Fetal development at 30 weeks pregnant
30 Weeks Pregnant: Ultrasound, Symptoms, Baby Development
Reviewed by
Kate Shkodzik, MD
Obstetrician and gynecologist
Contents
You're only 10 weeks away until your baby arrives. The 30th week of your pregnancy will come along with some difficulties and questions. Be prepared to face them and learn how to make things much easier and comfortable for you and your baby. As your due date is getting closer, new feelings will start around this time. Let’s take a look at how things are going during the 30th week of your pregnancy.
Your baby at week 30 of pregnancy
It is getting crowded there, for sure. Your baby is growing fast and taking up more space.
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How big is your baby at 30 weeks pregnant?
At 30 weeks pregnant your baby is about the size of a head of cabbage. It weighs around 3 pounds (1.36 kg). Although your belly might make you feel like you have watermelon inside, the baby’s height is around 15 inches (38 cm).
As the baby grows, the amount of amniotic fluid will be reduced. This is a great sign of normal growth.
30 weeks pregnant baby position
Just as you are preparing for the big day, so is your little one. At 30 weeks, your baby will be in a head-down position. He has turned down and is expecting to descend further into your pelvis over the coming few weeks.
Pregnancy week 30 fetal development
The eyes of your baby are starting to distinguish what is surrounding them.
The baby can now put the difference between light and dark. When babies are born, they can only focus on objects found right in front of their faces. But still, your baby will continue to be with closed eyes for a good amount of time.
The major organs are developed. Your baby will gain half a pound (230 g) each week to protect the body systems that are developed.
Your baby's hearing is improved and you can even see him move as a response to some loud sounds.
Just look down at your belly. You walk the last steps on your way to see your baby. These days you may be feeling extra tired. Try to find a comfortable sleeping position. It is better to go to sleep earlier than usual and sleep in longer in the morning.
Getting enough sleep is really important now. Take a nap during the day. It will improve your energy.
30 weeks pregnant belly
At this stage, your baby will take up a larger portion of your uterus. Your uterus will expand underneath your rib cage to allow more room for your growing baby. You can begin to feel clumsier. As your belly grows, the gravity point shifts a bit. You may feel like you're losing your balance.
30 weeks pregnant symptoms
When you reach the 30th week of your pregnancy, you will be experiencing some of the following symptoms:
- Having trouble sleeping. You may notice that you are more tired than usual and having difficulties to fall asleep at night.
Experiment with your sleeping positions. If you're having insomnia, consult with your doctor. - Back pain. Back pain is a really common symptom of pregnancy. Usually, it gets worse in the third trimester. You have around 10 weeks left in your pregnancy and you have gained additional weight.
- Cramps. Your body is under some strain. Your baby is occupying the space. You have all of your muscles, bones, hormones and blood vessels working for two people. All of this can cause cramps. Drink enough fluids and try to get some rest. If it doesn’t stop, call the doctor.
- Mood swings. It is normal to start experiencing mood swings during this period. There are a lot of things going through your mind, and you're feeling more tired with the extra weight put on your body. If the mood swings cause you a hard time to fall asleep and interfere with your everyday activities, talk to your doctor. It is a common thing among pregnant women to experience depression during or after the pregnancy.
Tell your doctor how you feel and he or she will help you manage it. Here are some tips that might help you with your mood swings. - Your feet will change in size or structure. Some women can go up even for a full shoe size during the pregnancy. This is the right time for you to invest in a quality pair of shoes that will offer you comfort until the end of your pregnancy. Forget about the high heel, and take care of your foot.
Having an ultrasound done in the 30th week is not essential, but some health providers can order a scan to see the growth and development of the baby. Your baby's facial lines are more developed. You may even notice whether your baby's eyes are open on the ultrasound.
Besides the ultrasound, you will have a fetal non-stress test performed. A belt will be attached on your abdomen in order to measure the heart rate of the baby and another belt will measure contractions. The non-stress test can say whether the baby is not receiving the needed oxygen or indicate some other types of fetal distress.
