At thirty weeks pregnant, you are well into your third trimester. Your baby’s brain is continuing to develop, along with red blood cells, and the rest of their organs mature. Your baby is likely to have their eyes open now, and they are gaining weight, getting ready for their new life out of your body.
But what else is happening this week? That’s what we are here to tell you. Keep reading to discover everything that happens when you are thirty weeks pregnant, including common symptoms, if your pregnancy is viable, and more!
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 30 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect Pregnancy At 30 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
- Is Pregnancy Viable At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 30 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 30 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- Your baby is roughly the size of a zucchini
- Your baby is gaining weight this week, filling out their wrinkly skin
- Your baby now has their eyes open
- Your baby is continuing to move, with their movements getting stronger
- You might be invited to your third-trimester ultrasound
- You might have follow-up tests for gestational diabetes or a no-stress test this week
- You might feel tired, have disturbing dreams, or have headaches this week
- Your pregnancy is viable this week, but your baby will need constant care
What Does It Mean To Be 30 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a cabbage and continues to develop! Their eyes are now open, and red blood cells are developing in your baby’s born marrow. These are all signs that your baby is getting ready for life outside of your womb! You will feel them move more and more this week and may start counting the kicks to ensure there are no complications.
You might get your third-trimester ultrasound this week, allowing you to see your baby up close! As your pregnancy progresses, your baby looks more and more like a baby, and this week in particular, you will see a fully formed baby moving in your belly.
You might have uncomfortable symptoms like trouble sleeping, wind, and headaches, but you are nearly there! Speak to your doctor or midwife for ways to alleviate these symptoms if you are struggling and get ready to meet your baby.
Can You Detect Pregnancy At 30 Weeks?
You can detect pregnancy at thirty weeks, but you might get a false negative test result. Home pregnancy tests can be unreliable at this point in your pregnancy, as they rely on high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. The high levels that you had early in your pregnancy have now reduced, which could generate a false negative test result.
A blood test your doctor performs might detect the hCG levels and give you a positive result, or an ultrasound will be performed. This will show you your growing baby, date the pregnancy and check for abnormalities.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
You might be offered an ultrasound at thirty weeks pregnant if you have not had a third-trimester ultrasound yet. You might also be offered an ultrasound at thirty weeks pregnant if you are experiencing any complications or are considered high risk.
An ultrasound at this stage will show you a fully formed baby that has grown significantly from your last scan! You will see your baby’s body, its facial features and even see its fine hair growing and waving in your amniotic fluid.
Some pregnant women pay for a 4D scan at this stage to see their baby up close. These scans typically focus on your baby’s head, showing you their facial features in incredible detail. You can see what your baby’s face will look like when they are born!
Are There Any Other Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
You may be offered a cardiotocography or CGT test. These are also called non-stress tests and are offered during your third trimester, usually around thirty weeks. A monitor with sensors is attached to your stomach to pick up signals of your baby’s heartbeat. Fetal heart rate monitoring is essential at this stage to ensure your baby is developing with no issues.
You will also be offered a glucose tolerance test to check for gestational diabetes. This test may be repeated throughout your third trimester if you are at high risk for developing it.
Your doctor might also offer you genetic screening tests. These are optional, but you might be recommended these tests if you are at high risk or a carrier for any genetic conditions. You might also have your blood pressure monitored if you suffer from high blood pressure to ensure that it does not reach dangerous levels during your pregnancy.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
You can detect a heartbeat at thirty weeks pregnant. You will have likely heard your baby’s heartbeat at previous ultrasound and midwife appointments, and this will continue. Your baby’s heartbeat will be monitored to ensure no abnormalities or cause for concern.
Your midwife can do this between ultrasounds with a Doppler machine or stethoscope. You can also use a stethoscope or Doppler machine at home, but they can be fiddly to use as you need to find the perfect position. Women with wriggly babies might spend a few minutes moving the devices before they get a heartbeat – don’t panic if this happens to you.
Is Pregnancy Viable At 30 Weeks?
Pregnancy is viable at thirty weeks, but your baby will need to spend some time in the hospital. A pregnancy is considered viable when your baby is born and survives. At thirty weeks, your baby would be regarded as premature and likely need to spend time in a neonatal intensive care unit.
Although your baby is fully formed, their organs still need time to mature, and their body has fat to gain. Keeping them in the hospital ensures your baby receives the care it needs while they grow and develop.
