30 weeks pregnant: The final countdown

Being Pregnant – 12 Feb 24 By bountyteam

(Image: Getty Images)

You’re on the final stretch of pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know…

At 30 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is fully developed but there are still some more changes, developments and fine-turning taking place during the third trimester.

Your baby will now weigh about 1.4 kilograms.

Should you go into premature labour, and your baby born premature, your baby would be taken to a special care baby unit, but they would have an extremely good chance of survival at this stage.

Pregnant woman holding wooden block- that say 30 for 30 weeks pregnant — You’re on the final stretch of pregnancy but there is still a lot going on with your baby and your body. *(Image: Getty Images)*

Your baby at 30 weeks pregnant

As the baby grows, movements may become more pronounced. Women often feel a variety of kicks, rolls, and stretches.

At this stage your baby’s little lungs are not quite developed enough to support them in the outside world.

From here on in their brain is changing appearance-wise too, it will begin to take grooves and ridges which increase to provide more space for brain tissue to grow and develop. The Lanugo hair will start to disappear as the new brain cells and fat help to regulate the body temperature for the remaining weeks in the womb.

Your little one’s digestive tract is now almost fully developed and will soon be ready for mouth feeding after birth.

There’s around a litre of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby, but this will decrease as they continue to grow into the final weeks and it’s likely that if they aren’t already your baby will begin to move head downward and into the ‘engaged’ position.

You’re on the final stretch, here’s what’s going on with your body

Your uterus is expanding, and this can lead to increased discomfort, including backaches and pelvic pressure. As the uterus expands, it can put pressure on the diaphragm, making it more difficult for some women to take deep breaths. Some women may also experience swelling in the hands and feet.

At 30 weeks pregnant, here’s what else may be going on with you:

Your joints become more relaxed and the centre of gravity changes giving you that recognisable pregnancy waddle.
Your kidneys work much harder because they have to filter more blood. Your kidneys also make more urine as you get rid of waste for two.
You are more prone to urinary tract infections in pregnancy. Report any pain, blood or burning to your doctor or midwife.
Hormonal fluctuations, coupled with the anticipation of the baby’s arrival, may lead to a mix of emotions, including excitement and anxiety.
Discomfort and the need for more frequent bathroom trips can disrupt sleep. Finding a comfortable sleeping position may become more challenging.

Regular check-ups in the third trimester

Your healthcare provider will schedule more regular prenatal check-ups as they monitor the baby’s growth, check the your blood pressure.

If you have any concerns, questions or unusual symptoms, be sure to ask your doctor.

Pregnant woman an husband or partner setting up cot in baby's nursery — The nesting instinct may kick in during the the trimester as your start to prepare your home for baby’s arrival. *(Image: Getty Images)*

Pregnancy heartburn

By 30 weeks pregnant, heartburn could be keeping you up at night and making you uncomfortable throughout the day.

Some ways to help ease the symptoms of heartburn include:

Eating easily digestible food, avoiding spicy and very rich foods.
Don’t eat too big a meal, smaller more frequent meals will digest easier and could help you avoid a bout of heartburn.
To help the digestion process, it’s also a good idea to have plenty of fluids before, during and after eating.

There are medicines available to help heartburn, but not all are suitable for pregnant women so do always talk to your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before taking them.

Braxton Hicks Contractions

These are practice contractions that may become more noticeable around this time. They are usually irregular and not as intense as true labor contractions.

The nesting instinct and packing your hospital bag

Some women may experience a surge in energy and a strong desire to prepare for the baby’s arrival. Known as the nexting instinct, you may feel the urge to clean, organise, set up the nursery and generally prepare your home for your little one’s arrival.

Now is also a good time to start thinking about getting organised for when you go into labour and packing your hospital bag.