Your baby's skeleton is hardening at an astonishing rate. To build these solid bones, the fetus is pulling roughly 250 milligrams of calcium from your bloodstream every single day. If your diet doesn't supply enough, the baby will literally pull the calcium directly from your own bones.
🍼 What's Happening With Your Baby
Now the size of a butternut squash, the baby is getting crowded. The large somersaults and flips are being replaced by smaller, sharper jabs from knees and elbows.
The brain is now capable of regulating the baby's body temperature, meaning they rely slightly less on the amniotic fluid for warmth.
The adrenal glands are producing a hormone (estriol) that will eventually signal your body to start producing prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production.
🤰 What You're Feeling This Week
Your digestive system is heavily compressed. You might find you can only eat very small amounts of food before feeling uncomfortably full, and heartburn may strike the moment you lie down.
Hemorrhoids and varicose veins may worsen under the increasing pressure of the uterus. Avoid standing for long periods and elevate your legs above your heart whenever possible.
You might feel out of breath simply sitting on the couch. The top of your uterus is pushing your diaphragm up by as much as an inch and a half, severely restricting lung capacity.
The Squeeze Begins
The ratio of amniotic fluid to baby is shifting. Because the baby is taking up so much space, the movements you feel are sharper and more distinct—you can often guess if it's a foot, an elbow, or a bottom.
✅ What To Do This Week
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Double down on calcium — To protect your own bone density and support the baby's rapid skeletal growth, ensure you are getting 1,000mg of calcium daily through dairy, fortified milks, or supplements.
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Eat frequent, tiny meals — To combat third-trimester heartburn and the 'stuffed' feeling, stop eating three large meals. Graze on 5 or 6 small, nutrient-dense mini-meals throughout the day.
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Avoid lying flat on your back — Supine hypotensive syndrome is a real risk now. The heavy uterus can completely compress the vena cava, causing a sudden drop in blood pressure and reducing oxygen to the baby.
"Space is at a premium. Your lungs are cramped, your stomach is squashed. Your body is yielding all its real estate to the growing child."
— A Note From Your Body, Week 29