By 29 weeks, baby's brain can control his body's temperature. His eyes can move in his sockets and his muscles and lungs continue to mature. His bone marrow is now producing red blood cells and fat continues to develop under his skin.

Mom

It's time to bring it up...hemorrhoids. Not really a pleasant topic of conversations but as your uterus grows in size you are more likely to develop them. Below you will find some helpful information about hemorrhoids and how to deal with them.

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in your rectal area. They can be itchy or painful but the good news is that they will usually clear up a few weeks after giving birth. It's probably a good idea to include more fiber in your diet to avoid constipation and be sure that you are drinking plenty of water during the day!

If they are uncomfortable, try soaking in a sitz bath or applying cold compresses soaked with witch hazel. You can usually find witch hazel in your local drug store or supermarket. It's best to avoid sitting for long periods of time. Just like other medications during pregnancy, it's best to speak with your healthcare provider before you use any other-the-counter medications to treat your hemorrhoids.

Kegel exercises can also keep hemorrhoids at bay. Kegel's are pelvic floor exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting your urethra, bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum. Incorporating kegel exercises into your daily routine may help you to increase circulation to your rectal and vaginal area, prevent urine leaks before and after pregnancy, help you in the second stage of labor and speed healing after labor.

How to do Kegel exercises...

• Keep your abdomen and leg muscles relaxed
• Try not to hold your breath
• Tighten your vaginal muscles like you are trying to interrupt the flow of urine
• Think about squeezing and lifting your pelvic floor
• Hold for about 8-10 seconds, release.
• Repeat 10 times for one set. Work up to 3 or 4 sets, 3 times a day.

If you find that in week 29 the negative aspects of pregnancy are getting to you, try to focus on the positive aspects of pregnancy. Look ahead to your due date, or switch gears entirely and start filling out your baby registry or decorating the nursery!