Pregnant in week 30
In week 30 your baby is the size of a cabbage. The brain develops rapidly, and your baby is getting better at regulating its own temperature. It is a good time to pack your hospital bag calmly – and to feel the daily kicks.
Your baby in week 30
Your baby measures around 40 centimetres and weighs about 1,300 grams. It is rounding out, and the fine downy hair, lanugo, is slowly beginning to disappear again.
The brain grows quickly and forms more folds and connections. Your baby can now increasingly regulate its own body temperature as the fat layers build up.
The bone marrow produces red blood cells, and the digestive system is nearly ready. The eyes can follow light, and the pupils can constrict and dilate.
Your body and symptoms in week 30
The bump is large and heavy, and most feel it clearly in their back, pelvis and energy. This is when many begin to look forward to leaning back and preparing for the birth.
The movements are strong, but as space gets tighter they change character from big kicks to more rolling and pressure. It remains important to feel for them daily.
Braxton Hicks contractions, breathlessness, frequent urination and trouble sleeping belong to this stage. Some also get a tingling or numb leg or hand, because swelling presses on the nerves.
Good advice for week 30
Pack your hospital bag
Take it calmly: clothes for you and your baby, toiletries, chargers, snacks and papers. Having the bag ready gives peace of mind in the final weeks.
Feel the daily kicks
The movements change character but should still be there daily. With clearly fewer or weaker movements, contact the maternity unit immediately.
Pamper your back
Warm baths, a support pillow, good posture and gentle movement relieve the strained back. Ask for help with heavy lifting.
Make a birth plan
Feel free to write down what matters to you during the birth – pain relief, positions, who is present. Share it with your midwife.
Checklists for this stage
Tick things off as you go – the list remembers where you got to, and you can share it with your partner.
Relevant with us in week 30
This is what we can offer you at this point in your pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions in week 30
Should I count kicks every day?
You don't need to count systematically if all is stable, but you should know your baby's pattern. If activity clearly drops, react immediately.
What if my baby is head-up?
Many babies turn head-down between weeks 30 and 36. So there is still plenty of time – your midwife follows your baby's position at the check-ups.
Is numbness in my hands dangerous?
Tingling or numb hands are often due to fluid retention pressing on the nerves (carpal tunnel). It is uncomfortable but harmless and usually goes away after birth.
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Read on in week 30
The hospital bag – what to pack, and when?
How do you prepare for birth? – A guide for expectant mothers
