Welcome to the 29th week of pregnancy! Feeling achy? If you are, you aren’t alone. As your baby has a major growth spurt in the third trimester, so will your growing stomach. Round ligament pain and joint pain are very common at this stage, and you may find routine activities harder to do. Don’t stop moving, just listen to your body and rest when you start to feel achy or sore. Light swimming may be a great way to relieve pressure on your joints and abdomen, but still get a bit of a workout.
What you may be experiencing
Back pain is another common complaint during the third trimester. Your expanding waistline can cause many moms to slump when sitting or walking, which over time can lead to major back pain. It is important to make a conscious effort to pay attention to your posture. If you find yourself slumping, straighten up. While it may take some getting used to, your back pain will lessen over time. A maternity support belt may also help relieve some of the pressure and discomfort.
Your Baby
Your baby one is quickly running out of room, but still has just enough room to pack quite a punch when the urge hits them. During this time, you may begin to notice that your little one is up all night and sleeps all day. While this may mean more sleep for you at the moment, don’t think that your baby will be a night owl. Their patterns are likely to change again after birth. He/she weighs in at almost 3 pounds, and is busy packing on the pounds.
Concerns or Points of Interest
Now is a good time to pre-register with your hospital, if you have the opportunity to do so. Discuss your options with your doctor, and find out where you are likely to deliver. Taking a hospital tour will give you a good idea of what they have to offer, and most encourage you to pre-register either by mail or via the internet. That way, when the big day comes, you just have to show up and sign a few forms.