30 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development & What to Expect

How Big Is My Baby at 30 Weeks Pregnant?

At 30 weeks pregnant, your baby weighs approximately 1.4 kg (about 3 pounds) and measures around 41 cm (16 inches) from head to heel. From this point forward, your baby will gain about 150-200 grams (5-7 ounces) each week until delivery, entering one of the most rapid growth phases of pregnancy.

The thirtieth week of pregnancy marks a significant milestone in your baby's development. Your little one is now roughly the size of a large cabbage and has developed considerably from the tiny embryo of early pregnancy. This is an exciting time because three-quarters of your pregnancy journey is now complete, and your baby is increasingly preparing for life outside the womb.

Baby size can vary significantly between different pregnancies at this stage. Some babies are naturally larger while others are smaller, and this variation is perfectly normal. Several factors influence your baby's size, including genetic inheritance from both parents—if you or your partner were larger or smaller babies, your child may follow a similar pattern. Additionally, the efficiency of placental function plays a crucial role in how well nutrients and oxygen reach your baby, directly affecting growth.

Your healthcare provider will monitor your baby's growth through fundal height measurements and ultrasound scans when indicated. If there are concerns about growth being too fast or too slow, additional monitoring may be recommended. However, in most cases, natural size variation is simply a reflection of your baby's unique genetic makeup.

What Baby Looks Like at 30 Weeks

At 30 weeks, your baby has developed into a recognizable little person. The skin is becoming less translucent as fat accumulates underneath, and the distinctive wrinkled appearance is starting to smooth out. Your baby's eyes can open and close, and they can detect light filtering through your abdominal wall. The eyebrows and eyelashes are now fully formed, and the tiny fingernails have reached the fingertips.

Your baby's brain continues its remarkable development, with the surface becoming increasingly wrinkled (these folds, called gyri and sulci, dramatically increase the brain's surface area). The brain's growth during the third trimester is truly extraordinary, and it will continue developing rapidly until well after birth.

What Position Is My Baby in at 30 Weeks?

At 30 weeks, your baby still has enough space in the uterus to move and turn freely. Your baby may be in a head-down position, breech (bottom down), or even lying sideways (transverse). Most babies naturally settle into the head-down position by 32-36 weeks in preparation for birth.

Your baby's position at 30 weeks is typically not a cause for concern. There is still adequate amniotic fluid and space within the uterus for your baby to perform somersaults and change positions multiple times per day. You may notice patterns of movement—perhaps feeling kicks in different locations from one day to the next as your baby repositions themselves.

The three main fetal positions are:

• Cephalic (head-down): The ideal position for vaginal delivery, with baby's head positioned toward the birth canal
• Breech (bottom-down): Baby's buttocks or feet are positioned to come out first. There are several types including frank breech (legs extended upward), complete breech (legs crossed), and footling breech (one or both feet first)
• Transverse (sideways): Baby is lying horizontally across the uterus

If your baby is not in the head-down position at 30 weeks, there is no need to worry. Studies show that approximately 25% of babies are in a breech position at 28 weeks, but by 37 weeks, only about 3-4% remain breech. Most babies will naturally turn head-down without any intervention as the pregnancy progresses and space becomes more limited.

Your healthcare provider will assess your baby's position during prenatal appointments. If your baby remains breech closer to your due date, options such as external cephalic version (ECV)—a procedure where the doctor manually tries to turn the baby—may be discussed.

Why Do I Feel Short of Breath at 30 Weeks Pregnant?

Shortness of breath during pregnancy week 30 is extremely common and usually caused by your growing uterus pressing upward against your diaphragm, which reduces lung capacity by up to 20%. Combined with increased blood volume and hormonal changes, this can make breathing feel more labored even with minimal exertion.

Many pregnant women find themselves feeling breathless during the third trimester, and understanding why this happens can provide reassurance. Your body undergoes remarkable adaptations during pregnancy to support your growing baby, and some of these changes directly affect your respiratory system.

The primary reason for breathlessness is mechanical: your uterus has expanded dramatically and now pushes upward against your diaphragm—the large muscle responsible for breathing. This upward pressure prevents your lungs from expanding as fully as they normally would, reducing your total lung capacity. Despite this, your body compensates by increasing the amount of air you move with each breath (called tidal volume), ensuring adequate oxygen reaches both you and your baby.

