30 Weeks Pregnant : What to Expect
Reviewed by Dr. Shawn A. Tassone, OB/GYN
During this 30th week of pregnancy and third trimester, you might be feeling your pregnancy is endless. You only have a couple more months to go, but may be longing for your due date to come sooner. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Most women begin experiencing these feelings as the due date approaches especially those who have had a rough time dealing with symptoms.
Symptoms and Body Changes at 30 Weeks
Pregnant women gain most weight during weeks 20-30. At 30 weeks pregnant women will continue to gain weight, however the most dramatic physical changes are pretty much over, and future changes will be more subtle. However, every women’s pregnancy is unique and those whose bellies have not grown out as much may see it growing in these last weeks. You may be feeling uncomfortable as you gain weight and as pregnancy pains continue to plague your daily life. Continue practicing good posture to help you gain control over your lower back pains. Secretion of pregnancy hormones loosen up body joints and the amount of amniotic fluid decreases as your baby grows inside of you. Continue to rest and take it easy as you travel through your last trimester. This will help with all pregnancy symptoms, pains, and hormonal imbalances.
Baby’s Development
Your baby has looked quite wrinkled until now, and until birth that will continue. However, as the fat tissue builds, the wrinkles on your baby’s skin start to smooth out. Lanugo (fine hair) continues to cover your baby’s body, and will remain there until birth. At about 17 inches and weighing around 4 lbs, your baby is practicing breathing on its own by repeatedly moving the diaphragm in preparation for life outside the womb. Because of this practicing, you may feel flutters within your uterus while your baby is regularly enduring the hiccups. The baby is also getting into his or her own sleeping and waking routine, and becoming more active while awake. Your baby has grown so much that it takes up almost the entire uterine cavity. As the brain continues to mature, it begins to train the eyes, muscles, and lungs to function on their own. The digestive tract is fully functional at this 30th week, as your baby continues to take nutrients from you and process them.
Pregnancy Week 30 Tips
As the due date approaches, make sure you are visiting your doctor for regular check-ups, ultrasounds, and blood tests. Continue eating a well balanced diet, and if you experience constipation, eat more foods that are high in fiber, and get plenty of rest and relaxation. Continue going to Lamaze classes, or whichever type of class you have chosen. This will help keep you active when feeling lethargic, and can also help to raise your spirits. If you’re having trouble staying comfortable while resting, try using a body pillow or pregnancy pillow. This is also a good time for maternity photos as belly size is big enough for pictures and it is not too close to the due date which allows for unique photos. You shouldn’t wait too long into the third trimester for maternity photos. Next is pregnancy at 31 weeks.
