30 Weeks Pregnant

 

image001When you are 30 weeks pregnant, you have only ten more weeks to go until your baby arrives. You may get tired easily and want your due date to come sooner. No need to fret; most women in their third trimester start showing similar feelings as they near their due date.

What Are the Pregnancy Symptoms at 30 Weeks?

Symptoms

Descriptions

Gain weight

During the last three months of pregnancy you gain a lot of weight, around one pound per week is fairly normal. After 30 weeks into your pregnancy you may experience Braxton Hicks contractions where your baby bump becomes stiff for a minute or two.

Difficult to sleep

During the third trimester most women often find it difficult to sleep at night which results in tiredness and increased mood swings. You can experiment with different sleeping position to make it a little easier. You should also consult with your healthcare provider if you are suffering from insomnia and feel it is getting worse. Your sleep quality can also be affected by the kind of dreams you have. Talking to your partner may help with this.

Stronger fetal activities

Third trimester is also the time when fetal activity becomes stronger than before. You can now feel your baby punch or kick, stretch or wiggle. This activity increases after you’ve had a meal or when you are lying down.

Growing pressure on your bladder

You may also experience growing pressure on your bladder resulting in increased trips to the toilet. You may also experience increased flatulence and bloating. Eat smaller portions to avoid burdening your digestive system.

Occasional dizziness

Occasional dizziness or faintness is also a common pregnancy symptom. As soon as you feel light-headed, lie down and elevate your feet to reduce the dizziness.

Inflammation and swelling in gums

Some women also experience inflammation and swelling in their gums which may lead to bleeding of the gums. Although this symptom is common but you should take extra care of your teeth and gums.

How Does Your Baby Grow When You’re 30 Weeks Pregnant?

When you are 30 weeks pregnant, your baby measures a little more than 39 centimeters and weighs almost three pounds. From this point onwards, your baby’s growth in terms of length will slow down but he/she will keep on gaining more weight until birth.

The lungs and digestive tract at this point are almost completely developed and the baby’s eyesight continues to develop. The baby can now tell light from dark. However, when the baby is born, he/she will keep his/her eyes closed for most part of the day and will only be able to make out objects that are between a distance of 20cm and 30cm. New born babies have a vision of 20/400 as opposed to adults who have a vision of 20/20. The baby’s eyebrows have been completely developed and he/she can also bat his/her eyelashes.

The baby is now surrounded by almost a liter of amniotic fluid. The volume decreases as the baby continues to grow. You may feel breathless sometimes due to the uterus pressing against the diaphragm but it is perfectly normal.

You can watch this video and get more information about how your baby grows when you are 30 weeks pregnant:

How Does Your Life Change When You’re 30 Weeks Pregnant?

At this stage in your pregnancy you feel tired most days, especially if your sleep cycle has been disturbed. Weight gain in your belly also leads to a change in your center of gravity. This combined with hormonal changes which to lax ligaments and loose joints may contribute to you being a little off-balance.

Mood swings also make an unpleasant return at this time in your pregnancy. You become more prone to emotional ups and downs and worry incessantly about labor and parenting skills. However, if your agitation grows further and you can’t shake off the irritable feelings, consult your midwife or doctor. This may be a symptom of depression and letting your health care provider know about your recurrent nervousness and anxiety is important.

More Tips on 30 Weeks Pregnancy

1. Nutrition and Wellness

During the thirtieth week of pregnancy you become more engrossed in preparations for the baby’s arrival. You have less time for routine exercises and food planning. However, you can break up your exercise routine into small five to ten minute segments of exercise sessions. These will not only be easily accommodated in your busy schedule but will also be easy on your body. Gentle stretching and low impact pilates and yoga will help you relax your mind as well as your body. Pain and other pregnancy symptoms can also be countered by routine exercise and it will also help you in losing baby weight post birth more quickly.

Similarly, small changes in your diet can help you and your baby become healthier. Substitute healthy food for the convenience food. For instance, instead of salty-chips and pretzels, go for cashew nuts, almonds or protein packed nuts. Replace crunchy chips with crispy baby carrots. Substitute fried chicken with seasoned grilled chicken. Instead of ice cream, opt for a cup of healthy frozen yogurt with fruits.

2. Check-ups and Rests

Visit your doctor for regular check-ups, blood tests and ultrasounds. Make sure you are eating healthy and sensible food by maintaining a balanced diet. Some women in the thirtieth week of pregnancy experience constipation. To avoid this, consume foods rich in fiber content. Some women experiment with sleeping positions and use body pillows and pregnancy pillows to help them relax. If you have signed up for prenatal or childbirth classes, going to them may help you relax, uplift your mood and keep you active.

3. Assemble Any Baby Gear

Ask your partner or a friend to help you in assembling baby gear. This can be especially difficult for you if you are sleep deprived and find it difficult to relax. Working together on baby gear with your partner can help you unwind and make the job easier. Be sure to have all the necessities at hand before getting started.

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