Your baby will be very small if born this week, but they have a good chance of survival. The Liverpool Womens NHS Foundation Trust found that 9 in 10 babies survive born this week, and their risk of severe disability is reduced. There is still a chance of disability when babies are born premature, but this varies from baby to baby.
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
The common pregnancy symptoms this week include shortness of breath, stretch marks, trouble sleeping, and cramping. These are all caused by your growing baby taking up more room in your body, restricting your lung space and adding pressure to stretched ligaments, making sleeping difficult.
You are in the final stretch now; soon, these symptoms will be behind you! Their severity can vary daily; don’t panic if you notice changes in your symptoms daily.
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels will fall again this week, averaging between 940 and 60,000 u/L.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping can happen this week. You might experience false contractions, known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These false contractions can be painful but will only last a minute or so.
You might also experience pains on the side of your belly, round ligament pain caused by your growing uterus or leg cramps.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness can happen throughout pregnancy, although it is more common in the first sixteen weeks.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 24 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts will likely feel tender or sore this week. They might also ache, feel full, or leak as your breast milk comes in. Wearing breast pads in your bra will prevent stains and keep you dry.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen throughout pregnancy, including at thirty weeks pregnant. You might crave foods you usually dislike or unique combinations.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
You might pass urine more frequently at thirty weeks pregnant. This will worsen as your baby starts to drop and add pressure to your bladder.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue is common this week. Your growing belly can make you feel uncomfortable and struggle to sleep. Adding a pregnancy pillow or extra pillows to your bed to help you achieve a comfortable sleeping position.
Will I Feel Bloated At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
You might feel bloated at thirty weeks pregnant. Avoiding large meals late at night and eating smaller meals throughout the day can help with bloating.
Will I Get A Headache At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are a common symptom at thirty weeks pregnant. Some women will experience these more than others, especially if they suffered from headaches before their pregnancy.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth is more common during the earlier months of pregnancy, but some women still experience it at thirty weeks pregnant.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell is more common in your first trimester of pregnancy, but it can still happen at thirty weeks pregnant.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath or feeling breathless can happen at thirty weeks pregnant. As your baby grows, it can restrict your lung space, leaving you short of breath, especially when lying on your back.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea can happen throughout pregnancy and is normal. However, it isn’t always linked to your pregnancy. Diarrhea could be a sign of food poisoning, an allergy, or a stomach bug. Speak to your doctor if your diarrhea lasts more than forty-eight hours.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge happens throughout pregnancy, including week thirty. You might notice a clear or milky discharge in your underwear. Any changes to its colour, consistency, or smell should be reported to your midwife or doctor.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain or backache is common this week, as pressure is placed on your looser joints and ligaments.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings are more common during the earlier stages of pregnancy, but fluctuating hormone levels can see them return this week.
Is Spotting Normal At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting can happen at thirty weeks and is sometimes harmless. However, as it could be a sign of something serious, let your doctor or midwife know about any spotting you experience.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 30 Weeks Pregnant?
Other common symptoms at thirty-weeks pregnant include the following:
- Stretch marks
- Bleeding and swollen gums
- Piles
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Raised basal temperature (feeling hot)
- Dizziness
- Swollen feet and hands
- Vaginal infections
- Urine infections
- Brown patches and darkened skin on your face
- Spotty and greasy skin
- Shinier and thicker hair
How Big Is A Baby At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a cabbage. Your baby has grown again this week, measuring 39.9cm from head to heel. Your baby’s development has continued; your baby’s eyes can now focus! Your baby’s vision will continue to develop inside the womb and after birth.
Once your baby is born, they can focus on your face from around twenty to twenty-five centimetres away. They won’t be able to follow moving objects until they are roughly three months old, though.
Your baby’s skin continues to shed the vernix which previously covered it. They will keep gaining weight, too, with fat forming under their skin. All of this is your baby gearing up for birth and getting ready for life outside your womb.
Can You Feel The Baby At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
You can feel your baby at thirty weeks pregnant. Compared to previous weeks, your baby’s movements will become stronger. The flutters will feel stronger, and you can tell the difference between kicks, rolls, and arm movements. Your doctor will ask you to start counting the kicks in your third trimester to monitor your baby’s movements.
Count your baby’s kicks and report any changes to your doctor or midwife. On average, your baby will kick or move ten times in two hours. Of course, this differs from pregnancy to pregnancy, but it is a good number to keep in your mind.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty weeks pregnant, a miscarriage is considered a stillbirth. The common symptoms include abdominal pain, bleeding, a decrease in fetal movements, and loss of pregnancy symptoms. These symptoms can come on suddenly, with some pregnant women noticing their waters breaking. Other women might have no symptoms at all and won’t know they have miscarried until their next ultrasound.
