29 Weeks Pregnant? Here’s What No One Tells You (But You Need to Know!)

EP 100:

You made it to 29 weeks, mama—and while everyone’s telling you to “rest up,” no one’s really giving you the raw truth about what’s actually happening in your body, brain, and baby right now. So let’s talk about it.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the surprising (but totally normal) symptoms that show up at 29 weeks, the real changes happening in your brain and body, and why now is the perfect time to start prepping for both postpartum and breastfeeding.

You’ll learn:

• What baby’s kick patterns mean and when they matter most
• The real deal behind lightning crotch (and how to get relief!)
• What maternal brain plasticity is doing to your mind right now
• Breastfeeding prep you can actually start this week
• Postpartum questions you should be asking now (not later!)

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✨ Let’s connect:
Join me on YT @Birth Prep Academy with your weirdest pregnancy symptom at 29 weeks—I wanna hear all of it!

Resources Mentioned:

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Transcript

0:05

Hi, I'm Stephanie Poole, founder and CEO of Birth Prep Academy. I'm on a mission to help pregnant moms prepare for their first hospital birth. I'm sharing revealing conversations about what it really takes to successfully transition into motherhood. So join me. Here to discover things like what to expect in childbirth, how to prepare for your birth. We'll also talk about breastfeeding and so much more. I'm so grateful to share it all with you right here on Oh Baby, the podcast created for pregnant moms preparing for their first hospital birth. Let's get started. You've made it to 29 weeks pregnant, and while everyone out here is telling you to rest up, no one's really telling you about the weird symptom that you might notice this week that could freak you out, but is totally normal. Or while your baby's kicks suddenly start to feel like you have a WWE wrestler inside. Oh, and mama, there's a very specific thing going on in your brain right now that could totally mess with your confidence if you don't know what's really happening. In this week's episode, we're unpacking all of this, including what's secretly shifting in your body at 29 weeks. What symptoms are normal and what's not? How to set up your postpartum game plan right now. Plus, I'll share a surprising breastfeeding prep hack that you'll wanna start this week. So stay with me because you'll walk away from this video, not just knowing what's happening at 29 weeks, but feeling ready for what's. Ahead. Oh, and before we jump in, if you are not already getting my weekly due date diary emails, then girl, you are missing the behind the scenes pregnancy prep that no one else is giving you. I keep it real. I drop juicy tips. You'll get sneak peeks, personal updates, free downloads, early access to stuff that I don't post anywhere else, and it's all delivered, right. To your inbox from me, your birth bestie. So click the link in the description box to join my due date diaries. It's free, it's fun, and sis, your inbox is about to get way better. Now with that being said, let's hop into today's video. So here's the deal, 29 weeks sounds like, eh, just another week. But this is actually when your body starts shifting into what we call birth prep mode. So let me break it down for you. First up, your baby's brain is exploding with growth. Not literally, obviously, but this is when the brain folds start forming fast. Your baby's brain is now controlling body temperature and muscle movement. So here's what this means for you. You may notice stronger, more purposeful kicks like your baby's practicing Pilates and kickboxing at the same time. So here's a birth bestie tip. I want you to start tracking your kick patterns, you'll be able to trust your gut because you've already been paying attention. All right, so let's talk about that lightning crotch sensation. Yeah, it's a real thing. At 29 weeks, your baby is starting to lower into the pelvis and they're hitting nerves along the way. You might feel sharp zaps in your cervix or pelvis, and that's called having lightning crotch. It's weird, but it is totally normal. So here's a relief tip. Try gentle pelvic tips prenatal Pilates, or even a warm compress down low. You are not broken. Your baby's just break dancing on your nerves. All right, now let's talk about how your brain is rewiring. Here's what no one tells you. There's a thing called maternal brain plasticity. Let me say that again. Maternal brain plasticity. Your brain literally starts reconfiguring to prep you for motherhood. But here's the twist. This can make you feel foggy. Forgetful, or even more anxious than usual. So here's a mindset hack. You're not losing it, okay? Your brain is starting to transform to tune into your baby. So be kind to yourself and prioritize rest and routine. Okay? We gotta talk about symptoms that you shouldn't ignore at this point. In fact, I want you to call your provider if you notice severe swelling in your face and hand. If you notice blurred vision and bad headaches. Now, for specifics, if you haven't already, check out my previous episode from last week because I talk about it a little bit more there, as well as if you notice bleeding or consistent cramping, meaning if the cramps do not go away or if they become more intense. Ways for you to know is if you change positions or if you're drinking water and none of that helps, and that is what we call consistent. You may start having Braxton Hicks, but if it's consistent and it's not going away, it's starting to get worse. You should definitely contact your provider. Also a sudden drop in baby movement. Now here is what I need you to hear. So if you are off doing something else, I need you to come back and focus in on this point. And that is this. A lot of my clients will say to me that they don't want to bug their doctor or their provider. And here's what I say to that. I want you to reach out and give them a call. Even if it feels silly, just call. You're not bothering anyone. This is all of our jobs to help you through this particular stage and season of your life. That's why we're here. That's why we do what we do. so be sure to reach out to your provider. You're advocating for both you and your baby. Be all right. Now let's talk about breastfeeding prep that starts even now. Yes, girl. Even at 29 weeks. Listen, there's stuff that you can absolutely do to prep your body and mind for breastfeeding success. Now, first up, let's talk about colostrum, which may already be forming Some moms notice light leakage, but some moms don't. So don't worry if you haven't seen it yet, your body is still gearing up and preparing to breastfeed your baby. Also, I want you to start learning how breastfeeding actually works, not the glam version that people show you on Instagram. Instead, I want you to understand latch supply hunger cues, all of that right now, so that you're not trying to Google it at 3:00 AM while you're postpartum. Now here's a pro tip. If you haven't yet, I want you to go and binge a few of my videos. I have playlists on my channel, and I will also have them link down below. And. If you're not already, I also want you to grab Bump to Bundle Blueprint. This is where I walk you through everything in Easy Baby steps. Seriously, it's the course I wish I had with my first, so check it out. Everything will be linked in the description below. I. Okay. Now let's talk about how most people wait until the last minute to think about life after birth, but not you, my friend. Why? Because you're smarter than that. I want you to start asking now, who's bringing you food? Do you have nursing friendly PJs? What's your support plan? If you notice that baby blues is starting to hit prep now. And avoid the crash later. Say it with me. Prep now to avoid the crash later. So Mama 29 weeks isn't just another week on the calendar. It's your body's warmup act for the big event. And the more you understand these little changes now, the more confident you'll feel in labor birth and beyond. If you wanna go deeper and feel truly ready for birth and breastfeeding, then you need to check out Bump Tob bundle Blueprint. It's your one stop shop for birth prep, postpartum planning and breastfeeding know-how without the fluff. Thousands of first time moms have used it to walk into birth feeling empowered instead of scared. So if you want an empowered birth, just click the link below to learn more and to enroll. I'll be right there cheering you on inside. All right. Now I want you to drop me a comment below and let me know what's your weirdest or most unexpected pregnancy symptoms so far. I love reading through your stories and cheering you on every week. So drop it below. And don't forget, please like, subscribe and turn on notifications so that other new moms can see this video. And so you don't miss next week because we're gonna be talking about something that might have you rethinking your entire birth plan. So stay tuned. I'll see you next week for week 30, pregnancy updates.