30 Weeks Pregnant

Are you feeling great, or have you hit the point where you’re incredibly tired of pregnancy? Both feelings are valid! If you’re exhausted and overwhelmed at 30 weeks pregnant, hold on tight because you’ve only got about two and a half months left before you meet your little one!

You may feel like your baby is also starting to be a bit restless. His activity levels may be high, and if you watch, you may see your abdomen move and change with his flips and turns! You may feel like he’s getting frustrated with such a tight space. There are likely only a few weeks left of the flips and acrobatics, though, as most fetuses settle into their head-down position by 36 weeks, and some will do so even earlier.

Your Baby’s Development At 30 Weeks

If you could peek at your baby, he would look very much like he will look at birth. He’s close to full length, an average of about 16 inches at 30 weeks pregnant, and is close to half his birth weight, with the average 30-week fetus weighing around 3.5lb.

As he develops the layer of fatty tissue under his skin, he increasingly looks like the soft, warm, rounded little weight you’ll be holding in a few weeks. He’s also beginning to develop the skill of focusing his eyes, although he’ll need some post-birth practice before he can see things very far away. At birth, a baby’s eyesight is precisely right for seeing the face of the parent holding him!

The baby is now practicing breathing, although all there is to breathe for the moment is amniotic fluid. He may also be losing the covering of lanugo, fine, soft hair over his skin, although how much of it remains at birth varies from baby to baby.

Mother’s Symptoms At 30 Weeks Pregnant

During these last weeks, your baby has gained an average of about half a pound per week, and your weight will reflect that with around a pound or two per week total (including baby, placenta, amniotic fluid, etc.). As it has been throughout recent weeks, this can add to your pregnancy symptoms.

Here are a few of the symptoms you may be experiencing, both new and old.

Weight, Breathing, & Fatigue

How much weight gain is appropriate during each pregnancy varies based on many factors, but one consistent thing is that this extra weight can make life a bit harder, especially as it throws off your center of gravity. If you feel unsteady, try to sit and rest. It’s more important now than ever to wear supportive and comfortable shoes!

You may also notice extra strain on your back. A belly band and enough rest may help.

Increased blood volume and hormonal changes may contribute to shortness of breath and headaches. If you experience dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or loss of consciousness, seek medical care.

You may also get overheated more easily. Loose, comfortable clothing and hydration can help.

Preterm Labor Signs

If you notice signs of preterm labor at 30 weeks pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. These include contractions, rupture of membranes, and loss of the mucous plug.

Contractions that become more intense and frequent over time are labor contractions, while Braxton Hicks contractions are more random. Braxton Hicks contractions also tend to stop when you change position, while real labor does not. Most women say that Braxton Hicks are not really painful.

How actual labor pains feel can vary from one pregnancy to another. The placenta position can cause contractions to feel much less intense in some cases, or they may feel more like menstrual cramps or like lower back pain. Some people report a sensation like needing a bathroom, and others feel pressure in the pelvis and a desire to push.

Rupture of membranes, or water breaking, is a significant sign of labor. You may have a gush or a trickle of fluid. It’s essential to know that you can be in labor without your water breaking, though!

If you pass your mucous plug, don’t panic. It is typically passed after the 36-week mark, usually a few weeks before labor. Still, it’s not entirely uncommon to see pieces of it earlier, especially if you’ve had an internal exam. It can reform, but seeing a mucous plug can indicate that your cervix is thinning or dilating.

Other symptoms can also be signs of preterm labor, including severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Possible Signs Of Preeclampsia

Watch out for severe headaches or vision changes. While some swelling is normal during pregnancy, sudden or extreme swelling may indicate a change in blood pressure that indicates preeclampsia. Any swelling that affects the chest or face is also a concern. If you notice more significant swelling on one side of the body than the other, that’s a red flag as well. Any of these or any swelling accompanied by chest pain necessitates a call to your doctor.

We wrote an article about what a high-risk pregnancy looks like and the significant risks posed, which include preeclampsia.

Digestion & Cravings

Pregnancy can be complicated on the digestive system. Your stomach and bladder are under pressure, your nutritional needs have increased, and statistically speaking, you’re probably at least a little dehydrated.

You may experience heartburn and indigestion- and they may be more intense than you ever had before pregnancy. Over-the-counter antacids are considered safe, but avoid those with aspirin, magnesium trisilicate, or sodium bicarbonate. Your doctor may also advise you to try smaller, more frequent meals and to avoid trigger foods. If heartburn keeps you up at night, sleeping with your upper body elevated and waiting a few hours between the last meal of the evening and bedtime might help.

Meanwhile, you may find that you’re as hungry as ever but feel full way too quickly. There’s little recourse for this, too, but dividing your meal into multiple sittings.

Many women will also experience constipation during pregnancy. Increasing your water and fiber intake can help. In the medication aisle, stool softeners are typically considered safe, but you should avoid laxatives unless your doctor has approved it, since they can cause contractions.

Thanks to the pressure on your bladder, you may also find that you’re running to the bathroom more frequently than ever and may even face a little urinary incontinence. Practicing Kegels will help, and it may also help with labor.

Cravings hit hard during pregnancy and can be frustrating (especially if it’s 3 am and the stores are closed) and confusing. Why exactly does it need to be that specific sour gummy candy and a big cup of crushed ice? As long as you can satisfy your cravings safely (don’t eat dirt, paper, or other nonfoods) it’s fine to do so. You can also check out our pregnancy craving guide for some ideas about what your cravings may mean.

