30 Weeks Pregnant – Baby Development, Signs and Symptoms

You have successfully stepped into the 30th week of pregnancy. Congratulations! It’s the third trimester, and you are steadily moving closer to that much-awaited milestone—meeting your little one soon. This would be the best time to pack your maternity bag if you haven’t already, ensuring you have all the essentials ready for the big day.

You might also be feeling overloaded with information, dos and don’ts, tips, and somewhat tired from frequent visits to the doctor, along with various aches and discomforts. Try not to panic; instead, take a deep breath and focus on what’s in store during this exciting stage. Every little change brings you one step closer to holding your baby in your arms.

Baby’s Growth at 30 Weeks of Pregnancy

Your baby seems to be growing fast; she weighs more, and as she grows, the amniotic fluid that surrounds her shrinks. Her eyesight is developing, and your baby’s skeleton is hardening up, too (1).

Baby’s Size at 30 Weeks of Pregnancy

Your baby’s length now is around 16 inches from heel to the crown. At 30 weeks, the baby’s size is roughly that of cabbage and weighs close to 1.3 kg (3 lbs). The baby will continue to grow rapidly, and although the height might increase a little, the weight will shoot up quite a bit during the next few weeks until the baby is born (2).

Image Source : AI Generated Image

30 Weeks Pregnant Is How Many Months?

Pregnancy is typically calculated as 40 weeks, with each month averaging about 4.3 weeks (3). At 30 weeks pregnant, you are 7 months and 2 weeks into your pregnancy.

Common Body Changes in the Mother at 30 Weeks of Pregnancy

At 30 weeks, your tummy has grown large, and you might want to be prepared with your birth options as the due date is nearing. The body changes during pregnancy are considerably fast in the last trimester. Your weight gain at the end of 30 weeks will be anywhere between 8 to 13 kgs. Do not worry about gaining weight during the last trimester as it is quite normal. Your body feels heavier than usual, and some regular chores might be difficult to do. Nevertheless, your bundle of joy is just a few weeks away from coming into your arms, so enjoy this period.

Also, you will need frequent toilet breaks as there is increased pressure on your bladder due to your little one occupying most of the space in the womb. Your breasts will become tender as they are preparing for milk production for breastfeeding your baby (4).

Symptoms of Pregnancy at Week 30

At 30 weeks pregnant, your body is undergoing significant changes as your baby grows rapidly. While some discomfort is normal, staying aware of your body’s signals helps ensure a smoother journey toward delivery (5).

• Heartburn and sickness at 30 weeks pregnant will continue as the valve that prevents acid from entering the oesophagus relaxes, and acid begins to seep into the oesophagus.
• Difficulty in breathing as the baby will be pushing against your diaphragm.
• Digestion issues due to relaxed muscles.
• Bloating and gas trouble that builds up due to the slow pace of movement of the muscles.
• Constipation and haemorrhoids will continue due to the relaxing of the muscles.
• You may have difficulty balancing while walking as the centre of gravity changes.
• Leg cramps (or varicose veins) and back pain as the baby pushes against the back and the uterus exerts pressure on the veins carrying blood to the legs.
• Itching in the belly area as the skin stretches to accommodate the baby.
• Discomfort while sleeping as your tummy is oversized.
• Frequent urination due to the baby pushing down on the bladder.
• Fatigue caused by carrying extra weight and due to hormonal changes.

Belly at 30 Weeks of Pregnancy

Your belly is the size of watermelon now. You may find it difficult to bend and pick up things or even tie shoelaces. You might feel as though you are unable to walk straight and steady, which is normal. Your breathlessness will ease off when your baby moves into the pelvis region preparing for birth. The kicks and jabs are more prominent now as the baby has occupied the uterus fully. You might experience false contractions, also called Braxton Hicks contractions. Therefore, you must speak to your gynaecologist and understand the difference between false contractions and real labour contractions.

Couples hesitate to have sex during this period, but it is perfectly fine to have intercourse unless advised otherwise by the doctor.

Baby’s Position at 30 Weeks

At 30 weeks pregnant, your baby is usually positioned head-down, though some may still need time to turn. Your little one now floats in about 700 ml of amniotic fluid, which still allows movement despite the limited space. As your uterus expands upward in the coming weeks, your growing baby will gradually have less room to move freely as delivery approaches.

30 Weeks Pregnant With Twins

At 30 weeks pregnant with twins, you’re in an exciting but demanding phase as your babies grow rapidly and prepare for birth. Carrying twins means extra weight, stronger symptoms, and closer monitoring to ensure both you and your babies stay healthy.

Key points to keep in mind at 30 weeks with twins (6):

• More pronounced back pain, swelling, and shortness of breath due to the extra weight and space your twins occupy.
• Twins often arrive earlier, so watch for contractions and discuss any concerns with your doctor.
• Expect more ultrasounds and checkups to track fetal growth, amniotic fluid, and your health.
• Pack your hospital bag early, as twins are likely to arrive before 40 weeks.

