30 Weeks Pregnant

Baby’s Development

Fetus ~39.9 cm (zucchini), weight ~1,300 g (2.9 lb) [1]. Bone marrow fully responsible for red blood cell production (liver/spleen retire). Hands and feet fully developed. Fingernails growing. Vision sharpens — can track light, open/close eyes. Body fat ~7-8% of body. Brain: complex folding, billions of connections. Lungs: more surfactant. Movement: strong kicks, rolls, hiccups, but space tighter (baby may shift to head-down position by 32-36 wk) [2].

Pregnancy Symptoms

Third trimester. Symptoms: backache, heartburn (worsening), constipation, leg cramps, swelling, headaches, Braxton Hicks (more frequent, sometimes painful). Uterus ~10 cm above navel. Kicks strong. Round ligament pain, sciatica, pelvic pain. Heartburn, shortness of breath, frequent urination. Restless legs, hemorrhoids, carpal tunnel. Heart rate 80-100 bpm. Difficulty sleeping (size, position, anxiety). Fatigue increases [2].

Body Changes

Uterus ~10 cm above navel, about 1/2 way between navel and sternum. Weight gain: 22-30 lbs by week 30 typical. Bump large, center of gravity shifted forward. Stretch marks, linea nigra, melasma, visible veins, varicose veins. Breasts 2 cup sizes up, colostrum may leak. Possible “pregnancy mask” (melasma). Swelling in feet/ankles [2].

Tips for Week 30

• Address sleep difficulties — pregnancy pillow, side-sleeping (left preferred), cool room, consistent bedtime, no screens 1 hr before, magnesium glycinate (200-400 mg with provider OK). If anxiety, talk to OB.
• Monitor for preeclampsia — sudden severe swelling, persistent headache, vision changes (spots, blurry), upper abdominal pain, BP > 140/90, protein in urine. Call OB immediately if any.
• Address leg cramps at night — magnesium, calcium, stretch calves before bed, dorsiflex foot when cramp hits.
• Begin mental prep for labor — childbirth class (mid-series if started late), birth plan draft, hospital bag list, support person roles.

Things To Do (Checklist)

• Optimize sleep (pillow, position, magnesium)
• Monitor for preeclampsia signs
• Continue/begin childbirth class
• Draft birth plan
• Continue kick counting (10 in 2 hrs daily)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’m exhausted. Is third trimester worse for energy? A: Often yes. Body working harder, sleep disrupted, weight gain, hormonal changes. Rest when you can. Light exercise helps paradoxically [2].

Q: I have a headache that won’t go away. Help? A: Acetaminophen OK in pregnancy. Hydrate, eat, rest, cool compress. Persistent headache + vision changes + BP elevated → call OB (preeclampsia) [1].

Q: When does baby drop (engage)? A: First pregnancy: 36-38 wk. Subsequent: later or during labor. “Lightening” = baby descends into pelvis, breathing easier, pelvic pressure, frequent urination return [2].

For Dads

• Build the hospital bag together — pack by week 36. Comfortable clothes, phone charger, snacks, change of clothes, toiletries, going-home outfit for baby, car seat installed.
• Handle the “nursery” final touches — wall art, blackout curtains, sound machine, diapers/wipes stocked, breastfeeding/pumping setup.
• Plan the route to hospital — drive it, time it, parking options, day/night entrances. Backup plan.
• Read The Expectant Father Ch. 28 — third trimester deepening, your role, decisions ahead.
• Pray for the lungs and brain — surfactant building, neural connections multiplying, the architecture of life.

Sources

1. ACOG — How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy
2. Mayo Clinic — 30 Weeks Pregnant
3. Expecting Better — Emily Oster (Chapters 13-14: Third Trimester)