What to Expect When You Are 30 Weeks Pregnant

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You’ve reached a big milestone on your pregnancy journey – 30 weeks! At this stage, your baby is continuing to grow and develop inside your womb, and your body is going through many changes as it prepares for birth. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of what to expect when you are 30 weeks pregnant.

Key Takeaways

  • Baby is about 15-16 inches long and over 3 pounds now
  • You may experience Braxton Hicks contractions
  • Back pain, trouble sleeping, and other discomforts are common
  • Important tests like Group B Strep test occur around 30 weeks
  • Baby’s eyes can open and close, and lungs are developing
  • Kick counts become important to track baby’s movements
  • You should start planning for maternity leave from work

Common Symptoms at 30 Weeks Pregnant

Your body is working hard to help your baby grow during your third trimester. Here are some common symptoms and changes you may experience at 30 weeks pregnant:

Physically

  • Baby’s rapid growth: As your baby continues developing, you will really start showing now if you haven’t already. Your belly keeps expanding to make room for your growing baby.
  • Back pain: Your shifting posture and center of gravity as your belly grows can lead to back pain. Consider pregnancy pillows or gentle stretches.
  • Tiredness and trouble sleeping: It may be difficult to get comfortable as your belly grows. Try sleeping on your side, and take naps if needed.
  • Leg cramps: Muscle cramps in your calves or feet are common. Stretch before bed, hydrate, and get enough calcium and magnesium.
  • Braxton Hicks contractions: You may start feeling these “practice” contractions, which are irregular but painless tightenings.
  • Itching: Your expanding belly may cause itchy skin. Moisturize daily with creams to help prevent stretch marks too.
  • Dizziness: Your blood vessels are dilating, which can cause occasional lightheadedness or dizziness if you change position quickly. Take it slow.
  • Hemorrhoids: Constipation can cause painful hemorrhoids. Stay regular by eating fiber and drinking water.

Emotionally

  • Excitement and anxiety: As your due date gets closer, you may feel excited but also anxious about the challenges ahead. This is very normal!
  • Trouble concentrating: “Pregnancy brain” is common due to fatigue, hormonal changes, and being preoccupied with baby prep. Make lists and focus on one task at a time.
  • Mood swings: Hormonal changes can make your emotions feel like a rollercoaster. Take time for self-care and reach out for support from loved ones.

30 Weeks Pregnant Belly

Your uterus is now about 6 inches above your belly button, and you’ll really pop out now! Many women can no longer fit into their pre-pregnancy clothes and must wear maternity clothes. Support your bump with dresses, leggings, and comfortable shoes.

Your Growing Baby at 30 Weeks

Here’s what’s happening with your baby at 30 weeks pregnant:

  • Size: Your baby is about 15-17 inches long from head to toe – the size of a cabbage – and weighs around 3 pounds.
  • Developing lungs: Your baby’s lungs are developing branch-like structures called alveoli to prepare for breathing after birth. The lungs aren’t fully mature yet though.
  • Brain development: Your baby’s brain is developing rapidly. The wrinkles and grooves in the brain are forming to make room for all the growing nerves.
  • Opening and closing eyes: Your baby’s eyes have developed enough that they can actually open and close now!
  • Responding to stimuli: Your baby may react to loud noises or sudden movements from you by moving around. Their hearing is fully developed.
  • Swallowing amniotic fluid: Your baby is frequently swallowing the amniotic fluid around them, which contains nutrients and helps their digestive system develop.
  • Stronger bones: Your baby’s bones are becoming harder and less rubbery as calcium and phosphorus deposits build up.
  • Coordinating movements: Your baby is more gracefully coordinating hand-to-eye movements and movements overall thanks to brain and muscle development.

30 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound

Around 30 weeks, your doctor may do an ultrasound to:

  • Check your baby’s growth and development
  • Look at your amniotic fluid levels
  • Determine your baby’s position
  • See your placenta location and umbilical cord blood flow
  • Check for any abnormalities or issues

The ultrasound technician will measure parts of your baby’s body to create an estimated fetal weight and check if your baby is measuring on track or far above/below average. Don’t be alarmed if not – some natural variation is normal.

You may be able to see your baby opening their eyes, yawning, sucking their thumb, and moving around during the ultrasound! Make sure to discuss the results with your doctor.