This is why it is so important that you monitor your baby’s movements and report any changes to your doctor or midwife.
At this stage in your pregnancy, you would need to deliver your stillborn baby. This can be done at a hospital, with medication provided to speed up your labour. You might also be allowed to wait for it to start naturally at home, but this depends on any complications you might be having.
Your doctor and midwife will explain your options to you and provide you with any support that you might need.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
The chance of a stillbirth at thirty weeks is low for women having an uncomplicated pregnancy. The Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence found that in Australia, the rate of stillbirths after twenty-eight weeks of pregnancy is 2.2 for every 1,000 births. This is a low chance and should provide you with peace of mind.
Of course, some factors increase your chance of stillbirth, including weight, age, or pregnancy complications. Your doctor can walk you through these factors and how they might impact your situation.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
The following precautions should be taken to maintain your health at thirty weeks pregnant.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Continue taking your prenatal vitamins this week. These should be taken throughout your pregnancy to ensure that you and your baby have all the nutrients you need before your baby arrives. Your doctor can recommend what prenatal vitamins you should take. Look for ones with high levels of Vitamin D if you are pregnant in the winter and any that can increase your calcium intake if you struggle to get enough in your diet.
Eat A Healthy And Balanced Diet
At this stage, your doctor might tell you to increase your calories by 200 a day, but you still need to follow a healthy and balanced diet. Weight gain is inevitable during pregnancy, but you want to make sure that you are eating the right foods and gaining weight sustainably. Too much can impact your and your baby’s health!
A diet of lean protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables should be followed to provide your body with fuel and the right nutrients. Try to eat a varied diet where possible and fibre-rich foods if you are struggling with constipation or piles this week.
Stay Hydrated
You should also drink plenty of water this week. Drinking water and staying hydrated is vital to your health during pregnancy. Research by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)found that drinking water helps form the amniotic fluid around your baby, aids digestion, and circulates nutrients through your body. The ACOG recommends drinking eight to twelve cups of water daily throughout pregnancy.
Stop Smoking
Stop smoking if you have not already done so. Smoking is incredibly dangerous during pregnancy, research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found. Smoking can double your risk of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy, increase the risk of congenital disabilities, and your baby’s chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Your doctor can support you if you need help to stop smoking.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty weeks pregnant, the following foods should be avoided.
- Raw juices and smoothies
- Highly processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurised dairy and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw sprouts
- Organ meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Deli or processed meat
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Seafood with high mercury content
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all alcoholic drinks at thirty weeks pregnant. Consuming alcohol during pregnancy is incredibly dangerous, increasing your chance of a miscarriage, stillbirth, or physical, emotional, and behavioural disabilities impacting your baby for life. The CDC states there is no safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy, and it should be avoided.
Your doctor can offer support to help you stop drinking if needed.
You should also reduce your caffeine intake during pregnancy. Consuming 350mg a day or more increases your risk of miscarriage, preterm labor, or low birth weight. The Royal College of Midwives recommends consuming no more than 200mg of caffeine daily during pregnancy.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid any supplements that your doctor does not recommend taking. Supplement labels often state they are unsuitable for pregnant women; do not take any that say you should avoid them as they could harm your baby. It is best only to take medication or supplements that your doctors recommend.
Can I Exercise While 30 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise at thirty weeks pregnant, but you should take care. By now, your weight gain and growing belly will have impacted your centre of gravity, making you unstable on your feet. Swap high-impact and contact sports for low-impact exercises like swimming and walking. Take care when out, especially on slippery surfaces where you could fall – it is better to be a little slower than to risk hurting yourself.
You can also do yoga or some stretches to relieve any sore muscles. Use pregnancy-friendly yoga routines, or let your instructor know before the class starts that you are pregnant so you can have the moves adjusted for you.
Is It Safe To Travel When 30 Weeks Pregnant?
It is safe to travel at thirty weeks pregnant, but there are a few things you need to do. First, you should speak to your doctor if you have any pregnancy complications, deep vein thrombosis, or high blood pressure. You must obtain a letter from your doctor before flying that states you are fit to fly. It can be signed no earlier than ten days before you travel and should contain your due date, how many babies you are carrying, and any complications.
