Pregnancy symptoms during week 29

Anemia

Getting enough iron during pregnancy is important for many reasons. You need iron for your growing baby and placenta, and it's essential for making hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to other cells. (During pregnancy, you have almost 50 percent more blood than usual!) Low iron during pregnancy can lead to anemia.

If you're low in iron, you may notice symptoms like fatigue or weakness. Your provider may recommend iron supplements, or if you're severely anemic, you might be given iron infusions through an IV. Severe anemia can be dangerous for both you and your growing baby, so your provider will order blood work during your pregnancy to check your iron levels.

Cramping

During the third trimester, you might experience regular cramping from round ligament pain and Braxton Hicks. (These can mimic the feeling of menstrual cramps.) If you're struggling with constipation, it might also cause some cramping.

Cramping in pregnancy is often mild and nothing to worry about. Drinking a glass of water, taking a warm bath, or doing some gentle movement could help relieve your discomfort. But severe cramping during the third trimester could signal a more serious issue like preterm labor or placental abruption. Call your provider if your cramping doesn't go away after several minutes of rest; the cramping or pain is severe; you have other symptoms, such as fever or dizziness; you have pain in the upper abdomen; or your abdomen is unusually sensitive to touch, especially when pressure is released.

Heartburn

The pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxes smooth muscle tissue throughout your body, including in your gastrointestinal tract. This relaxation slows digestion – as does your growing uterus crowding your abdominal cavity. Sluggish digestion can cause gas and heartburn and contribute to constipation.

During the third trimester, your heartburn may flare up worse than ever. But by eating smaller meals and waiting two or three hours after eating to get in bed, you might be able to get some relief. Stay hydrated by drinking water between meals, instead of while you're eating. If you're feeling the burn, prop yourself up with pillows before dozing off at night. And don't be afraid to ask your provider about pregnancy-safe heartburn medications.

Lightheadedness

You might occasionally feel lightheaded or dizzy when you're pregnant because your cardiovascular system undergoes dramatic changes. Your heart rate goes up, your heart pumps more blood per minute, and the amount of blood in your body increases. In the second and third trimester, your growing uterus also puts pressure on veins and slows circulation to the lower half of your body.

Your cardiovascular and nervous systems can usually adjust to these changes and maintain adequate blood flow to your brain. But sometimes they don't adapt quickly enough, which can leave you feeling lightheaded or dizzy, or even make you faint.

To avoid getting lightheaded, make sure to eat and drink regularly and avoid overheating. Don't stand up too quickly, lie flat on your back, or overdo it on exercise. Call your provider if you have persistent lightheadedness, frequent bouts of dizziness, or any other concerns.