By week 29, the foetus is covered all over by downy hair, or lanugo, and a waxy vernix that protects its skin.

Week 29

Mum

The last trimester is for slowing down. You will feel exhausted, hot and slow. Be sure to get enough calcium (every day, approximately 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in the baby’s skeleton). You’ll also need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron.

Dad

More music and playlists. Ask your partner what music she’d like to listen to in labour and make sure you have it all downloaded onto her device. Chances are the whole plan will change as the actual event unfolds, but at least you’ll be ready to play DJ if required. Get some audio books while you’re at it, because the first stage of labour may take a while. We also highly suggest reading through this list of labour do’s and don’ts for dad. 

Baby

Your gorgeous little smile is starting to show, especially while you sleep. Your skeleton is hardening, your muscles are developing, your lungs are maturing and your head is growing to accommodate your brain. The surface of your brain is also starting to wrinkle so that it can hold more brain cells. You are now as big as a butternut squash.

Things to keep in mind 

  • Your baby is working hard to build strong bones, so you’ll need to increase your calcium intake with dairy products, tofu, and leafy greens. If there is not enough calcium for your baby, it will begin to take it from you which can be detrimental for your own health.
  • Discuss your birth plan with the person you plan to have with you during the birth and labour. Ensure that they have a clear understanding of their role, your needs and expectations, and the plan itself.
  • Continue to eat nutritious meals, drink lots of water, do your pelvic muscle exercises and get as much sleep as possible. 

Photos in the bumpandbaby.co.nz/week-by-week/ are by Lenart Nilsson. Lenart's series was bought to fame when his photo, considered the greatest photo of the 20th century, appeared on the cover of Life magazine in 1965. “Everyone interprets images differently, depending on their social, cultural and religious background. In the digital era, I believe it is more important than ever to go back and take a look inside ourselves. What better way of doing that than with these photos?” ~ Jane Stene, art gallery director and curator of Lenart's definitive black and white series, told the The Guardian in 2019. It is Lenart Nilsson's wish that his images are never used for political debate about pro-life.

WELCOME

Lernart Nilsson's foetus series featured in our week by week, is considered the greatest photography of the 20th Century. You may be surprised at the incredible detail seen in his photos.

Scroll to Top
Scroll to Top