June 24, 2025 • 10 mins
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!)
🎉 Join the Due Date Diaries newsletter for exclusive tips, freebies, and pregnancy support delivered weekly
🎓 Grab the Bump To Bundle Blueprint and walk into birth & breastfeeding like a pro
✨ 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:
Watch these videos to...Prepare For Birth Like A Boss!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:05):
Hi, I'm Stephanie Poole, founderand CEO of Birth Prep Academy.
I'm on a mission to helppregnant moms prepare for their
first hospital birth.
I'm sharing revealingconversations about what it
really takes to successfullytransition into motherhood.
So join me.
Here to discover things likewhat to expect in childbirth,
(00:27):
how to prepare for your birth.
We'll also talk aboutbreastfeeding and so much more.
I'm so grateful to share it allwith you right here on Oh Baby,
the podcast created for pregnantmoms preparing for their first
hospital birth.
Let's get started.
You've made it to 29 weekspregnant, and while everyone out
(00:50):
here is telling you to rest up,no one's really telling you
about the weird symptom that youmight notice this week that
could freak you out, but istotally normal.
Or while your baby's kickssuddenly start to feel like you
have a WWE wrestler inside.
Oh, and mama, there's a veryspecific thing going on in your
(01:11):
brain right now that couldtotally mess with your
confidence if you don't knowwhat's really happening.
In this week's episode, we'reunpacking all of this, including
what's secretly shifting in yourbody at 29 weeks.
What symptoms are normal andwhat's not?
How to set up your postpartumgame plan right now.
(01:34):
Plus, I'll share a surprisingbreastfeeding prep hack that
you'll wanna start this week.
So stay with me because you'llwalk away from this video, not
just knowing what's happening at29 weeks, but feeling ready for
what's.
Ahead.
Oh, and before we jump in, ifyou are not already getting my
(01:55):
weekly due date diary emails,then girl, you are missing the
behind the scenes pregnancy prepthat no one else is giving you.
I keep it real.
I drop juicy tips.
You'll get sneak peeks, personalupdates, free downloads, early
access to stuff that I don'tpost anywhere else, and it's all
(02:16):
delivered, right.
To your inbox from me, yourbirth bestie.
So click the link in thedescription 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'shop into today's video.
(02:37):
So here's the deal, 29 weekssounds like, eh, just another
week.
But this is actually when yourbody starts shifting into what
we call birth prep mode.
So let me break it down for you.
First up, your baby's brain isexploding with growth.
Not literally, obviously, butthis is when the brain folds
(03:01):
start forming fast.
Your baby's brain is nowcontrolling body temperature and
muscle movement.
So here's what this means foryou.
You may notice stronger, morepurposeful kicks like your
baby's practicing Pilates andkickboxing at the same time.
So here's a birth bestie tip.
(03:24):
I want you to start trackingyour kick patterns, you'll be
able to trust your gut becauseyou've already been paying
attention.
All right, so let's talk aboutthat lightning crotch sensation.
Yeah, it's a real thing.
At 29 weeks, your baby isstarting to lower into the
pelvis and they're hittingnerves along the way.
(03:48):
You might feel sharp zaps inyour cervix or pelvis, and
that's called having lightningcrotch.
It's weird, but it is totallynormal.
So here's a relief tip.
Try gentle pelvic tips prenatalPilates, or even a warm compress
down low.
(04:08):
You are not broken.
Your baby's just break dancingon your nerves.
All right, now let's talk abouthow your brain is rewiring.
Here's what no one tells you.
There's a thing called maternalbrain plasticity.
Let me say that again.
Maternal brain plasticity.
(04:29):
Your brain literally startsreconfiguring to prep you for
motherhood.
But here's the twist.
This can make you feel foggy.
Forgetful, or even more anxiousthan usual.
So here's a mindset hack.
You're not losing it, okay?
Your brain is starting totransform to tune into your
(04:52):
baby.
So be kind to yourself andprioritize rest and routine.
Okay?
We gotta talk about symptomsthat you shouldn't ignore at
this point.
In fact, I want you to call yourprovider if you notice severe
swelling in your face and hand.
If you notice blurred vision andbad headaches.
(05:14):
Now, for specifics, if youhaven't already, check out my
previous episode from last weekbecause I talk about it a little
bit more there, as well as ifyou notice bleeding or
consistent cramping, meaning ifthe cramps do not go away or if
they become more intense.
Ways for you to know is if youchange positions or if you're
(05:36):
drinking water and none of thathelps, and that is what we call
consistent.
You may start having BraxtonHicks, but if it's consistent
and it's not going away, it'sstarting to get worse.
You should definitely contactyour provider.
Also a sudden drop in babymovement.
(05:56):
Now here is what I need you tohear.
So if you are off doingsomething else, I need you to
come back and focus in on thispoint.
And that is this.
A lot of my clients will say tome that they don't want to bug
their doctor or their provider.
And here's what I say to that.
(06:17):
I want you to reach out and givethem a call.
Even if it feels silly, justcall.
You're not bothering anyone.
This is all of our jobs to helpyou 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 yourprovider.
(06:39):
You're advocating for both youand your baby.
