Week 29!!!

New News!

Baby's now the size of a squash!
Baby's energy is surging, thanks to white fat depositing beneath his skin. And since he's growing so fast (weight will triple by birth), things are getting kind of cramped in the womb. What all this means for you: Get ready for some more kicks and jabs to the ribs.



This week he weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is getting bigger to accommodate his growing brain— which is busy developing billions of neurons. Every day, about 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in your baby's skeleton, which is now hardening. With this rapid growth, it's no surprise that your baby's nutritional needs reach their peak during this trimester.

Your baby's adrenal glands are producing a chemical which will be made into estriol (a form of estrogen) by the placenta. This estriol is thought to stimulate the production of prolactin by your body, and the prolactin makes you produce milk. So even if your baby comes early, you'll still be able to breastfeed. Each passing week improves the likelihood that your baby will be born strong and healthy. His brain can detect rhythmic breathing and control body temperature, so he's less likely to need breathing assistance should he be born early. He's growing eyelashes, adding fat, and developing his brain. Because of brain wave activity, researchers have speculated that babies can even dream at this time!

It's amazing all the new improvements his little body is undergoing! In 29 weeks, he's completely become a tiny person- it's so crazy to think about it! I just can't wait to meet him- although I want him to stay inside until the due date! Well, I went to the doctor this week and once again, everything was good! His heartbeat/rate was 150, which is very strong and his and my weight were right on schedule! I've gained 2 pounds since the last time I was there. I'm supposed to gain a pound a week, so I'm literally right on schedule- and if I continue to do that I will have gained about 25 pounds throughout the pregnancy- so, we shall see how big he gets! Once again, he's been super active this week, but I can definitely tell he's starting to gain weight because of his strength now and how much I've grown in just a couple weeks! Next time I go to the doctor I get a teddy bear with his heartbeat recorded on it :) Also. Mom will be here, so she'll finally get to see me and hear his heartbeat! I wonder when I'll get another ultrasound, because I really want to see him again! That's about all I have this week! Congrats to my cousin Katie for graduating high school! Love you all!