Week 29 of Pregnancy: A Butternut Squash, and the Week I Mentioned the Itching
Key takeaways
- By week 29, the baby is about 38.6cm long, roughly the size of a butternut squash, and is 'perfectly formed' apart from continuing to mature and gain fat.
- The protective vernix coating on the baby's skin starts to disappear around this stage.
- Third-trimester tiredness is common and expected, but draining faster than usual is still worth mentioning if it feels unusual.
- Persistent, worsening itching that doesn't settle with basic care is worth raising with your doctor, not waiting out.
- Asking for a test when something doesn't feel right is never an overreaction — it's how problems get caught early.
By week 28, I’d noticed itching but assumed it was minor. Week 29 was the week I stopped assuming and actually said something.
What’s actually happening in your body
The baby is now around 38.6cm long, roughly the size of a butternut squash, and is described as essentially fully formed at this stage — the weeks ahead are mostly about maturing organs and gaining fat. The protective waxy vernix coating on the skin also starts disappearing around now, according to NHS guidance on week 29 of pregnancy.
What I actually felt
My appetite was fine, and my energy was generally good, but I noticed I was draining more quickly than usual — tiring out faster over the course of the day. The itching from the week before hadn’t gone away either; if anything, it was increasing day by day rather than settling down. I mentioned this clearly to my doctor rather than continuing to wait it out, and another test was scheduled off the back of that conversation.
Looking back, this is the part I’d want anyone reading this to take from my experience directly: I could easily have kept treating it as a minor annoyance for another week or two. Saying something plainly, even about something that still felt fairly small at the time, is what got the process of actually figuring out what was going on started.
Nutrition focus this week
No changes from earlier weeks beyond whatever guidance you’re following if you’ve had a gestational diabetes diagnosis. Otherwise, keep up with your prenatal vitamin and the general guidance in our foods and drinks to limit or avoid during pregnancy.
What to discuss with your doctor or midwife
If something you mentioned at a previous appointment hasn’t settled — itching, fatigue, or anything else — say so clearly rather than assuming it’s already been noted or that it’ll resolve on its own. A specific, direct update is what actually prompts further testing when it’s needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to tire more quickly in the third trimester?
Yes, some increase in fatigue is expected as your body works harder to support the pregnancy. That said, a marked change is always worth mentioning at your next appointment.
What should I do if a symptom I mentioned before hasn’t improved?
Bring it up again, clearly and specifically, rather than assuming it’s already being tracked. Doctors rely on you flagging changes, especially between scheduled appointments.
Does the vernix coating disappearing mean anything is wrong?
No — it’s a normal part of development around this stage, not a sign of a problem.
What size is the baby at week 29?
About 38.6cm long, roughly the size of a butternut squash.
References
- NHS — Your Pregnancy and Baby Guide, Week 29. nhs.uk
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