30 Weeks Pregnant

Baby’s Development

Baby is growing and may not be able to turn in a somersault for much longer. If you’d like, your medical practitioner can tell you what position your baby is in by feeling the outside of your stomach. Brain cells and nerves are now active so your baby is capable of more complex learning and movement. For instance, if baby feels uncomfortable, they will move. Baby is now gaining fat faster and starting to regulate their own temperature. The fine hair called lanugo that’s covered their body is reducing but the hair on their head is growing more.

What’s Happening For You

• Heading into the last couple of months of pregnancy, you can start to feel more tired especially as you carry more and more weight.
• You may start to notice you are producing some colostrum which is the first substance your breasts produce and baby will drink.
• Some women experience some swelling, especially in the warmer months. A little swelling can be normal but anything severe or sudden, should be investigated.
• Some shortness of breath can also be experienced as baby presses up against the chest cavity. This will dissipate once baby drops down into the pelvis, ready for labour.

Things To Consider

• Now is a great time to start thinking about after the baby comes.
• Do some research about breastfeeding and how to make life easier for yourself when you get home.
• You may consider finding a cleaner, a post-partum doula and arranging a meal delivery service.

Read more about what to expect next week.