Prenatal Tests and Checkups at 30 Weeks

Here are some typical prenatal tests and appointments that happen around 30 weeks pregnant:

Group B Strep Test

Between weeks 35-37, your doctor will test you for Group B Streptococcus (GBS), the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborns. The swab test is done during a regular prenatal visit. If you test positive for the GBS bacteria, you will get IV antibiotics during labor to prevent passing it to your baby.

Biophysical Profile Ultrasound

This ultrasound creates a “biophysical profile” to evaluate fetal well-being. It checks your baby’s breathing movements, body movements, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid level. If there are concerns, more tests or delivery may be recommended.

Regular Checkups

  • Fundal height measurement with a tape measure
  • Baby’s heart rate check
  • Your weight and blood pressure monitoring
  • Urine test for protein and infection
  • Symptoms discussion – prepare any questions!

Your doctor will monitor you and baby closely from now on to ensure you are both staying healthy and on track for the weeks ahead. Speak up about any concerning symptoms.

Tips for 30 Weeks Pregnant

Here are some tips to help you stay comfortable, prepare for baby, and care for your health during your 30th week of pregnancy:

  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Continue exercising with walks, prenatal yoga, or swimming.
  • Look into birthing classes, breastfeeding classes, and newborn care classes.
  • Start thinking about your birth plan preferences for the hospital.
  • Begin interviewing and touring daycare facilities if needed.
  • Start collecting items for your hospital bag like comfortable clothes, toiletries, and snacks.
  • Shop for any essential baby items you are still missing like a car seat.
  • Discuss maternity leave details with your employer and submit any necessary paperwork.
  • Make freezer meals or stock up on easy grab-and-go snacks.
  • Treat yourself to pregnancy massages or pedicures to relax.
  • Connect with other expecting moms through groups and forums.
  • Continue taking your prenatal vitamins with folic acid every day.
  • Maintain a healthy pregnancy diet with plenty of nutrients for you and baby.
  • Get enough sleep and rest whenever possible before baby’s arrival.

Warning Signs to Watch For at 30 Weeks Pregnant

Consult your doctor right away if you experience any of the following warning signs during your 30th week of pregnancy:

  • Bleeding or fluid leaking from the vagina
  • Intense headaches, vision changes, or abdominal pain
  • Severe swelling in the hands or face
  • Reduced fetal movement over 24-48 hours
  • Four or more contractions per hour
  • A high fever over 100.4°F
  • Blood in the urine
  • Persistent nausea and vomiting
  • Chills, muscle aches, weakness (signs of infection)
  • Sudden and severe swelling in just one leg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About 30 Weeks Pregnant

What fruit size is my baby at 30 weeks?

At 30 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a large cabbage weighing nearly 3 pounds and measuring 15-17 inches from head to heel.

What should I pack in my hospital bag at 30 weeks?

Start packing comfortable pajamas and robes, nursing bras, slippers, toiletries, lip balm, socks, outfit to go home in, phone charger, snacks, insurance card, birth plan, and any other comfort items you may want. Don’t forget baby’s going home outfit and swaddle too.

How much weight should I gain at 30 weeks pregnant?

The recommended weight gain by 30 weeks pregnant is about 15-20 pounds on average. Focus on eating when hungry, staying active, and maintaining healthy habits – not the number on the scale. Every pregnancy is unique.

What shots do I need at 30 weeks pregnant?

The main shot recommended around 30 weeks pregnant is the Tdap vaccine to protect your newborn against pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus. Get this vaccine between 27-36 weeks of each pregnancy even if you had it before. The flu shot is also recommended during flu season.

Can my baby be born at 30 weeks? What are the risks?

While it’s possible for babies to be born as early as 30 weeks, it comes with significant health risks and complications. Babies born at 30 weeks are considered moderately premature and often require extensive hospital care like ventilation, IV nutrition, temperature regulation, and more. The risks decrease the closer you get to full term at 40 weeks.

The Takeaway

Reaching the 30 week mark means you and your growing baby are making great progress! Take time to appreciate all your body is doing to support your baby’s amazing development. Stay in tune with your needs and any concerning symptoms as you get closer to delivery. With just over two months left to go until your due date, you’ve made it through the home stretch!