Learn what’s happening in week 30 of pregnancy and find out how your baby is developing.
The thirtieth week of pregnancy is the last week of your seventh month. Reaching the 30th week is a milestone in your baby’s development.
Premature babies that are born after week 30, have over 92% chances of survival without any long-term complications and with proper medical care.
Your baby is now the size of a small cabbage. Baby’s skin is getting smoother while the brain is getting wrinklier in order to make way for essential brain tissue.
What Happens in Your Body in Pregnancy Week 30?
You’re 30 weeks pregnant and you have only 10 weeks more to go! Many of the early symptoms of pregnancy you thought you’d put behind you are coming back including:
- frequent urination;
- gas, bloating;
- constipation;
- indigestion;
- fatigue;
- tender breasts;
- and back pain.
Heartburn is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy at 30 weeks. The pregnancy hormones relax your pelvic muscles so you can deliver your baby.
Also, relax the muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach. This leads to heartburn and indigestion.
To help prevent these symptoms try to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. Avoid fatty foods and don’t eat dinner right before going to bed.
Changes in Your Body at 30 Weeks Pregnant
Swelling can become a real problem in the third trimester of your pregnancy. Your body retains water to supply your increased blood production. So you may find your face, fingers and ankles swell to the point your shoes don’t fit.
To ease swelling drink lots of water and don’t stay in any position too long. Put your feet up as much as possible to increase circulation.
Your Baby at 30 Week of Pregnancy
The last few weeks of your pregnancy are vital for fetal brain development. Brain cells are maturing at a rapid rate and the wrinkles on the brain’s surface continue to get more prominent.
Your baby is weighing in at over three pounds and is a little over 17 inches long. Another major change occurring this week is the bone marrow taking over the job of red blood cell production.
Baby’s brain and fat cells are regulating his body temperature, so the downy hair covering his body (lanugo) is beginning to disappear.
All the five senses have become functional this week and fat continues to form beneath the skin, giving your baby a chubby appearance.
Pregnancy Week 30 Tips
Follow a diet that contains calcium-rich foods like:
- cheese;
- milk;
- yogurt;
- and leafy vegetables.
Calcium is vital for the final stages of fetal bone development. Include lots of protein, iron, and folic acid in your daily diet.
Drink lots of fluids and take your iron supplements (if prescribed by your doctor).
Avoid scratching your itchy belly, instead, massage the area with a moisturizing lotion. Don’t use the computer right before bedtime and avoid caffeinated drinks if you want to get a good night’s sleep.
Following a regular simple exercise is good for you because it boosts your energy level and strengthens your muscles.
Avoid traveling in the third trimester of pregnancy to reduce your risk of having premature labor.