- Eat starchy food like potatoes and cereals. Vegetables and lean meats must be also added to your diet. These types of foods reduce the risk of getting diarrhea during pregnancy. Avoid foods that are high in sugars. So, if you are experiencing diarrhea for a couple of days, call your doctor.
- Stay active. Walk for 30 minutes, several times a week. You can do dancing or swimming as well. Women that are physically more active during the pregnancy have a shorter labor time.
- Take enough vitamins and minerals. Ask your doctor for the right dosage.
Sex at week 30 of pregnancy
As long as you are not having any complications, there are no concerns about having sex during the 30th week of pregnancy. Keep your hygiene at a good level. Search for some positions that will be comfortable for you.
- Make a birthing plan. Now it is the perfect time to think about the details of the birthing plan.
Discuss who you want to be with you in the labor room. Gather more information about the types of anesthesia. Discuss these things with your partner and consult with your doctor as well. - Learn about relaxation techniques for labor and patterned breathing that will allow you to be more calm and relaxed.
- Set up your nursery room. Remember that the baby is not likely to arrive on the expected due date. Setting up the nursery room on time would be a great relief to you. Do this while your belly hasn’t grown too big. Buy a crib that fulfills the latest safety guidelines. It is important to be sure that you have a safe spot for your baby to sleep after he or she is born.
- Buy a car seat. Assure yourself that you have a safe way to bring home your baby from the hospital. Be prepared on time, and you won’t have that many things going through your head.
What to ask your doctor?
Ask your doctor about the difference between real contractions and Braxton Hicks contractions.
You may start having painful contractions and they may be more frequent. Chances are really big that you may be having real contractions. If you are not sure whether you are in labor, and if you are noticing vaginal spotting or fluid leakage, call your doctor right away.
References
https://www.mom365.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/30-weeks-pregnant https://www.thebump.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/30-weeks-pregnant
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See all weeksBaby and You at 30 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and Development
In this article:
Key takeaways at week 30
Baby's development at week 30
3D anatomy views
Pregnancy symptoms this week
Your body at 30 weeks
Tips for week 30
Checklist for week 30
Key Takeaways at 30 Weeks Pregnant
- Braxton Hicks are the name of the game these days.
Basically, your uterus is practicing; you’ll feel your belly tighten and then loosen. It's more likely to happen after some physical exercision. Try to relax or change positions. If they continue to happen and get closer together, call your doctor to rule out preterm labor. - Baby’s kicks and jabs feel a lot less cute these days. That’s because they’re in cramped quarters and don’t have much room to wiggle and flip—so elbow jabs become sharper and more pronounced.
- Do you suddenly have the urge to organize everything? It’s called nesting; it’s a natural instinct to want to get everything ready at home for this big life change. Enjoy decorating the nursery and laundering those itty-bitty onesies, but try to take it easy and don’t over-exert yourself.
Starting to feel like a walking belly? Your 30 weeks pregnant belly is doing more than just making it tough to find a comfortable sleeping position—it’s made itself a conversation piece. Everywhere you go, someone seems to have a comment about how you look.
Try not to take those comments seriously, but know which ones should be taken to heart—like when someone tells you you’re glowing, believe them. You are!
Watch Week 30 Highlights
Baby at Week 30
Wish you get get a look at baby in the womb at 30 weeks? If you could see into your 30 weeks pregnant belly, you’d see one cute 30-week fetus! By week 30, baby has a good amount of hair on their head and eyes that open wide to begin to distinguish what they see around them. Baby is also growing fingernails and continuing to practice grabbing by holding their feet or umbilical cord.
How big is baby at 30 weeks?
At 30 weeks pregnant, baby is the size of a zucchini. Your 15.7-inch, 2.9-pound, 30-week fetus continues to grow about half a pound and half an inch each week, which is why your 30 weeks pregnant belly is feeling so tight.
30 weeks pregnant is how many months?
Thirty weeks pregnant is over seven months pregnant. Once you look at 30 weeks in months, you’ll realize how close you really are! Just 10 weeks to go (give or take, of course!).