Pain & Cramping

The most difficult part of pregnancy pains may be determining which ones need medical attention. Remember, calling your provider and asking for clarification is always okay!

Both pelvic girdle pain and round ligament pain can be severe enough to feel like an emergency, but they usually aren’t harmful — just painful. Your round ligaments support your uterus, and some women will feel an intense stabbing or pulling pain as they stretch to accommodate. This is in the lower abdomen and can stretch into the groin. The pelvic girdle is the ring of bones around the lower body, including the hips. It can cause intense and sometimes debilitating pain during pregnancy.

If these pains are severe and interfere with normal functions, talk to your doctor. However, the most common advice for milder pain is to take OTC pain meds, rest, and change positions to reduce the pressure on these areas.

Back pain is common and may be eased by comfortable shoes, a supportive bra, a belly band, and enough rest and hydration. Lower back pain, especially if it seems to come in waves, could be a sign of early labor, especially if it’s a new symptom.

Leg cramps and Restless Leg Syndrome symptoms (the urgent need to move your legs as soon as you relax) are common. Your doctor may recommend hydration, massage, exercise, or warm baths. If symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend a vitamin supplement.

Cramps or pains that feel like menstrual cramps could be signs of labor or a complication, so contact your doctor about these.

Skin & Breasts

Several skin changes can occur throughout pregnancy. Some people find that their skin is more sensitive. Sometimes, darker-colored patches may appear on the skin, particularly the face. These may disappear on their own and can often be prevented by the use of sunscreen.

It’s common to notice visual changes due to higher blood volume at this point in pregnancy. Veins may be visible in the chest or on your arms or legs. They might be faintly bluish lines, obvious spider veins, or enlarged varicose veins. Varicose veins may be reduced by elevating your feet, using compression stockings, and limiting your time standing.

You may notice breast changes, too, including larger, darker nipples and areola. Lumps in the breast are fairly common at this point and are likely to be clogged milk ducts. If you’re concerned that a lump may be cancer instead, check with your doctor and watch for any changes. Many women will leak colostrum. Though this isn’t a concern in itself, the dampness can increase the risk of thrush, cracked or bleeding nipples, and infections. Nursing pads can help prevent these problems and stains on your clothing.

Insomnia & Nightmares

Even when you have your heartburn and RLS symptoms under control, you may still have difficulty sleeping.

Stress and anxiety contribute, as do increased heart rate, high blood volume, and hormonal changes. Most doctors recommend sleep hygiene changes first. Try to keep your bedroom cool and dark, turn off electronics before bedtime, and maintain a routine. Writing down your concerns may also help alleviate stress.

If a lack of sleep interferes with daytime activities, mention it to your doctor.

When To Contact Your Doctor

If you’re unsure whether your current symptoms warrant medical care, it’s always okay to call your provider’s office and check. Some circumstances do require immediate medical care.

Pre-Term Labor

If you believe you may be in labor, call your doctor or head to your hospital’s emergency or labor and delivery department. The NIH defines ‘frequent’ contractions as six in an hour. You may wish to call your doctor at a lower threshold, and let them advise whether to head to the hospital or wait. If your water breaks, you’ll need to seek medical care, because the risk of infection increases.

Signs Of Preeclampsia

If you feel you may be exhibiting symptoms or preeclampsia, including severe swelling, headaches, and/or vision changes, call your doctor immediately.

Call your doctor if you fall, since this could endanger your baby.

If your baby isn’t moving as frequently as normal, report this to your doctor. They may ask for your most recent kick count and how it compares to previous counts.

Additional Reasons To Call

Call your doctor if you are having trouble breathing or chest pains. Make the call if you think you may have lost consciousness or have a sense of confusion or disorientation.

You should call if you have signs of a vaginal infection or UTI, if you have vaginal bleeding, if you have cracked/bleeding nipples, or if you experience prolonged nasuea and vomiting or diahrrea. A fever over 100°, abdominal cramps, or any severe pain that doesn’t ease with medication and rest warrants a call.

What Should Mom Be Doing At 30 Weeks?

It’s time to get that whooping cough vaccine if you haven’t already! Getting vaccinated by week 32 will pass on protection to your baby! The RSV vaccine is also a great idea for protecting yourself and your baby. If you’re not sure, speak to your doctor.

You should be keeping kick counts! Fortunately, there are a variety of apps to perform this function, so there’s no need to memorize numbers or keep up with a paper list. At the same time each day, find a comfortable position and make a record. You can test how long it takes to feel ten good kicks or count how many kicks in an hour. By recording this daily, you’ll know if something changes.

It may not be quite time to pack a hospital bag yet (unless you’ve been told you’re likely to deliver early) but it’s a good idea to start planning. If you’d like to have a nice set of nursing pajamas or a new gown and/or robe for the hospital, you should order or pick it up soon.

What about those big projects, like cleaning out the freezer so you’ll have room to store pumped breastmilk or sorting the baby clothes by size and putting the right ones into the baby’s dresser? Many moms say they put these tasks off for later and wish they hadn’t since the fatigue and discomfort may be greater in coming weeks.

However, now is a good time to consider how much work you’re doing. At 30 weeks, the American Medical Association recommends reducing even intermittent lifting to 24lb or less.

What To Look Forward To

Take heart if some of your baby’s more intense acrobatics are causing discomfort. As exciting as those movements are, they’ll also be changing as soon as your baby settles into position for delivery!