30 Weeks Pregnant: Baby is as big as a zucchini!

Week 30 at a glance

You’re 30 weeks pregnant and the home stretch is in sight.

Congratulations, mama!

As your due date starts to come into view, your mind is no doubt swimming with questions about the little peanut that is, by this stage, rather snug in the home you’ve made for them.

So let’s take the guesswork out of pregnancy at 30 weeks, shall we?

Here’s what you can expect:

In this article: 📝

Baby development at 30 weeks

Depending on your pregnancy, your doctor may want to do a 30 week pregnant ultrasound ‒ and there you will see something that looks an awful lot like a human being.

Their body systems are up and running.

Now, they pretty much have one job: gain weight.

You may notice tiny little jerky movements.

These are likely fetal hiccups.

(The cuteness!)

This is usually a good sign that your baby’s body is developing properly.

Of course, if the jerks are happening every day or last for long periods, it’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider.

And just how big is your little one at this point?

Well, somewhere in the region of 3 lbs.

So next time you pick up a bag of potatoes or apples, a small household plant, or a laptop, just think ‒ that’s about how much your baby weighs right now!

What position is the baby at 30 weeks?

At 30 weeks, your little one is probably head down, bottoms up.

It may not always be easy to tell without the help of your doc, but some babies do let their mamas know their positions.

You might be able to feel their shape if you press on your belly gently.

And, of course, you might be able to tell where their feet are because you’re getting kicked in the ribs on a regular basis.

In most cases, a 30 weeks fetus is still pretty high up towards your rib cage and will only drop down in the very last stretch.

What happens if you give birth at 30 weeks?

Giving birth at 30 weeks is still very early and is considered preterm.

However, even if your baby comes now, it will likely all be okay after some time in the NICU.

Pregnancy symptoms at 30 weeks

So, you may have felt that the first trimester was challenging, and the second trimester was a little more peaceful (and even blissful).

Now you’ve entered the third trimester, and you may seriously be feeling it.

Why?

Because you might be experiencing some of these:

• General urgh. If it’s on your body, it seems like it’s found a way to hurt. Hips, feet, belly, back. You’re totally allowed to moan as much as you need.
  
• A sense of overcrowding. Feeling a little claustrophobic? A bit short of breath? Yup, all the prime real estate in your body is heavily occupied.
  
• Burn, baby, burn. The heartburn is real. Keeping a food diary can help you stay on top of what might be responsible.
  
• Pretend contractions. Your body is gearing up for the real thing with what are known as Braxton Hicks contractions. Usually all fine, but chat with your doc if you’re worried.
  
• The pregnancy itch. Mmmm. Another fun one. Your skin is stretching and with that can come some dryness and itchiness. A good moisturizer should be all you need here. If you’re experiencing persistent itchiness of the belly, palms, and soles, inform your doctor right away, as it could be a condition called cholestasis of pregnancy.
  
• Exhaustion. Because you can’t sleep. Because there’s all this stuff going on in your brain and in your belly. Because you’re about to have a freakin’ baby, okay?!

Your 30 weeks pregnant belly

The best thing you can do for that 30 weeks pregnant belly of yours is to show it some love.

Now is the time to indulge in all the self-care you can manage ‒ because that self is in the middle of accomplishing a remarkable feat.

How many months is 30 weeks pregnant?

30 weeks pregnant is approximately 7 months pregnant.

That means you’re in your third and final trimester.

So how many weeks are left at 30 weeks pregnant?

About 10!

Can you believe it?

Pregnancy tips at 30 weeks

So what should you be doing at 30 weeks pregnant?

Well, that’s entirely up to you, mama-to-be!

But here are some ideas to get you started:

• Make sure you have all the baby gear sorted ‒ stroller, car seat, somewhere for baby to sleep ‒ need a comprehensive list. Oh yeah, we’ve got that.
  
• Get your hospital bag packed ‒ just in case.
  
• Get educated on what labor can look like ‒ it’s not the same for everyone!
  
• Keep your Kegels in check ‒ another bit of prep for labor.
  
• Finalize your birth plan ‒ research other moms’ birth stories and feel free to ask questions to figure out what works best for you.
  
• Stay on top of baby’s movements by tracking their kicks and movements. If you ever feel concerned that your baby isn’t moving enough, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor for peace of mind.
  
• Your doctor will probably want to see you more often now, so it’s important to keep up with those appointments.
  
• Start prepping frozen meals for when baby arrives ‒ nutrition is key!

As you approach the beginning of your third trimester, it’s time to start preparing for the final stretch of your pregnancy.

With just a couple of months left until your due date, take some time to prioritize your physical and mental well-being.

Remember to listen to your body, trust your instincts, and reach out for support when you need it.