30 week ultrasound
If you have an uncomplicated pregnancy, you probably won’t have a 30 weeks pregnant ultrasound. But if you could see what baby’s up to, here’s what you’d find: Your 30-week fetus’s skin is now getting smoother, but their brain is getting wrinklier—that’s to make way for all that essential brain tissue. Your baby at 30 weeks is now strong enough to grasp a finger! That’s a skill they’ll certainly use post-birth.
Are you 30 weeks pregnant with twins? So far, your twins probably have been growing at the same rate as any other babies in utero. But sometime between now and week 32, they might slow down a bit.
Around week 30 of pregnancy with twins, your OB may order a biophysical profile to be taken of your babies. This is a combo of a 30-week ultrasound and a non-stress test (NST). For the NST, you’ll have sensors put on your belly to detect and measure your contractions and the babies’ heart rates. The test is designed to check how a baby’s heart rate responds when they move.
If everything seems okay with the NST and the ultrasound, your doctor will rule out fetal distress and preterm labor to assure your twosome is doing just fine.
3D Views: My Baby, My Body
See their progress for yourself with our 3D interactive tool.
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Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 30
At week 30 of pregnancy, your dreams might be getting even weirder— if you’re actually sleeping, that is. That could be the result of hormones, but it could also be anxiety, so consider doing some prep work to help you rest easier. One idea? Do a test drive to see exactly how long it takes you to get to the hospital. Then maybe you’ll stop having nightmares about giving birth in your car. Here are other common 30 weeks pregnant symptoms:
Heartburn
If you’re feeling the burn, pay attention to which foods may be causing it. (Often, it’s greasy, heavy, spicy or acidic food.
) Avoid them as much as you can, especially before bedtime, since this annoying 30 weeks pregnant symptom can make sleep hard to come by.
Trouble sleeping
You’re tossing and turning because you can’t get comfortable, and because your mind is racing. It’s a vicious cycle that leads to another issue: fatigue.
Swelling
A little puffiness is to be expected and will typically go down if you put your feet up for a while. Just know that sudden or severe swelling can be a sign of a problem, so keep an eye out for that.
General discomfort
Thanks to your big belly, your back aches, your hips ache and your feet… well, they ache too!
Shortness of breath
Those lungs just keep getting more crowded, right? Baby is still up high near your rib cage during pregnancy at 30 weeks but should drop down into your pelvis a little later in your pregnancy—maybe as soon as week 33 or 34. You’ll know when they do, because you’ll be able to take a deep breath again.
Ah!
What to expect at 30 weeks pregnant
At 30 weeks pregnant, a lot of those early symptoms are returning. Ugh. You’re probably starting to feel exhausted and moody again, and you need to pee all the time again too. This can be frustrating (which isn’t helped by the mood swings!), but with just 10 more weeks to go, you can do this. Rest as much as you can and find ways to take care of your physical and mental health.
Your Pregnant Belly at 30 Weeks
Whoa! You might notice your 30 weeks pregnant belly getting pretty hard and tight at times. Yep, at 30 weeks pregnant, Braxton Hicks contractions are pretty common. These are your body’s way of gearing up for the main event (labor, of course). Braxton Hicks tend to happen after exercise or sex, or when you’re tired or dehydrated. If you get them, sit down or lie on your side, relax and drink water. If the contractions don’t stop, or if you have four or more in an hour, call your doctor. It could actually be preterm labor.
Total 30 weeks pregnant weight gain should be about 18 to 25 pounds. However, if you’re pregnant with twins, it may be more like 25 to 40 pounds. Fundal height—the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus—should be around 28 to 32 centimeters.
Worried about the weight gain? Don’t be. The extra pounds you’ve put on will act as reserves to help you breastfeed baby. There’s no need to agonize over them or to rush to take them off; it will have taken you nine months to put the weight on, and it will take at least that long to take it off. Do keep your eye on the scale, however, because sudden or drastic weight gain could be the sign of a serious pregnancy complication called preeclampsia, so you should notify your doctor right away if the number on your scale jumps higher than it usually does week to week.
What is baby’s position at 30 weeks?
During pregnancy at 30 weeks, baby’s position is most likely head down. Your 30-week fetus is floating comfortably in about 1½ pints of amniotic fluid.