Be all right.
Now let's talk aboutbreastfeeding prep that starts
even now.
Yes, girl.
Even at 29 weeks.
Listen, there's stuff that youcan absolutely do to prep your
body and mind for breastfeedingsuccess.
(07:00):
Now, first up, let's talk aboutcolostrum, which may already be
forming Some moms notice lightleakage, but some moms don't.
So don't worry if you haven'tseen it yet, your body is still
gearing up and preparing tobreastfeed your baby.
Also, I want you to startlearning how breastfeeding
(07:20):
actually works, not the glamversion that people show you on
Instagram.
Instead, I want you tounderstand latch supply hunger
cues, all of that right now, sothat you're not trying to Google
it at 3:00 AM while you'repostpartum.
Now here's a pro tip.
If you haven't yet, I want youto go and binge a few of my
(07:43):
videos.
I have playlists on my channel,and I will also have them link
down below.
And.
If you're not already, I alsowant you to grab Bump to Bundle
Blueprint.
This is where I walk you througheverything in Easy Baby steps.
Seriously, it's the course Iwish I had with my first, so
(08:05):
check it out.
Everything will be linked in thedescription below.
I.
Okay.
Now let's talk about how mostpeople wait until the last
minute to think about life afterbirth, but not you, my friend.
Why?
Because you're smarter thanthat.
I want you to start asking now,who's bringing you food?
Do you have nursing friendlyPJs?
(08:27):
What's your support plan?
If you notice that baby blues isstarting to hit prep now.
And avoid the crash later.
Say it with me.
Prep now to avoid the crashlater.
So Mama 29 weeks isn't justanother week on the calendar.
It's your body's warmup act forthe big event.
(08:50):
And the more you understandthese little changes now, the
more confident you'll feel inlabor birth and beyond.
If you wanna go deeper and feeltruly ready for birth and
breastfeeding, then you need tocheck out Bump Tob bundle
Blueprint.
It's your one stop shop forbirth prep, postpartum planning
and breastfeeding know-howwithout the fluff.
(09:13):
Thousands of first time momshave used it to walk into birth
feeling empowered instead ofscared.
So if you want an empoweredbirth, just click the link below
to learn more and to enroll.
I'll be right there cheering youon inside.
All right.
Now I want you to drop me acomment below and let me know
what's your weirdest or mostunexpected pregnancy symptoms so
(09:36):
far.
I love reading through yourstories and cheering you on
every week.
So drop it below.
And don't forget, please like,subscribe and turn on
notifications so that other newmoms can see this video.
And so you don't miss next weekbecause we're gonna be talking
about something that might haveyou rethinking your entire birth
(09:58):
plan.
So stay tuned.
I'll see you next week for week30, pregnancy updates.
Hi, I'm Stephanie Poole, founderand CEO of Birth Prep Academy.
I'm on a mission to helppregnant moms prepare for their
first hospital birth.
I'm sharing revealingconversations about what it
really takes to successfullytransition into motherhood.
So join me.
Here to discover things likewhat to expect in childbirth,
(00:27):
how to prepare for your birth.
We'll also talk aboutbreastfeeding and so much more.
I'm so grateful to share it allwith you right here on Oh Baby,
the podcast created for pregnantmoms preparing for their first
hospital birth.
Let's get started.
You've made it to 29 weekspregnant, and while everyone out
(00:50):
here is telling you to rest up,no one's really telling you
about the weird symptom that youmight notice this week that
could freak you out, but istotally normal.
Or while your baby's kickssuddenly start to feel like you
have a WWE wrestler inside.
Oh, and mama, there's a veryspecific thing going on in your
(01:11):
brain right now that couldtotally mess with your
confidence if you don't knowwhat's really happening.
In this week's episode, we'reunpacking all of this, including
what's secretly shifting in yourbody at 29 weeks.
What symptoms are normal andwhat's not?
How to set up your postpartumgame plan right now.
(01:34):
Plus, I'll share a surprisingbreastfeeding prep hack that
you'll wanna start this week.
So stay with me because you'llwalk away from this video, not
just knowing what's happening at29 weeks, but feeling ready for
what's.
Ahead.
Oh, and before we jump in, ifyou are not already getting my
(01:55):
weekly due date diary emails,then girl, you are missing the
behind the scenes pregnancy prepthat no one else is giving you.
I keep it real.
I drop juicy tips.
You'll get sneak peeks, personalupdates, free downloads, early
access to stuff that I don'tpost anywhere else, and it's all
(02:16):
delivered, right.
To your inbox from me, yourbirth bestie.
So click the link in thedescription 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'shop into today's video.
(02:37):
So here's the deal, 29 weekssounds like, eh, just another
week.
But this is actually when yourbody starts shifting into what
we call birth prep mode.
So let me break it down for you.
First up, your baby's brain isexploding with growth.
Not literally, obviously, butthis is when the brain folds
(03:01):
start forming fast.
Your baby's brain is nowcontrolling body temperature and
muscle movement.
So here's what this means foryou.
You may notice stronger, morepurposeful kicks like your
baby's practicing Pilates andkickboxing at the same time.