Hormonal changes also play a significant role. Progesterone, which increases substantially during pregnancy, actually stimulates your respiratory center, causing you to breathe more deeply and frequently. This is one reason why you might feel short of breath even when sitting still. Additionally, the 50% increase in blood volume that occurs during pregnancy means your heart and lungs are working harder to circulate this larger volume.

Tips for Managing Breathlessness

• Stand up straight: Good posture gives your lungs more room to expand
• Sleep propped up: Use extra pillows to elevate your upper body, reducing pressure on your diaphragm
• Avoid lying flat on your back: This position can compress major blood vessels and worsen breathlessness
• Take breaks: Don't push yourself when climbing stairs or walking—rest when needed
• Wear loose clothing: Avoid anything that restricts your chest or abdomen

Are Braxton Hicks Contractions Normal at 30 Weeks?

Yes, Braxton Hicks contractions are completely normal at 30 weeks pregnant. These practice contractions help your uterus prepare for labor by toning the uterine muscle. They typically feel like a tightening or hardening of your abdomen and are usually painless, irregular, and stop when you change position or rest.

Braxton Hicks contractions, named after the English doctor who first described them in 1872, are your body's way of rehearsing for labor. Think of them as your uterus doing a workout—each contraction helps strengthen and tone the uterine muscle in preparation for the real event. These contractions have been occurring since early pregnancy, but most women don't notice them until the second or third trimester.

At 30 weeks, you may notice Braxton Hicks contractions becoming more frequent and noticeable. During a contraction, you'll feel your uterus tighten and your abdomen become firm—almost like a ball. This usually lasts between 30 seconds to 2 minutes before the muscle relaxes again. Unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks are unpredictable in their timing and don't follow a regular pattern.

Braxton Hicks vs. True Labor Contractions

Several factors can trigger Braxton Hicks contractions, including dehydration, a full bladder, physical activity, sex, or even your baby moving vigorously. If you experience frequent Braxton Hicks, try drinking water (dehydration is a common trigger), changing your position, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation techniques.

Why Does My Skin Itch During Pregnancy?

Itchy skin is very common during pregnancy, especially around week 30 when your belly is expanding rapidly. The itching is usually caused by skin stretching over your growing abdomen, hormonal changes, and increased blood flow to the skin. Applying fragrance-free moisturizer regularly can help relieve discomfort.

As you enter the later stages of pregnancy, you may notice your skin becoming increasingly itchy, particularly across your belly, breasts, hips, and thighs—areas where the skin is stretching most. This is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms, affecting approximately 20% of pregnant women to some degree.

The primary cause of pregnancy itching is the mechanical stretching of your skin. As your baby grows and your uterus expands, the skin over your abdomen stretches significantly, causing the nerve fibers in your skin to become more sensitive. This stretching can also lead to stretch marks (striae gravidarum), though genetics plays a large role in whether you'll develop these.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy also affect your skin. Increased levels of estrogen can make your skin more sensitive and reactive, while changes in your immune system can lead to new sensitivities. The increased blood volume during pregnancy brings more blood to the skin's surface, which can contribute to that itchy, flushed feeling many pregnant women experience.

Managing Pregnancy Itching

• Moisturize regularly: Apply fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizing cream or lotion immediately after bathing while skin is still damp
• Avoid hot showers: Hot water strips natural oils from your skin—use lukewarm water instead
• Wear breathable fabrics: Loose cotton clothing allows air circulation and reduces irritation
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated from within
• Avoid harsh soaps: Choose mild, fragrance-free cleansers designed for sensitive skin
• Try colloidal oatmeal: Oatmeal baths can soothe itchy skin naturally

What Happens at Prenatal Appointments Around Week 30?

Around 30 weeks, prenatal appointments typically become more frequent, often every two weeks instead of monthly. Your healthcare provider will measure your fundal height, check your baby's position and heart rate, monitor your blood pressure and weight, screen for gestational diabetes if not already done, and discuss birth planning.

As you enter the final trimester of pregnancy, your prenatal care schedule typically intensifies. Most healthcare providers recommend appointments every two weeks from about 28-36 weeks, then weekly until delivery. These more frequent visits allow for close monitoring of both your health and your baby's development during this critical period of pregnancy.