30 Weeks Pregnancy Ultrasound

Your third-trimester ultrasound offers exciting glimpses into your baby’s progress (7). Your baby is gaining weight rapidly and has fully developed lungs and digestive tract. The baby can sense light by now and can also open and close his eyes. If you shine a torch on your tummy, your baby will sense it and might even reach out to touch it. The skin has smoothened out, and his brain tissues are developing rapidly. She is now able to grasp a finger using her hands.

Your baby’s bone marrow has started producing red blood cells on its own, so your little one can survive on her own after birth. The Lanugo (the soft hair covering the baby’s body) is beginning to disappear as the body fat and brain are now regulating the baby’s body temperature.

Diet at 30 Weeks of Pregnancy

The diet in the 30th week of pregnancy includes a lot of iron-rich items such as:

• Lean meat and fish
• Broccoli and other green leafy vegetables
• Whole cereals
• Lentils and pulses
• Nuts and dry fruits
• Eggs

Iron is very important throughout your pregnancy as it carries oxygen from your body through the blood vessels, and passes it to the baby through the placenta. Avoid food that inhibits iron absorption, instead eat plenty of food that help iron absorption, such as food rich in Vitamin C. Drinking a glass of fruit juice rich in vitamin C can be a good supplement.

Calcium is also very important, but you should remember to never take calcium and iron supplements together as calcium can hamper the absorption of iron. Lack of iron can hinder cognitive development in the foetus and also cause anaemia in the mother giving rise to pregnancy complications.

Tips & Care

Here are some simple tips to help you get through this week:

Dos

• Decide on stem cell storage as it may be useful for future medical use.
• Keep a check on baby movements.
• Do mild exercises.
• Eat iron-rich foods.

Don’ts

• Do not ignore any contractions or water breaks.
• Do not do any rigorous activities.
• If baby movements are lesser than usual, do not panic, visit the hospital emergency.

What You Need to Shop For

Here are some things you need to keep ready:

• Cord banking (if you are planning to store stem cells).
• Maternity clothes and nursing bras– It’s very important to invest in the right maternity wear during pregnancy as they will ensure the utmost comfort during this time. Nursing sleepwear is a blessing as they do away with the hassles you may face when it comes to feeding your little one. You can also check out Bella Mama’s maternity lingerie which comes with a light elastic in the waistband which expands as your belly grows. This ensures that it doesn’t dig into or irritate your skin.
• Baby essentials (soap, towels, wraps, baby wipes).

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

As you enter the 30th week of your twin pregnancy, this is the perfect time to address any concerns and clarify important details about your health and your babies’ development. Here are key questions to discuss during your next prenatal visit:

1. What signs of preterm labour should I watch for?
2. Are both babies growing at a healthy rate? (Ask about ultrasound measurements)
3. Do I need to adjust my diet or supplements for a twin pregnancy?
4. How often will my appointments be from now on?
5. What’s the likelihood of needing a C-section?
6. Are there any restrictions on activity or travel at this stage?
7. When should we finalise our birth plan?

FAQs

1. Why do I feel rhythmic jerking in my belly?

Your baby may have hiccups—a normal reflex as they practice breathing amniotic fluid. If movements decrease suddenly, consult your doctor.

2. Can pregnancy affect my vision at 30 weeks?

Hormonal changes and fluid retention may cause blurry vision or dry eyes. Mention this to your doctor to rule out conditions like gestational hypertension.

3. Why am I suddenly clumsier than usual?

Relaxin hormone loosens joints, and your shifting centre of gravity affects balance. Move slowly, wear supportive shoes, and avoid slippery surfaces.

4. Is it normal to dream vividly about labour?

Yes! Pregnancy dreams intensify due to hormones and anxiety. Journaling or light meditation before bed may help.

This was all about thirty weeks pregnancy. Your baby is listening to you and is just a few weeks away from coming into your arms. Try to use this period to bond with her even before she comes into this world. Discomfort and hormonal changes can make mothers-to-be suffer from depression in the third trimester of pregnancy. If you feel that you’re extremely low and depressed about your pregnancy, talk to your doctor, who can guide you through this period of anxiety. Although the third trimester is very strenuous and painful, it also brings you closer to the people around you, and it might also be the right time for baby shower celebrations and a romantic pre-baby photo shoot.

References/Resources:

1. Mayo Clinic – Fetal development: The third trimester

2. Embryology – Fetal Development

3. Johns Hopkins Medicine – Calculating a Due Date

4. American Pregnancy Association – 30 Weeks Pregnant

5. NHS – Week 30

6. Cleveland Clinic – Twin Pregnancy

7. Mount Sinai – Ultrasound pregnancy

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