Pregnancy - 30 Weeks Pregnant

Now you’re 30 weeks pregnant, you’re able to see the end of your long journey. With only 10 weeks or so left, it’s time to really start taking care of yourself, whilst at the same time – planning ahead. You’ll be surprised how fast the last few weeks can pass and it’s time to start making sure that you’re prepared for your baby’s impending arrival.

At 30 weeks pregnant, no doubt you’re feeling the strain of the extra weight a fair bit. Even though it is a gradual increase, most women reach a point where they suddenly start to notice it a lot more. Plus the frequent urination seems to feel worse – which normal for almost every woman. By this stage, your uterus is pressing on your diaphragm, as well as putting more pressure on your bladder and you’ll probably find that getting up and taking a trip to the bathroom is also beginning to leave you feeling quite breathless.

Welcome to the later stages of pregnancy! If you’re lucky, you won’t be plagued by heartburn. If not, you have my sympathy. It was a bane for me at times and during one pregnancy, it was considered extreme. There are many ways to alleviate it and if you’re seriously affected by it, make sure you speak to your doctor or midwife.

As with the last few weeks, you’ll be feeling increasingly ungainly – though some women do carry incredibly small. But – it’s more common by the 30 weeks pregnant stage that you’re beginning to feel like an ocean going liner. It won’t help that the progesterone coursing around your body also adds to how tired you may feel. In short, comfort is starts to become a bit of a problem!

One of the easiest ways around this is to dress comfortably, both clothing and footwear wise. Invest in a good quality maternity pillow and install it in your bed (also great for post-birth and breastfeeding). Take any opportunity that you can to kick back and relax. There’s a good reason that most women take pregnancy leave before the 30 weeks pregnant stage – so take advantage of it.

One thing to be aware of is pre-eclampsia, otherwise known as toxemia. You’re health professionals should have informed you as to what it is, the signs and symptoms and so on. If you’re in any doubt – a visit with your doctor/ midwife is advisable. It’s perfectly reasonable to be concerned about lots of things when you’re pregnant and any health professional would rather you were checked out and deemed healthy - than you sat chewing at your nails, fretting.

Your breasts may be leaking a little milk by now and if so, don’t worry over much. They’ll certainly leak more post-birth and this is just a sign that your body is making ready for your babies’ forthcoming appearance. You may also be more aware of Braxton Hicks twinges and again, this is just another sign that your body is preparing for the final stages of your pregnancy.

Fetal Development

At 30 weeks pregnant, your baby is now approximately 2/3 pounds in weight and upwards of 15 inches or so in length. His weight increase will continue over the coming weeks, albeit at a slightly slower pace. No doubt you can really feel him now, especially as he’s taking up the space available to him!

He can now control the movement of his eyelids and distinguish a lot better between light and dark. He is also beginning to shed the downy hair that covers his body. This is because the fatty layers increasing around his body have reached a level whereby they can keep him sufficiently warm. He will continue to flex and test his muscles and you may well notice lumps and bumps sticking out of your baby bump from time to time.

30 Weeks Pregnant - In General

As you're now 30 weeks pregnant, I can't say it enough: take care of yourself. before you know it, time will have passed and you'll have your baby in your arms - and be feeling pretty exhausted! better that you put the times you can rest (now) to good use, as you'll sorely miss them in the first few months post-birth.

As ever, any concerns or worries, talk it out with someone. If it's a general pep talk you need, turn to a partner, family member or friend. Anything more, make sure you have the talk with your health professional. And remember - not far to go now!