What happens in the 30th week of pregnancy and what advice should I follow?

The 30th week of pregnancy corresponds to the second week of the eighth month of gestation. At this time of pregnancy, the uterine space for the baby is getting smaller and the weight of the pregnant woman's abdomen is too high, so it is common to feel discomfort.

There are only 10 weeks before delivery and fetal movements will be less than in previous weeks of pregnancy. The expectant mother should not worry about this, as it is completely normal due to the shortage of space.

What will the pregnant woman notice at week 30?

The 30th week of pregnancy belongs to the third trimester of pregnancy. During this week it is normal for the pregnant woman to feel down or tired, especially if she has trouble sleeping.

The feeling of awkwardness is also common in the mother-to-be. This is due to the fact that the pregnant woman carries more weight and volume, so it is sometimes difficult to calculate distances, in addition to the loss of balance that comes with the increased weight.

Normally, the pregnant woman gains about 450 grams per week from week 20 to week 30 of gestation. From this moment on, the woman will gain approximately 335 grams per week until the end of pregnancy.

Symptoms in the mother at 30 weeks

The hips and pelvis of the pregnant woman at 30 weeks expand. Its body adapts to leave more space and allow the baby to continue growing. When the woman is sitting, she may experience discomfort in the diaphragm and rib area due to the baby's kicking.

The following are the most common symptoms that appear in the 30th week of pregnancy:

• Itching caused by stretching and dryness of the skin.
• Diarrhea, although this symptom can appear at any week of pregnancy.
• Shortness of breath as a result of uterine growth, causing pressure from the stomach and diaphragm to the lungs.
• Swelling of the hands, ankles, legs and feet.
• Fluid retention.
• Heartburn and heavy digestions.

Symptoms in the pregnant woman at 30 weeks

In addition to these symptoms, the uterine walls and pelvic bones become more flexible due to the action of relaxin. This is essential for the baby to be able to descend at the time of delivery.

The pregnant woman may also feel anxious as the time of delivery draws nearer.

Changes in the baby at 30 weeks of pregnancy

The baby's condition at 30 weeks gestation is very advanced. At this time, its brain continues to develop and its head continues to be larger than the rest of the body, although everything is becoming more proportionate. In addition, the formation of olfactory neurons takes place, so that the baby is already able to perceive strong odors.

Another highlight of the 30th week of pregnancy is that the baby can recognize and remember voices and also makes rhythmic breathing movements.

Fetal measurements at 30 weeks of pregnancy are a length of about 38-40 centimeters from head to toe and a weight of about 1,300-1,500 grams.

Baby's measurements at 30 weeks of pregnancy

However, if the baby's weight is between 1,005 and 2,000 grams, the mother should not worry, as it is within the normal range.

Tips in the 30th week of pregnancy

As in any other time of pregnancy, the nutrition and diet of the pregnant woman is very important for the proper growth of the baby. Pregnant women should consume about 1g of calcium per day to help the formation of the baby's bones and teeth.

In addition, if the woman notices that certain foods cause heartburn, the best thing to do is to stop eating them. For example, many pregnant women experience heartburn if they drink orange or vinegar.

Some recommendations for the 30th week of pregnancy

Another pregnancy tip is to try to avoid foods that delay stomach emptying, such as chocolate or fizzy drinks.

Finally, the pregnant woman should not forget to write down any doubts she may have to ask them at the next prenatal check-up. The woman can also prepare the space where her baby will be at home, since time goes by very quickly and, even more so, if premature delivery should occur.

FAQs from users

What does a woman feel at 30 weeks in a twin pregnancy?

When instead of being a singleton pregnancy, a twin pregnancy occurs, the woman may feel even more tired and heavy by the 30th week of gestation.

In addition, some pregnant women experience palpitations in their heart caused by the increased blood volume. The pregnant woman may be frightened by these palpitations, but it is best to remain calm and let her doctor know so that he or she is aware of them. However, heart palpitations are usually common in twin pregnancies.

Another fairly common occurrence in women with a multiple pregnancy is the presence of bleeding.

What position is the baby in at week 30 of pregnancy?

In the 30th week of pregnancy, it is possible to find the baby both in traverse position, i.e. lying on its side, and in cephalic position. Therefore, at this time of gestation, the baby will gradually place its head downwards, i.e. preparing to come out at birth.

Is it safe to get the flu shot if you are 8 months pregnant?

Pregnant women are one of the risks groups that should get vaccinated for the flu. Although the most advisable is to get the flu shot during the second trimester of pregnancy, there is no problem at all if you do it at month 8 or any time as long as your doctor agrees.

Suggested for you

If you want to get a head start and learn about the changes that will take place in the next week of pregnancy, we recommend you to visit the following article: Changes in the fetus and mother at 31 weeks of pregnancy.