30 Weeks Pregnant

The big 3-0. Weeks, that is. At this stage of the game, your baby is continuing to bulk up, which may lead to you feeling fatigued, achy and swollen. Rest is vital, and read on to find out what else you need to know about 30 weeks pregnant.

How Many Months is 30 Weeks Pregnant?

30 weeks pregnant in months is seven months pregnant, which is part of the third trimester of pregnancy.

Your Baby at 30 Weeks

As your baby continues to grow, the amniotic fluid they’ve been living in also helps with their development—particularly their lungs and digestive system as they begin to breathe and swallow (Yep, they’re breathing and swallowing fluid! Amazing, right?). But there’s even more happening with their development at 30 weeks. Here’s what:

• Weight gain: Your baby will be putting on half a pound a week for the next 10 weeks!
• Kick counts: As baby grows, their movements may start to change. You’re still doing your kick counts, right? Do your kick counts around the same time every day (try for when your baby is typically most active), and record how long it takes for baby to move ten times. You’ll begin to notice a pattern of what’s normal for your baby. If you notice significantly less movement—or none at all—call your healthcare provider.
• Lungs: This week your baby’s lungs are getting stronger in preparation for their first breath. At 30 weeks, babies even start practicing breathing in utero, according to the National Library of Medicine.

How Big is Your Baby at 30 Weeks?

Your baby is around 15.7 inches long and weighs 2.9 pounds this week. That’s about the size of a bike helmet.

30 Weeks Baby Movement

At this point, you should feel baby moving several times a day. Baby will also rest for periods of 20-45 minutes at a time. And like we mentioned above, be sure to do your kick counts!

Your Body at 30 Weeks Pregnant

As your third trimester continues, you may find some old familiar symptoms from your first trimester returning. You may also feel like you’re a lot hungrier, too, which can make symptoms like heartburn more challenging. Here’s what else you may be experiencing this week.

30 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Heartburn

In the third trimester, heartburn comes back because your uterus is pushing up on your stomach. (Oh hello, old friend…) Remember to eat smaller meals, and wait to lie down for an hour after eating and avoid greasy foods.

Mood swings

Feeling like Jekyll and Hyde? Mood swings are very common in pregnancy because you might be stressed out about your impending life change, and your hormones are off the charts. Remember to go easy on yourself and don’t take on too much, whenever possible. Try to do things that make you feel good, whether it’s going for a walk, spending time with friends or taking a nap.

Sleep

At 30 weeks pregnant, sleeping may be difficult. That burst of energy you may have felt during your second trimester might be waning. “Adequate sleep has many health benefits, and it’s often a struggle particularly later in pregnancy,” says Dr. Mariam Naqvi, an assistant professor in maternal fetal medicine and obstetrics and gynecology. “Optimizing sleep hygiene can be helpful, meaning minimizing screens in the bedroom, having a regular bedtime routine and avoiding stimulants like caffeine later in the day.” If you’re having trouble sleeping, pregnancy pillows can be your friend. Keep the room dark, ditch the screens before bed and try to keep your bedtime consistent.

30 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms Not to Ignore

At 30 weeks, you’ll want to check with a doctor if you’re experiencing a racing heart or changes in your vision.

Pregnancy Symptoms Coming Up In Week 31:

Breathlessness, hair and nail changes or Braxton Hicks contractions are common pregnancy symptoms in week 31.

Real Baby Bumps at 30 Weeks Pregnant

Commonly Asked Questions About 30 Weeks Pregnant

As your due date nears (P.S. if you’re questioning it, you can use our due date calculator to figure it out), expecting parents start to have questions about logistics. These proactive tips will help you now and once your baby is born.

Should I take unpaid time off from work as maternity leave?

You’ve already told work you’re pregnant, but now it’s time to figure out the logistics of your maternity leave. If neither your state nor your employer covers family leave, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of taking unpaid time off. How much time will your employer accommodate? How much time can you afford? If you’re fortunate to have paid family leave either through your state, employer or both, you’ll need to connect with your HR department or your state’s disability leave program to determine what your next steps should be. Here’s an educated guess: It’s probably going to involve a lot of paperwork. Keep everything you sign in case you need it later, and set reminders on your calendar for any deadline-based documents.

What helps with third trimester restless sleep?

White noise machines aren’t just for babies! These little devices can be a huge help when it comes to improving sleep. Get one now to help you catch those oh-so important third-trimester ZZZs. Once the baby’s born, you can use it in the nursery or to help you rest more deeply during any baby-free naps you manage to snag. Here’s a favorite.

What can help reduce stress in the third trimester?

As if you needed a reminder to laugh! But seriously, laughter is associated with stress reduction, muscle relaxation and increased immunity, all things someone who’s pregnant can use more of in these last weeks. One of the best ways to guarantee a good laugh? A stand-up special. How about Jim Gaffigan’s Noble Ape or Ali Wong’s Hard Knock Wife? If you’re still feeling stressed, Dr. Naqvi recommends mentioning it to your doctor: “I always encourage patients to discuss their symptoms with their physicians as sometimes other treatments and interventions may be needed.”

What’s a good way to pass the time while breastfeeding?

Here’s a little secret about breastfeeding: If you decide to do it, once you get it down, it can be kind of…monotonous. This is even more true of pumping. Keep yourself entertained during those seemingly endless hours by investing in an e-reader or tablet. You’ll be able to read or stream your latest show with just one hand anywhere in your home, day or night. Good wireless headphones help too.

Sources

• Mariam Naqvi, MD, Assistant Professor in Maternal Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center
• Amniotic fluid
• The presence or absence of fetal breathing movements as a predictor of outcome in preterm labor
• Births and Natality

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