During your week 30 appointment, several assessments are typically performed. Your healthcare provider will measure your fundal height—the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus—which at 30 weeks should be approximately 28-32 centimeters. This measurement helps assess your baby's growth. Your blood pressure and weight will be checked, and your urine may be tested for protein and glucose.

Your provider will listen to your baby's heartbeat, which should be a reassuring 110-160 beats per minute. They'll also palpate your abdomen to determine your baby's position and estimate their size. If you haven't already had glucose screening for gestational diabetes, this may be performed around this time.

Parent Education and Support Groups

Many healthcare facilities offer prenatal education classes and support groups during the third trimester. These programs can help you prepare for labor, delivery, and early parenthood. Topics commonly covered include:

• Signs of labor and when to go to the hospital
• Pain management options during labor
• Breastfeeding basics
• Newborn care and safety
• Partner support during labor

Support groups may be tailored to specific situations, such as first-time parents, single parents, younger parents, or those with high-risk pregnancies. Connecting with others in similar situations can provide valuable emotional support and practical advice. Ask your healthcare provider about available resources in your area.

What If I'm Afraid of Giving Birth?

Fear of childbirth is extremely common, affecting most pregnant women to some degree. For some women, this fear (called tokophobia) can be so intense that it affects daily life and pregnancy enjoyment. If fear of labor is overwhelming you, speak with your healthcare provider—effective support and treatment options are available.

It's completely normal to feel anxious or worried about childbirth, especially as your due date approaches. You might worry about the pain, potential complications, losing control, or the unknown aspects of labor. These concerns are shared by millions of women around the world and don't reflect any weakness or failing on your part.

For most women, some level of anxiety about childbirth is manageable and doesn't significantly impact their pregnancy experience. However, for approximately 6-10% of pregnant women, this fear becomes severe enough to be classified as tokophobia—an intense, sometimes debilitating fear of pregnancy and childbirth that can lead to avoidance behaviors, extreme distress, and can negatively impact the pregnancy experience.

The causes of birth anxiety are varied and personal. Previous traumatic birth experiences, hearing frightening birth stories, anxiety disorders, past trauma or abuse, fear of medical procedures, or simply the natural fear of the unknown can all contribute. Whatever the underlying cause, it's important to know that help is available and that you don't have to suffer in silence.

Ways to Address Fear of Childbirth

• Talk to your healthcare provider: They can address specific concerns, explain procedures, and may refer you to specialized support
• Consider prenatal counseling: Speaking with a mental health professional experienced in perinatal care can be very helpful
• Attend childbirth education classes: Understanding what happens during labor often reduces fear of the unknown
• Create a birth plan: Having preferences documented can help you feel more in control
• Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, and visualization can help manage anxiety
• Consider hiring a doula: Continuous labor support has been shown to improve birth outcomes and experiences
• Limit exposure to negative birth stories: Surround yourself with positive, supportive information

How Should I Prepare for the Coming Weeks?

With 10 weeks remaining until your due date, now is an ideal time to begin practical preparations for your baby's arrival. Consider completing tasks that will be more difficult with a newborn, such as organizing your home, preparing the nursery, packing your hospital bag, and finalizing your birth preferences.

The final 10 weeks of pregnancy pass more quickly than you might expect, and taking time now to prepare can help you feel more confident and relaxed as your due date approaches. While there's no need to have everything perfect—babies need very little in those early weeks—having the basics ready can reduce stress and allow you to focus on resting and bonding with your newborn.

This is also a good time to think about tasks in your daily life that will become more challenging once your baby arrives. If there are home projects you've been putting off, administrative tasks to complete, or appointments to schedule, consider tackling them now while you have more energy and mobility than you will in the final weeks.

Practical Preparations Checklist

• Hospital bag: Pack essentials for yourself, your birth partner, and baby—you can always add items later
• Baby's sleeping space: Set up a safe sleep area according to safe sleep guidelines (firm, flat surface with no loose bedding)
• Car seat: Ensure you have an appropriate infant car seat installed correctly—many fire stations offer free installation checks
• Basic supplies: Stock up on diapers, wipes, and feeding supplies (whether bottles or breastfeeding equipment)
• Birth preferences: Consider your preferences for labor and delivery and discuss them with your healthcare provider
• Contact list: Prepare a list of who to notify when labor begins and who can help in the early days
• Meal planning: Prepare and freeze meals for the postpartum period
• Work arrangements: Finalize maternity leave plans and hand over work responsibilities

Week 30 at a Glance