So here's a birth bestie tip.
(03:24):
I want you to start trackingyour kick patterns, you'll be
able to trust your gut becauseyou've already been paying
attention.
All right, so let's talk aboutthat lightning crotch sensation.
Yeah, it's a real thing.
At 29 weeks, your baby isstarting to lower into the
pelvis and they're hittingnerves along the way.
(03:48):
You might feel sharp zaps inyour cervix or pelvis, and
that's called having lightningcrotch.
It's weird, but it is totallynormal.
So here's a relief tip.
Try gentle pelvic tips prenatalPilates, or even a warm compress
down low.
(04:08):
You are not broken.
Your baby's just break dancingon your nerves.
All right, now let's talk abouthow your brain is rewiring.
Here's what no one tells you.
There's a thing called maternalbrain plasticity.
Let me say that again.
Maternal brain plasticity.
(04:29):
Your brain literally startsreconfiguring to prep you for
motherhood.
But here's the twist.
This can make you feel foggy.
Forgetful, or even more anxiousthan usual.
So here's a mindset hack.
You're not losing it, okay?
Your brain is starting totransform to tune into your
(04:52):
baby.
So be kind to yourself andprioritize rest and routine.
Okay?
We gotta talk about symptomsthat you shouldn't ignore at
this point.
In fact, I want you to call yourprovider if you notice severe
swelling in your face and hand.
If you notice blurred vision andbad headaches.
(05:14):
Now, for specifics, if youhaven't already, check out my
previous episode from last weekbecause I talk about it a little
bit more there, as well as ifyou notice bleeding or
consistent cramping, meaning ifthe cramps do not go away or if
they become more intense.
Ways for you to know is if youchange positions or if you're
(05:36):
drinking water and none of thathelps, and that is what we call
consistent.
You may start having BraxtonHicks, but if it's consistent
and it's not going away, it'sstarting to get worse.
You should definitely contactyour provider.
Also a sudden drop in babymovement.
(05:56):
Now here is what I need you tohear.
So if you are off doingsomething else, I need you to
come back and focus in on thispoint.
And that is this.
A lot of my clients will say tome that they don't want to bug
their doctor or their provider.
And here's what I say to that.
(06:17):
I want you to reach out and givethem a call.
Even if it feels silly, justcall.
You're not bothering anyone.
This is all of our jobs to helpyou 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 yourprovider.
(06:39):
You're advocating for both youand your baby.
Be all right.
Now let's talk aboutbreastfeeding prep that starts
even now.
Yes, girl.
Even at 29 weeks.
Listen, there's stuff that youcan absolutely do to prep your
body and mind for breastfeedingsuccess.
(07:00):
Now, first up, let's talk aboutcolostrum, which may already be
forming Some moms notice lightleakage, but some moms don't.
So don't worry if you haven'tseen it yet, your body is still
gearing up and preparing tobreastfeed your baby.
Also, I want you to startlearning how breastfeeding
(07:20):
actually works, not the glamversion that people show you on
Instagram.
Instead, I want you tounderstand latch supply hunger
cues, all of that right now, sothat you're not trying to Google
it at 3:00 AM while you'repostpartum.
Now here's a pro tip.
If you haven't yet, I want youto go and binge a few of my
(07:43):
videos.
I have playlists on my channel,and I will also have them link
down below.
And.
If you're not already, I alsowant you to grab Bump to Bundle
Blueprint.
This is where I walk you througheverything in Easy Baby steps.
Seriously, it's the course Iwish I had with my first, so
(08:05):
check it out.
Everything will be linked in thedescription below.
I.
Okay.
Now let's talk about how mostpeople wait until the last
minute to think about life afterbirth, but not you, my friend.
Why?
Because you're smarter thanthat.
I want you to start asking now,who's bringing you food?
Do you have nursing friendlyPJs?
(08:27):
What's your support plan?
If you notice that baby blues isstarting to hit prep now.
And avoid the crash later.
Say it with me.
Prep now to avoid the crashlater.
So Mama 29 weeks isn't justanother week on the calendar.
It's your body's warmup act forthe big event.
(08:50):
And the more you understandthese little changes now, the
more confident you'll feel inlabor birth and beyond.
If you wanna go deeper and feeltruly ready for birth and
breastfeeding, then you need tocheck out Bump Tob bundle
Blueprint.
It's your one stop shop forbirth prep, postpartum planning
and breastfeeding know-howwithout the fluff.
(09:13):
Thousands of first time momshave used it to walk into birth
feeling empowered instead ofscared.
So if you want an empoweredbirth, just click the link below
to learn more and to enroll.
I'll be right there cheering youon inside.
All right.
Now I want you to drop me acomment below and let me know
what's your weirdest or mostunexpected pregnancy symptoms so
(09:36):
far.
I love reading through yourstories and cheering you on
every week.
So drop it below.
And don't forget, please like,subscribe and turn on
notifications so that other newmoms can see this video.
And so you don't miss next weekbecause we're gonna be talking
about something that might haveyou rethinking your entire birth
(09:58):
plan.
So stay tuned.
I'll see you next week for week30, pregnancy updates.
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.