What’s happening to the mother in week 29 to 32?
The body undergoes major changes during pregnancy, and it is common to notice that it is harder to move now. The uterus grows at the same time as the fetus and presses on surrounding organs, which, among other things, provides less space for the lungs. It is common to feel short of breath, even with small efforts.
Your lung capacity now starts to increase to ensure that both you and your baby receive enough oxygen. You can notice this by breathing faster. Your heart beats faster to compensate for the increase in your body’s needs.
Extra water in your body is not uncommon, and you may notice it most through swollen legs.
During pregnancy, the intestines are affected by hormones and there is less movement in the gastrointestinal system. This makes you more likely to get constipated. This can be helped with physical activity, more dietary fiber, and increased fluid intake.
Development of the foetus
By now, the foetus is about 39 cm long and usually weighs around 1,250 grams, but both length and weight can vary from pregnancy to pregnancy.
At this point, the foetus will often enter a phase of accelerated growth. During this period, the foetus gradually develops from being relatively long and slender to gaining both weight and width. This is a natural part of foetal development.