Your baby is now the size of a cabbage in weight, measuring about seventeen (17) inches from head to heel and weighing about three (3) pounds. You are in your seventh month of pregnancy.
Your Baby
If born during week 30 of pregnancy, your baby would be premature but would have a very good chance of survival. From now until the end of pregnancy, your baby will gain about half a pound each week. Layers of fat continue to deposit under the skin, and your baby is now beginning to regular his or her own body temperature. The brain and lungs continue to mature. Your baby’s head and body now have the same proportions as a newborn with the head comprising about 25% of your baby’s total mass. Hair continues to grow and thicken on the head as the last of your baby’s lanugo disappears.
During week 30 of pregnancy, your baby’s face looks pretty much like what he or she will look like when born. The cheeks will continue to fill out and plump up, but the eyebrows and eyelashes are fully developed. Your baby’s eyesight continues to develop. Although spending most of the time sleeping means the eyes will usually be closed, your baby’s will be 20/400 at birth. In other words, your baby will be able to see clearly objects that are a few inches from his or her face. A newborn’s vision is especially designed to help the baby hone in on his or her mother’s face while breastfeeding.
Your Body
If you find yourself plagued with forgetfulness, try to remember that you are not alone. Many expectant mothers report having “mommy brain” beginning during the third trimester of pregnancy. You may also find yourself feeling clumsier than usual. As your joints and ligaments in your pelvis loosen in preparation for labor and birth, the rest of your body becomes more flexible as well. Be careful when moving around to avoid falling or otherwise hurting yourself. Many women also end up a shoe size larger after pregnancy because the ligaments in the feet also loosen and widen.
Your uterus now extends a little over four inches above your belly button, but you still have about ten more weeks to go before you welcome your baby into the world. You should continue to gain between one and two pounds per week until the end of your pregnancy. If you find yourself feeling anxious or suffering from mood swings during week 30 of pregnancy, you are not alone. Many women begin feeling nervous and moody as their due dates near. However, one out of ten women suffer from depression during pregnancy, so talk to your health care provider if you feel increasingly irritable or agitated or just cannot shake your negative feelings. Other symptoms during week 30 of pregnancy include fatigue, difficulty breathing, more frequent urination, heartburn, indigestion, flatulence, constipation, bloating, stronger fetal movements, faintness, dizziness, headaches, backaches, bleeding gums, nasal congestion, stretch marks, itchy abdominal skin, varicose veins, slightly swollen ankles and feet, and changes to the hair, skin, and nails.
During Week 30 of Pregnancy
Learn about your baby during week 29 of pregnancy or week 31 of pregnancy.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is not meant to replace the professional medical advice of your health care provider.
References
30 weeks pregnant: http://www.babyzone.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/30-weeks-pregnant_70860
Curtis, Glade B. & Judith Schuler. 2011. Your pregnancy week by week. 7th edn. Philadelphia: Running Press.
Stone, Joanne & Keith Eddleman, eds. 2003. The pregnancy bible: Your complete guide to pregnancy and early parenthood. Willowdale, Ontario: Firefly Books.
Your pregnancy: 30 weeks: http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-30-weeks_1119.bc
Your pregnancy week by week: Weeks 26-30: http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/your-pregnancy-week-by-week-weeks-26-30
Image Credits
4-D Ultrasound of 30 Week Fetus: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fetal_yawning_4D_ultrasound_ecografia_4D_Dr._Wolfgang_Moroder.theora.ogv
Baby Bump at 30 Weeks: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sheila_30_weeks.jpg
Cabbages: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bangkok_Pak_Khlong_Talat_P1100373.JPG
