29 Weeks Pregnant

Your baby is now about the size of a butternut squash — roughly 15.2 inches long and weighing around 2.5 pounds. This is a remarkable week for skeletal and neurological development.

Your baby's bones are now fully formed, though they're still soft and pliable. This flexibility is by design — it will help your baby navigate through the birth canal when the time comes. The bones will continue to harden over the coming weeks, and calcium intake is more important than ever. Aim for 1,000 mg of calcium daily through dairy, leafy greens, or supplements.

The brain is going through an extraordinary growth spurt right now. The surface of the brain, which was previously smooth, is developing the characteristic folds and grooves (sulci and gyri) that allow for more brain cells in the same space. Your baby's brain is now controlling body temperature and rhythmic breathing movements.

Your baby can now sense light through the uterine wall and may turn toward a bright light source. Their eyes can focus, and their pupils dilate and constrict in response to light. The senses of taste and smell are also well developed.

White fat is accumulating under the skin, filling out those tiny limbs and giving your baby a rounder appearance. This fat is critical — it will help regulate body temperature after birth.

Welcome to the third trimester reality: your body is working harder than ever. Your blood volume has increased by nearly 50% since the start of pregnancy, and your heart is pumping significantly more blood with each beat.

The most noticeable new symptom for many parents at 29 weeks is shortness of breath. Your uterus now extends well above your belly button and is pressing upward against your diaphragm, leaving less room for your lungs to fully expand. This is normal but can feel alarming — especially when you're just climbing stairs or talking. It will improve somewhat when your baby "drops" into your pelvis in the coming weeks.

The third trimester brings new challenges. Back pain may be intensifying as your center of gravity continues to shift forward. The hormone relaxin is loosening your joints and ligaments in preparation for delivery, which can make your lower back and pelvis feel unstable.

Swelling in your feet and ankles is common now due to increased blood volume and fluid retention. Elevating your feet, staying active, and drinking plenty of water can help. However, sudden or severe swelling — especially in your face or hands — can be a sign of preeclampsia and warrants an immediate call to your provider.

Braxton Hicks contractions may be more noticeable now. These practice contractions are your uterus preparing for the real thing. They're typically irregular, painless, and stop when you change positions or drink water.

With about 11 weeks to go, it's time to start thinking practically about preparation — but there's no need to rush. Focus on one or two items at a time.

Next week at 30 weeks, your baby will be about the size of a cabbage and weighing around 3 pounds. The fine hair covering your baby's body (lanugo) will start to disappear, and red blood cell production will shift from tissue groups to bone marrow — an important milestone in your baby's development.

If you're dealing with pregnancy insomnia, you're not alone. Sleep disturbances are extremely common in the third trimester. Establishing a calming bedtime routine now can make a real difference in these final weeks.

You're in the home stretch. Every week from here brings your baby closer to full development and brings you closer to meeting them.

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) — Pregnancy FAQ: How your baby grows during pregnancy
• Mayo Clinic — Fetal development: The 3rd trimester
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) — Fetal development milestones
• March of Dimes — Week-by-week pregnancy guide

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your pregnancy.