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You have successfully stepped into the 30th week. Congratulations! it’s the third trimester and you are steadily moving towards that much-awaited milestone. This would be the best time to get things packed into your maternity bag.
Dos and don’ts, tips, doctor visits, and aches, you might be overloaded with information. Try not to panic and take a look at what’s in store during this stage.
Your Baby’s Growth During Pregnancy – Week 30
Your baby seems to be growing fast. Your baby weighs more and as she grows, the amniotic fluid that surrounds her shrinks. Her eyesight is developing and your baby’s skeleton is hardening up.
What is the Baby’s Size
Your baby’s length now is around 16 inches from heel to the crown. At 30 weeks pregnant the baby’s size is roughly that of a cabbage and weighs close to 1.3kg (3 lbs). The baby will continue to grow rapidly and although the height might increase a little, the weight will shoot up quite a bit during the next few weeks until the baby is born.
Common Body Changes
At 30 weeks your tummy has grown large You might want to be prepared with your birth options as the due date is nearing.
The body changes during pregnancy are considerably fast in the last trimester. Your weight gain at the end of 30 weeks will be anywhere between 8 to 13 kgs. Do not worry about gaining weight during the last trimester as it is quite normal. Your body feels heavier than usual and some regular chores might be difficult to do. Nevertheless, your bundle of joy is just a few weeks away from coming into your arms, so enjoy this period.
You will need frequent toilet breaks as there is an increased pressure on your bladder due to your little one occupying most of the space in the womb. Your breasts will become tender as they are preparing for milk production for breast feeding your baby.
Symptoms of Pregnancy at Week 30
- Heartburn will continue as the valve that prevents acid from entering the esophagus relaxes and acid begins to seep into the oesophagus
- Difficulty in breathing as the baby will be pushing against your diaphragm.
- Digestion issues due to relaxed muscles.
- Bloating and gas trouble that builds up due to the slow pace of movement of the muscles.
- Constipation and haemorrhoids will continue due to relaxing of the muscles.
- You may have difficulty balancing while walking as the center of gravity changes.
- Leg cramps (or varicose veins) and back pain as the baby pushes against the back and the uterus exerts pressure on the veins carrying blood to the legs.
- Itching in the belly area as the skin stretches to accommodate the baby.
- Discomfort while sleeping as your tummy is oversized.
- Frequent urination due to the baby pushing down on the bladder.
- Fatigue caused by carrying extra weight and due to hormonal changes.
Belly at 30 Weeks of Pregnancy
Your belly is the size of a watermelon now. You may find it difficult to bend and pick up things or even tie shoelaces. You might feel as though you are unable to walk straight and steady, which is normal. Your breathlessness will ease off when your baby moves into the pelvis region preparing for birth. The kicks and jabs are more prominent now as the baby has occupied the uterus fully. You might experience false contractions – Braxton Hicks contractions. So, speak to your gynaecologist and understand the difference between false contraction and real labor contractions.
Couples hesitate to have sex during this period but it is perfectly fine to have intercourse unless advised otherwise by the doctor.
30 Weeks Ultrasound
Your baby is gaining weight rapidly and has fully developed lungs and digestive tract. The baby can sense light by now and can also open and close his eyes. If you shine a torch on your tummy, your baby will sense it and might even reach out to touch it. The skin has smoothened out and his brain tissues are developing rapidly. She is now able to grasp a finger using her hands.
Your baby’s bone marrow has started producing red blood cells on its own, so your little one can survive on her own after birth. The Lanugo (the soft hair covering the baby’s body) is beginning to disappear as the body fat and brain are now regulating the baby’s body temperature.
What To Eat?
30th week pregnancy food includes a lot of iron-rich items such as:
- Lean meat and fish
- Broccoli and other green leafy vegetables
- Whole cereals
- Lentils and pulses
- Nuts and dry fruits
- Eggs
Iron is very important throughout your pregnancy as it carries oxygen from your body through the blood vessels, and passes it to the baby through the placenta. Avoid food that inhibits iron uptake instead eat plenty of food that helps iron uptake such as food rich in Vitamin C. Drinking a glass of fruit juice, rich in vitamin C, can be a good supplement.
Calcium is also very important but you should remember to never take calcium and iron supplements together as calcium can hamper the absorption of iron. Lack of iron can hinder cognitive development in the foetus and also cause anaemia in the mother giving rise to pregnancy complications.
Tips & Care
Here are some simple tips to help you get through this week;
Dos
- Decide on stem cell storage as it may be useful for future medical use
- Keep a check on baby movements
- Do mild exercises
- Eat iron-rich food
Don’ts
- Do not ignore any contractions or water break
- Do not do any rigorous activities
- If baby movements are lesser than usual, do not panic, visit the hospital emergency
What You Need To Shop
Here are some things you need to keep ready:
- Cord banking (if you are planning to store stem cells)
- Maternity clothes and nursing bras
- Baby essentials (soap, towels, wraps, baby wipes)
Conclusion
Your baby is listening to you and is just a few weeks away from coming into your arms. Try to use this period to bond with her even before she comes into this world. Discomfort and hormonal changes can make mothers-to-be suffer from depression in the third trimester of pregnancy. If you feel that you’re extremely low and depressed about your pregnancy, talk to your doctor, who can guide you through during this period of anxiety. Although the third trimester is very strenuous and painful, it also brings your closer to the people around you and it might also be the right time for baby shower celebrations and a romantic pre-baby photo shoot.
Read this article in Arabic: الأسبوع 30 من الحمل
