30 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development
Have you felt an occasional rhythmic movement in your belly? It could be your baby hiccupping!
Your little one is also putting on “baby fat,” making his skin look less wrinkly. He’ll be stockpiling this fat to help keep him nice and warm once he’s born.
The fine hair that’s been covering your baby’s skin, which is called lanugo, starts to disappear around this time. You’ll find out how much of your baby’s lanugo sheds when he’s born; some babies are born with a little still remaining on their shoulders, back, or ears.
Speaking of hair: Did you know that some babies are born with a full head of hair? At 30 weeks, the hair on your baby’s head is starting to grow and thicken. Of course, you’ll just have to wait until your baby’s arrival to find out exactly how thick his locks are!
If you’re 30 weeks pregnant with twins, read more about your baby’s development in our article on twin pregnancy week-by-week.
The Size of the Fetus at 30 Weeks Pregnant
At 30 weeks, the average fetus is about the size of a cabbage, weighing nearly 3 pounds and measuring close to 10 1/2 inches, crown to rump. The illustration below offers you a glimpse at how your baby may be positioned at 30 weeks.
Mom’s Body at 30 Weeks Pregnant
At 30 weeks pregnant, you’re in your third trimester, and you could be about seven or eight months pregnant, – this range is because the weeks of pregnancy don't fit neatly into months. As your due date approaches, you may be feeling stressed or anxious, and it’s super important to take care of your mind, body, and soul. Relaxation techniques may help you feel and stay calm; you may want to try a few and see what works for you. For some moms-to-be, getting a massage does the trick. Others listen to music with their eyes closed or do some prenatal yoga. If you’re still feeling overwhelmed and nothing you try seems to work, ask your healthcare provider for additional advice, and make sure you share your feelings with loved ones.
30 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms
At 30 weeks pregnant, here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing:
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Braxton Hicks contractions. If you feel a tightness in your abdomen, you may be experiencing what are called Braxton Hicks or practice contractions. These are contractions that help your body prepare for labor, but they are not a sign that you are actually going into labor. They can occur more frequently when you are tired or dehydrated, and they tend to occur later in the day. Braxton Hicks can get stronger as your due date nears, and it can become tricky to tell whether you’re experiencing these practice contractions or if you are going into labor. If you experience contractions or cramping at 30 weeks pregnant and you’re not sure whether they are Braxton Hicks or true labor contractions — or something else entirely — contact your healthcare provider, who will be able to assess your symptoms.
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Itchy skin. With pregnancy weight gain and a growing belly, around 30 weeks pregnant you may start to experience itchiness as your skin stretches and dries out. Gently applying a moisturizing lotion and staying well-hydrated can help. Read more about itchy skin during pregnancy for additional tips.
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Diarrhea. At any time when you're pregnant, diarrhea can strike. If this happens to you, keep yourself well hydrated, and contact your healthcare provider for further advice. Your provider may recommend a safe, over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication to take.
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Feeling short of breath. This could be happening because your uterus is getting bigger and pushing your stomach and diaphragm up into your lungs, making breathing more difficult. In the last month or two of pregnancy, you may find breathing a little easier as your baby drops down into your pelvis, easing up the pressure on your lungs, but for now, you might experience some difficulty. Move slowly and sit up straight to give your lungs extra room to expand. If you experience chest pains or a major change in the way you breathe, consult your healthcare provider right away.
30 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider
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If your healthcare provider gives you the all clear, you may still have time before your baby arrives to go on a babymoon with your partner or take a trip with friends. Check out our article on travel during pregnancy for tips and guidance.
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As at any other time during pregnancy, it’s important to eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet to support your baby's growth and ensure that both of you are staying healthy. One of the crucial nutrients to look for is calcium, a mineral that helps build your baby’s bones and teeth. You need 1,000 mg of calcium each day, and if you’re not getting enough in the foods you eat, your healthcare provider may recommend supplements. Dairy products, fortified cereals and juices, almonds, and dark, leafy greens are great sources of calcium, and you can ask your healthcare provider for more suggestions on getting calcium during your pregnancy.
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Feeling about the same amount of movement from your baby from one day to the next can be a reassuring sign that everything is going well. Some experts recommend starting to do "kick counts" from around 30 weeks of pregnancy; ask your healthcare provider when she recommends you start doing these fetal movement checks, as everyone's situation is different. Your provider will also be able to give direction on how to do these counts. One way is to find a time of day when your baby is usually most active and count the number of kicks or movements you feel in a two-hour window. Keep in mind that if you feel a little less movement than usual, this doesn’t necessarily mean that something is wrong; your baby could simply be asleep! Speak with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
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Is your baby shower host pestering you for the details of your registry? Put the finishing touches on it so that she can finalize the shower invitations and send them out in time. Check out these ideas for what to include on your registry to make sure you’ve covered all the essentials.
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If you haven’t already and you’re thinking of hiring one, start researching and interviewing potential doulas. A doula is someone who can give you comfort and help before, during, and after labor and childbirth.
30 Weeks Pregnant: Ask Your Doctor
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When will you get the Tdap vaccination? This vaccine helps protect your baby from contracting whooping cough in the first few months after birth.
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Who is your backup healthcare provider if your current one is on leave or unavailable over the next few months?
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Is a 3D or 4D ultrasound scan recommended at 30 weeks, or in the coming weeks?
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Do you recommend having a written birth plan?
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If you have been diagnosed with placenta accreta, what warning signs should you look out for during the third trimester and what are your chances of needing a cesarean section?
30 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist
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Start thinking about and planning for child care, if you haven't done so already. Doing the research, interviewing potential child care providers, visiting child care centers, or asking family to take on some of the child care now gives you one less thing to worry about once your baby is born. Ask your healthcare provider and trusted friends and loved ones for recommendations.
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Soon enough, your friends and family members may start offering to provide you with some extra support in the weeks after you give birth. Start jotting down some chores or tasks they could take on, so that you know what kinds of jobs you could assign. Your list might include things like cooking a few meals that can be frozen for later, minding your older children, grocery shopping, or taking care of your pets.
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If you have a car, you’ll need a safe baby car seat for that first trip home from the hospital, and for every ride after that. Start browsing and shopping now so you have plenty of time to get the seat correctly installed, rear-facing, in your car's backseat.
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Organize a maternity photoshoot to have some treasured memories of your baby bump.
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As you shop strollers, cribs, and all the other essentials you’ll need for your baby, it can be hard to know which exact products would be the best for you and your little one.
