30 Weeks Pregnant
Reaching the 30-week milestone in your pregnancy journey is a significant event! It means you're just 10 weeks away from the eagerly anticipated due date and the opportunity to finally meet your little one. But hold on, there's still a rollercoaster of changes and developments to experience in this stage. Let's delve into what's happening at 30 weeks pregnant, how your baby and belly are growing, your pregnancy symptoms, and some useful lifestyle advice to navigate through this period and beyond.
Highlights at 30 Weeks Pregnant
Before we delve into all the details of 30 weeks, let’s check out some of the key highlights:
At 30 weeks pregnant, your little one is about the size of a cabbage.
They’re gaining hair on their head but losing their lanugo, the fine hair that was covering their skin.
You might experience Braxton Hicks (practice contractions) at around 30 weeks pregnant or in the next few weeks. This article may help you distinguish between real and practice contractions.
Now might be a good time to research the best baby products out there.
Are you still deciding on a name for your baby? If so, try our Baby Name Generator for some inspiration:
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30 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development
Here’s what's going on with your baby's development when you're at 30 weeks pregnant:
That occasional rhythmic movement you feel in your belly could be your baby hiccupping!
Your little one’s eyes can open and close at 30 weeks pregnant. They can even sense changes in light.
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 they’re 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 their locks are!
If you’re 30 weeks pregnant and expecting double (or triple) the trouble, learn more about being pregnant with twins or multiples.
How Many Months Is 30 Weeks Pregnant?
It’s common to wonder what 30 weeks pregnant is in months. Although there’s no standard way to group the 40 weeks of pregnancy neatly into months, at 30 weeks, you’re likely in month 7.
So, what trimester is 30 weeks? At 30 weeks pregnant, you’re now in your third and final trimester.
Now that you know what week, month, and trimester you’re in, how many days are left at 30 weeks pregnant? Although you may want to count down the days until your exciting new arrival, there’s no predicting the exact day you’ll give birth. Your due date is generally just an estimation, and your little one could arrive earlier or later than this date.
Baby’s Size at 30 Weeks Pregnant
How big is a baby at 30 weeks pregnant? At 30 weeks pregnant, on average, a baby is about the size of a cabbage, their weight may be nearly three pounds and measuring nearly 10 and a half inches (27 centimetres) crown to rump.
Your Baby: What Does 30 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?
The illustration below offers you a glimpse at how your baby may be positioned at 30 weeks pregnant.
Your Body at 30 Weeks Pregnant
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 best.
For some, 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:
Braxton Hicks contractions. If you feel a tightness in your abdomen around 30 weeks, you may be experiencing what are called Braxton Hicks or practice contractions. These are contractions that help your body prepare for labour, but they are not a sign that you are actually going into labour. They can occur more frequently when you are tired or dehydrated, and they tend to occur later in the day. Braxton Hicks contractions 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 labour.
If you experience contractions or menstrual-like cramping at 30 weeks pregnant and you’re not sure whether they are Braxton Hicks or true labour contractions—or something else entirely—contact your healthcare provider, who will be able to assess your symptoms. Also, contact your healthcare provider if you experience vaginal bleeding, a low dull back pain, or stomach pains that progress over time at 30 weeks pregnant or anytime in your pregnancy as these may be some symptoms of preterm labour or something else.
Itchy skin. With pregnancy weight gain and a growing baby and belly, at 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.
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 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, as these are among the symptoms not to ignore at 30 weeks pregnant.
Are you wondering what the symptoms of carrying a girl are compared to carrying a boy at 30 weeks pregnant? Well, we’re afraid you’ll have to keep on wondering because science has shown that pregnancy symptoms are not linked to the baby's assigned gender.
How Big Is a Pregnant Belly at 30 Weeks?
You may notice a lot of growth in your bump around 30 weeks pregnant and throughout this month as your baby grows rapidly and gains weight. This may make your uterus feel heavier, and as we mentioned in the above section, it may push your stomach and diaphragm up toward your lungs.
If your fundal height is measured at 30 weeks, it’ll likely be close to 30 centimetres (11 to 12 and a half inches) from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus.
What Does 30 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?
To get an idea of a pregnant belly size around 30 weeks pregnant, take a look at the image below.
30 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider
From babymoons to researching doulas, here are some things to consider at 30 weeks pregnant:
If your healthcare provider gives you the all-clear, you could do some travelling at 30 weeks pregnant, before your baby arrives. 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. If your plans include air travel, ask your healthcare provider if you can fly at 30 weeks pregnant.
Remember that it’s important to eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet throughout pregnancy to support your baby's growth and ensure that both of you are staying healthy. If you’re wondering what to eat at 30 weeks of pregnancy, 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.
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 at 30 weeks pregnant. Some experts recommend starting to do "kick counts" from around 30 weeks of pregnancy; ask your healthcare provider when they recommend 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 decreased fetal movement at 30 weeks pregnant, 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.
Is your baby shower host is pestering you for the details of your registry? Put the finishing touches on it so that they can finalize the shower invitations and send them out in time. Check out this registry checklist and must-haves to make sure you’ve covered all the essentials.
If you’re thinking of hiring a labour support professional, now's the time to start researching and interviewing potential doulas. A doula is someone who can give you comfort and help before, during, and after labour and childbirth.
Tip for Partners Now that you and your pregnant partner are in the third trimester, you’re probably starting to wrap up the preparation process. From car seats to cribs, there are a lot of products out there, so completing your research is key. If you haven’t already decided on your gear, do some research and ask other parents for their recommendations. |
30 Weeks Pregnant: Questions for Your Healthcare Provider
Here are some questions that you might like to ask your healthcare provider at your 30-week appointment or any time you need advice:
When will I get the Tdap vaccination? This vaccine helps protect your baby from contracting whooping cough in the first few months after birth.
Who is my backup healthcare provider if my current one is on leave or unavailable over the next few months?
Do you recommend having a written birth plan?
If I have been diagnosed with placenta accreta, what warning signs should I look out for during the third trimester and what are my chances of needing a cesarean section?
What are some symptoms not to ignore at 30 weeks pregnant?
What happens at a 30-week appointment, and will I have an ultrasound?
FAQS AT A GLANCE
At 30 weeks, your baby’s major developments are complete. Although your little one is now fully formed, they still need to continue gaining weight and preparing themselves for the outside world.
30 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist
Check out our short checklist for some things to do over the next few weeks:
☐ 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.
☐ 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.
☐ 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.
☐ If you’re wondering “Is 30 weeks too early for maternity pictures?” The answer is no, go for it! Organize a maternity photoshoot to have some treasured memories of your baby bump.
☐ If you’re wondering how to find the most comfortable sleeping position at 30 weeks pregnant, check out our article, sleeping during pregnancy for more advice.
How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.
30 weeks pregnant - checklist