Check with your airline before travelling if anything else needs to be added to the letter. You should also check before travelling to another country if there are any vaccinations you need and any advisories in place.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at thirty weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 30 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to have sex at thirty weeks pregnant unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or midwife.
How Should I Sleep At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
You might struggle to sleep at thirty weeks pregnant as your growing belly makes you more uncomfortable. Adding extra pillows or a pregnancy pillow to your bed can help you sleep.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 30 Weeks Pregnant?
The safest position to sleep in at thirty weeks pregnant is on your side. This ensures that no extra pressure is added to your stomach.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 30 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your expected due date at thirty weeks pregnant is to use the date of your last menstrual period. This is the LMP method and is the most common way to calculate due dates. Take the first day of your last period and count forward forty weeks or 280 days. This will provide you with an estimated due date.
Your doctor or midwife will also give you a due date. This is usually given during your first ultrasound, the dating scan. Your baby’s development and size are used to determine how far into your pregnancy you are, giving you an estimated due date.
Remember that these due dates are just estimates; there is no way to know what day your baby’s arrival will be! Use these dates as estimates to prepare for your new arrival, but don’t panic if your due date passes without your baby being born.
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 30 Weeks Pregnant?
Weight gain can be expected this week. You might already feel you cannot get any bigger, but your baby still has some growing to do, which can cause you to gain weight. Try to keep eating a healthy and balanced diet at this point to avoid excessive weight gain. This weight gain can make you feel unsteady on your feet this week, so take your time when moving.
Remember, if you fall, your baby is protected by amniotic fluid and your weight gain, but you should still speak to your midwife or doctor to get checked over.
You might also notice trouble sleeping this week and disturbing dreams. These can be scary, but remember, they are not real. Your hormones and anxiety surrounding this huge change in your life are to blame. Talking about these dreams can help calm your mind and put things into perspective. Your family, friends, and partner can help here, or you can speak to your doctor or midwife.
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your body is working hard preparing for your baby’s birth. Your hormone levels continue to fluctuate, causing mood swings for some women and disturbing dreams for others. This can be stressful; speak to your doctor or midwife if you are struggling.
Your body is also making room for your growing baby. Your belly button might have already been pushed outward as it adds pressure to your abdomen. Your lungs might see their space restricted to make way for the growing baby, too. This can make breathing harder; you might notice that you feel breathless walking up the stairs and lying on your back.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
The following tips can help you prepare for the rest of your pregnancy.
Think About The Clothes You Need
Your growing body might need new clothes to accommodate your large belly. Although your bump can take several months to disappear after pregnancy, many women don’t need to spend money they don’t have on a new wardrobe. Look for clothing that can stretch with you but still be worn after your baby is born, like floaty jumpers, dresses, or leggings with an elasticated waist.
You should also consider what clothes you might need for your baby. Babies grow incredibly fast, so you don’t need lots in one size. You can often purchase bundles second-hand for an affordable price, too; just be sure to wash them before using them with your baby.
Consider Your Birth Plan
It’s time to think about your birth plan if you haven’t done so already. Your midwife might have already given you a birthing plan form to complete or will be handing you one shortly. This lets hospital staff know what you would like to happen during labour and any complications or issues they should be aware of.
Consider the following questions and discuss them with friends and family to help you prepare and decide what you want:
- Do you want a hospital birth?
- Do you want a water birth?
- Do you want a natural birth?
- Do you want pain relief? What pain relief would you like?
- Do you want medical intervention?
- Do you want to be induced if you pass your due date?
- Do you want a birthing partner? Who do you want?
Asking yourself these questions can help you narrow down what you would like and help you prepare for your birth.
Make Lifestyle Changes
It’s time to make some lifestyle changes if you have not already. You should stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking illegal drugs. Not only do these have a detrimental impact on your health, but your baby’s too. Your doctor can help you to make these lifestyle changes if needed.
Attend Pregnancy And Birthing Classes
Another great way to prepare is to attend pregnancy and birthing classes in your local area. These can be an excellent way to prepare for your baby’s birth, alongside gathering any information and support you might need.
They are also a wonderful way to meet other expecting mothers in your area. These could quickly become friends that you can share your experiences with, support one another, and offer guidance where necessary. Pregnancy can be a lonely time for some women, so make sure you have people around you who can support you through it!
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy week thirty is an exciting one. Sure, you might feel winded, fed up, and uncomfortable, but you are nearly there! As your baby continues to grow and develop, you will feel them move more and more and possibly see them on an ultrasound again.
Lean on others for support and ensure you take things at your own pace; the end is nearly here!