It may seem cramped in there, but they still have room to move around. Over the upcoming weeks, your belly will grow even further past your rib cage to accommodate baby, but they’ll still get a little more crowded as you approach your due date.
“Navigating life with your bump may feel like a workout in itself… Think of yourself as an athlete—training at altitude while wearing a weighted vest! Your body is working really hard and scaling back when you need to is okay… Go for a brisk walk, take the stairs, park a little further from your destination, stretch on your lunch break and make it a priority to stay as mobile as possible every day… Exercise during this time is going to continue to improve your physical, emotional and mental well-being. - Joanie Johnson Rubin, pre- and postnatal expert and founder of Strong Mom Society
Tips for 30 Weeks Pregnant
Ten weeks to go! Time will somehow move fast and slow at the same time. Here’s what to prioritize this week and beyond.
Wear forgiving shoes
The last trimester of your pregnancy is probably not going to be the most fashion-forward. Comfort reigns supreme, and your shoe situation should be no different. Your feet are probably swollen and achy most of the time, and tight shoes are not going to help the ouch, so find some shoes that have some give or leave room for your feet to expand.
Make sure you’re ready
It might seem early to get your go bag prepped and by the door, your carseat in the car and baby’s space all set up, but trust us, it’s better to be ready too early than too late (and you don’t want to have to try to remember all that while you’re in labor). Besides, getting everything ready is kinda fun!
Get familiar with the mucus plug
If you don’t know what the mucus plug is, now is the time to learn. In short, the mucus plug stops up the cervical opening and protects baby from any bacteria. Once it’s getting close to the time for baby to come, you’ll lose your mucus plug.
This shouldn’t happen quite yet, but it’s good to know it’s coming since it’s, um, mucus-y.
Keep up with the Kegels
Doing your Kegels helps keep your vaginal and perineal muscles in good shape, which will be super helpful when it’s time to give birth. Kegels could also help you avoid peeing your pants, which, let’s be honest, is a real possibility these days.
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Pregnancy Checklist at 30 Weeks Pregnant
Reminders for the week:
- Schedule your 32-week prenatal visit
- Arrange some help for baby's home arrival
- Practice a hospital run
Pregnancy calendar 30 weeks - Miracle Doctor multidisciplinary clinic in Moscow
At the 30th week of pregnancy, the grown body of the baby fills almost the entire volume of the uterus and therefore the movements of the child are no longer as intense as before. The fetus grew to 38 centimeters, it reached a mass of 1400 grams. Day by day, the muscle mass of the baby increases, his limbs develop and become stronger.
The development of parts of the brain continues.
The child no longer just opens his eyes, but keeps them wide open. The baby continues to develop vision, but even after birth, for some time he will be able to distinguish only objects that are close to his face. The cheeks of the fetus were rounded, folds began to form on the arms and legs, which so touch the parents of a newborn child. The hair on the head of the fetus is a little more branch and has become thicker. The thin reddish skin of the fetus is covered with a light cheese-like lubricant. With an early birth at 30 weeks of gestation, the child has every chance of surviving. The main condition for this is professional medical care using specialized equipment in a hospital setting. But still, it’s better not to rush with the birth, because in the remaining 10 weeks, the organs and systems will prepare for independent functioning outside the mother’s body. nine0003
Together with the mass of the child, there is an increase in the volume of the amniotic fluid in which the child is located, and the placenta.
The woman increasingly notes the light rhythmic shudders of the baby. This is nothing more than hiccups. Doctors cannot definitively answer the question of the cause of this physiological phenomenon, but one option is to suggest that hiccups develop as a result of excessive swallowing of amniotic fluid.
The muscles of the child, supporting the respiratory movements, are well developed. She constantly trains, expanding and compressing the baby's chest. This preparation will help the newborn take its first independent breath. The baby's immunity is certainly not yet fully developed, but it can already cope with some infections. nine0003
At the 30th week of pregnancy for a woman expecting one child, the long-awaited time of maternity leave comes. 70 days before the birth of the baby, the expectant mother must solve many issues. You need to choose a maternity hospital, collect a "dowry" of the child for discharge, etc. Residents of megacities have great opportunities to choose a maternity hospital.
