breath without wheezing like you’ve just run a marathon. Heartburn? That’s your stomach’s new flatmate—no deposit, no notice, just pure, fiery chaos. And yes, random strangers will pat your bump like it’s a lucky rabbit’s foot at a football match. Don’t be offended. They’re just jealous. Fun fact: Your bub’s tipping the scales at about 2.5 lbs now. That’s a bag of sugar… doing somersaults inside you.

Babies don’t text. They don’t call. So how do you know if something’s dodgy when you’re 29 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore? Simple: movement. If your little one’s gone from Olympic gymnast to a sleepy sloth for over two hours—*ring the bell*. It’s not “they’re just napping.” It’s “something’s off.” Other red flags? A headache that won’t quit even after three paracetamols, seeing stars like a disco ball exploded, or your face puffing up like a balloon animal. That’s preeclampsia, and it’s as sneaky as a dodgy boiler in winter. And if your knickers are leaking green, yellow, or smelling like last week’s fish and chips? Don’t shrug it off. That’s infection territory. Call your midwife. Now.

Braxton Hicks? They’re the body’s way of saying, “Let’s rehearse for the big gig!” But at 29 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore, you gotta tell the difference between practice and the real deal. Fake ones? Irregular, mild, and vanish if you sip water or lie down. Real labour? It’s like a drumbeat—steady, getting stronger, every five to ten minutes. If you’re timing them like you’re waiting for the bus on a Monday morning, it’s time to call the hospital. Real pain? Starts in your back and wraps round like a vice. Braxtons? Stay put in your tummy. And if you feel a gush—or even a slow drip—don’t assume it’s wee. That’s your waters. Once they pop, the countdown’s on. Better safe than sorry, eh?

"I thought I’d peed myself laughing at a meme—turns out it was amniotic fluid. Thank God I popped to the hospital!" – Sarah, mum of two, Manchester

Sleep at 29 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore? Mate, it’s less “cozy night in” and more “Olympic-level contortionist challenge.” Flat on your back? Can’t breathe. On your front? Impossible. Left side? That’s your golden ticket. Invest in a body pillow. It’ll hug your bump, your knees, and your sanity. Toilet runs every hour? Normal. One study says pregnant women wake up 3.2 times a night. Basically, you’re part-time nightwatchman. Hormones? They’ve hijacked your brain. Anxiety about birth? Totally normal. Try writing your worries down before bed. Get ‘em outta your head and onto paper. Your pillow doesn’t need to carry the weight.

Started sobbing because your toast burnt? Congrats—you’ve entered the emotional minefield of 29 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore. Oestrogen and progesterone are running the show now, and your mood’s on a rollercoaster with no brakes. One minute you’re zen, next you’re weeping over a Netflix ad. That’s matrescence, love—your brain’s rewiring for motherhood. But if the anxiety’s constant, if you’re avoiding calls or can’t eat or sleep? That’s antenatal anxiety. Don’t bottle it. Talk to your partner. Talk to your midwife. Talk to your mate over a pint. Asking for help isn’t weak—it’s bloody brilliant.

• Try Calm or Headspace—five minutes a day keeps the panic at bay
• Scrolly-scrolling Instagram? Stop. Comparison’s a thief, innit?
• Join a local antenatal group. You’ll find your tribe—laughing, crying, and eating biscuits together.

Oedema. Fancy word. Annoying reality. Mild puffiness in your feet? Totally normal at 29 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore. But if one leg’s ballooning like a party balloon and feels warm or red? That’s DVT—a clot, and it’s serious. Varicose veins? They’ve arrived like unwanted tattoos snaking down your calves. Compression socks? Not sexy, but they’re lifesavers. Walk. Don’t stand still for hours. Elevate your legs like you’re royalty. And drink water like your life depends on it—dehydration makes swelling worse and can trigger false contractions. You’re not just hydrating. You’re keeping your baby’s party going. Stat alert: Sixty to eighty percent of pregnant women get swollen ankles by now. You’re not alone. You’re just part of the club.

You’re not eating for two—you’re eating *smart* for two. At 29 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore, your baby’s brain’s growing like a rocket. Omega-3s? Essential. Salmon, mackerel—twice a week. Iron? 27mg a day. Lentils, spinach, fortified cereals. Calcium? 1,000mg. Dairy, kale, almonds. Don’t skip it. And avoid raw brie, undercooked eggs, or liver—listeria’s no joke. Cravings? Bloody hell yes. But balance that chocolate bar with an apple. Hydration’s non-negotiable. Eight to ten glasses a day. Dehydration? Makes you dizzy as a spinning top and can trigger false contractions. Drink up, love. You’re doing a bloody good job.

At 29 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore, it’s time to stop winging it. Book those antenatal classes. They’re worth their weight in gold. Learn breathing, pushing, what to expect—even if you’re planning a c-section. Draft a birth plan? Brilliant. But keep it loose. Labour’s got its own script. Pack your hospital bag *now*. No last-minute panic. Essentials:

• Toiletries, comfy clothes (and socks—hospital floors are ice)
• Birth certificate docs (don’t leave ‘em at home)
• Breast pads, nursing bras (you’ll thank us later)
• A snack for you. Hospital food? Don’t be fooled.

Chat with your midwife: water birth? Epidural? Who cuts the cord? Knowledge? Power. And peace of mind.

Want more of this proper, no-nonsense chat? Head over to our Amana Parenting hub—where we talk real talk from bump to toddler tantrums. For deeper dives into everything pregnancy, check out our Pregnancy section. And if you’re wondering how last week stacked up, don’t miss our piece on 28 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms Not To Ignore Critical Alerts. Progress is a journey, not a checklist.

References

• https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/week-by-week/29-weeks-pregnant/
• https://www.webmd.com/baby/ss/slideshow-signs-preterm-labour
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/pregnancy-center