Ask if the selected medical institution has an intensive care unit for newborns, are the children in the same room with their mothers after birth, do they leave the children for the night, is it customary to immediately put the newborn to the mother's breast? If you decide to give birth in an upright position, which is recognized by many doctors as a more physiological birth, you need to ask if such a birth is accepted in the maternity hospital of your choice. To accept vertical birth, the doctor must undergo special training. nine0003
The depression of a woman during pregnancy is far from uncommon. A sharp hormonal rise in the initial stages of pregnancy disrupts the chemical processes in a woman's body and leads to prolonged depression at its end. Depression is dangerous because an uncontrolled depressed state can provoke the onset of premature birth.
At the 30th week of pregnancy, preventive measures are taken to prevent the Rh conflict, which develops if the mother has blood with a negative Rh factor, and the father is Rh-positive.
To reduce the chance of developing hemolytic jaundice in a child, a woman is prescribed certain medications. nine0003
Intensive discharge of fluid from the vagina at this time indicates a violation of the membranes. During pregnancy without pathologies, the fetal bladder with amniotic fluid is preserved until childbirth. Early discharge of water requires urgent medical attention.
Some women at the 30th week of pregnancy show a syndrome of compression of the inferior vena cava, which is expressed in a feeling of lack of air, increased anxiety, pallor, dizziness, tachycardia and increased sweating. In order to avoid this condition, a woman is advised to sleep on her side, and not on her back. nine0003
30th week of pregnancy what happens to the fetus
Contents
What happens to the baby at 30 weeks?
- All internal organs and systems of the baby have been formed. The growth of the fetus at this point reaches 38 cm, and the weight ranges from 1300-1500 grams.
Such sizes do not allow the child to actively move. Now he more and more often makes himself felt with the help of pushes with arms or legs. Mom should strictly monitor the movements of the baby, if their frequency or nature has changed, you should immediately consult a doctor. nine0028
- By the 30th week, the child's respiratory and immune systems are already fully formed. At this stage, the baby's chest rises and falls, thus training the necessary muscles and increasing lung capacity.
- Fully formed genitals and limbs.
- The child opens his eyes.
- The development of the nervous system and the brain continues, more and more convolutions appear on it.
What happens to the mother at the 30th week of pregnancy? nine0025
Swollen breasts, which are preparing for the upcoming lactation, are already quite large. Due to the high level of progesterone, the mammary glands become hypersensitive, sometimes a slight tingling may be felt.
Make sure your chest is comfortable. Choose underwear that does not restrict your movements.
- Your legs are now under a lot of pressure due to the shift in the center of gravity, the height of the baby's body and your own weight. The belly of the expectant mother grows, the uterus rises higher and higher. In turn, it presses on the internal organs and the diaphragm, which can lead to shortness of breath. The cause of heartburn can be squeezing the stomach, and frequent urination - pressure on the bladder. To manage heartburn, constipation, bloating, and other gastrointestinal problems, eat a balanced diet that will help improve bowel movements. nine0028
- As in the weeks before, the mother-to-be may feel slight contractions in the uterus. These are the so-called training bouts. It is important to remember that these abbreviations are not dangerous. They prepare the body for future childbirth. But, if the sensations at the same time take on a painful character, immediately consult a doctor.
- Due to the fact that the internal organs have changed their original position, difficulties may arise even during the night's sleep, because it becomes increasingly difficult to assume a comfortable position. It is recommended to sleep on your side with a pillow or blanket between your legs. nine0028
- Also, a growing uterus can affect a woman's gait, which can lead to back pain.
- An ultrasound examination at this time will show complete information about the condition and development of the baby.
Normally, your discharge should be light in color, smooth and without a strong odor.
If you notice that the smell of discharge has become sharp and unpleasant, as well as a change in color and consistency - this is a reason to immediately consult a doctor. If the discharge has become watery, this may indicate leakage of amniotic fluid. It is better to contact your gynecologist immediately. nine0003
Recommendations for a future mother
During this period, physical activity is undesirable.
