20 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Belly Size & Ultrasound

30 weeks pregnant is a milestone to celebrate and savor. Find out what to expect when you’re 30 weeks pregnant, find out whether you can feel baby yet and what your uterus looks like. What size is a 12-week-pregnant uterus? What are the 8th week symptoms? When does baby start to move?

Your baby at week 30 of pregnancy

The appearance of your child’s face is quite close to what it will be at birth. He isn’t quite there yet in terms of size, but he’s well on his way to having those adorable chubby baby cheeks. He has the ability to open his eyes, move his jaw, and breathe through his mouth (although no air comes in).

If your baby were delivered today, he would be about 3 pounds and a little over 15 inches long, giving him a high chance of survival (crown to heel).

30 weeks pregnant is how many months?

When you are 30 weeks pregnant, you are officially in 7 months of your pregnancy, only 2 months to go! Congratulations, you’ve already made great progress!

How big is your baby at 30 weeks pregnant?

At 30 weeks, the average fetus weighs around 3 pounds (1.4 kg) and measures about 15.15 inches (38.5 cm) from crown to rump, making it about the size of a head of lettuce or a cabbage.

30 weeks pregnant baby position

At 30 weeks, your baby will be lying on his or her back, head down. He’s squatting down and plans to move lower in your pelvis during the next few weeks.

30 weeks pregnant: baby’s development

30-33 weeks baby developments

At 30 weeks after conception, the fetus practices breathing almost 40 percent of the time. About 990 gallons of blood are pumped daily by the fetal heart at 32 weeks postconception. At about 32 weeks postconception, the lungs begin to develop genuine alveoli. In humans, genuine alveoli account for over 95% of lung tissue that matures later in life. Children keep growing genuine alveoli until age 8.

The testicles of unborn baby boys begin to form around week 12, but they won’t emerge from the abdomen until around week 33. And then they go down into the scrotum.

Brain develops many bumps and groove

It is during this month when the brain’s ridges and valleys (gyri and sulci) begin to take shape. These ridges and valleys increase the brain’s surface area, which is crucial given that the cortex is located exclusively there. As a result of the widespread presence of gyri and sulci, the cerebral cortex is able to accommodate a greater number of neurons. This rapid development of the brain coincides with a similarly rapid expansion of the fetus’s capacity for learning.

Fetus see and respond to visual information

It was discovered that fetuses, as early as 32 weeks after conception, moved their heads toward the face-like lights projected through the uterine wall. 13 This demonstrates that the fetus can perceive and process visual information from the outside world, and that it has a particular preference for looking at stimuli that resemble human faces.

Fetus grasps objects

By this point, the fetus also grasps objects that come near her hands. In fact, as early as 25 weeks after conception, the fetus can hold her own body weight momentarily by grasping.

Your body at 30 weeks pregnant

It’s important for you to keep exercising even while you’re gaining weight. Pregnant women benefit greatly from walking and swimming. Fitness programs for expectant and new mothers can be found in a wide variety of local community centers and dance studios. They’re a terrific opportunity to socialize with other future moms, do exercise, and have a good time.

Wait just a few more weeks! There are noticeable changes to your daily routine as a result of your postpartum weight gain. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to bend over. What about lacing your shoes? Leave it in the past. You may notice an increase in heartburn, indigestion, and flatulence when your unborn child presses against your internal organs. As a result, you may find it more challenging to take deep breaths.

Tired of Being Pregnant?

The excitement of your growing belly may have worn off by this point, and you may be feeling more than a little exhausted by your pregnancy. A few weeks from now, when you look into your newborn’s eyes, all of your discomforts will seem like a distant memory, but until then, there are some easy things you can do to ease your discomfort during your final weeks of pregnancy.

Complaint: No sleep

Your baby bump makes it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. Furthermore, your lungs will have to work harder to provide oxygen to your body because they have to make room for your growing baby-to-be. As a result, you are likely to experience heartburn and indigestion. And your bladder—well—you’re already used to going to the bathroom several times a day, and making similar trips at night can be frustrating.

Solution:Consider positioning pillows around your body to provide support. Before you go to bed, have your partner massage your sore body. Taking a warm bath or hot shower will help you relax. Avoid drinking water an hour or so before going to bed (but drink plenty of water during the day). Talk to your healthcare provider about over-the-counter medications that might help you sleep if all else fails.

Complaint: Swelling

As pregnancy progresses, swelling can become increasingly problematic. In pregnancy, your body retains water in order to supply your increased blood production (which increases by 50%). As a result, your face, ankles, and fingers may swell to the point that you can’t wear your shoes or take off your rings.

Solution:Make sure you drink plenty of water. Fluids can ease swelling by pushing them out. Be smart about what you do during the day as well. Standing or staying in one position for too long will cause your blood to pool, making swelling worse. Increase your circulation by changing positions frequently and putting your feet up. If swelling becomes severe, consult your doctor.

Complaint: Potty breaks

During pregnancy, frequent urination is a common complaint. Any time you go somewhere, finding a restroom can be a hassle. The pressure on your bladder will also increase as your baby-to-be grows, so potty breaks will continue to increase until your baby is born.

Solution:Have your baby—the that’s only genuine remedy. As holding in urine for an extended period of time might cause urinary or bladder infections, don’t restrict your trips to the restroom.

Complaint: No clothes.

When your pregnancy is almost finished, the adorable maternity garments that once neatly concealed your baby bump may no longer fit you. Plus, since non-maternity clothing is not allowed, you probably wear the same outfits constantly.

Solution: Having something new to wear can brighten your mood. If you don’t want to sink more money into a wardrobe that will last only a few weeks, ask friends if they have any maternity clothes they’re willing to lend. Spice up your own maternity clothes by buying non-maternity, button-down shirts or sweaters to pair with your maternity wear. Choose colorful jewelry or handbags to add variety to your wardrobe (and you can wear those even when you’re no longer pregnant!).

30 weeks pregnant tips and advice

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated is important. Your body uses more water during your pregnancy to fuel your increased blood supply (necessary to get your baby-to-be plenty of nutrients) and other body functions. Taken to extremes, dehydration can lead to preterm labor pains. So bring a water bottle to work with you—and drink it.

Use the bathroom—often

Drinking more water means more trips to the bathroom. Add to that, your kidneys are working overtime to filter impurities from your increased blood supply. To avoid stares from coworkers, plan discrete potty breaks. Go when you first get to the office and take a break on the way from meetings or other times when you’re already up so your trips will be less noticeable. Putting off a trip to the bathroom is a bad idea—it makes you uncomfortable and puts stress on your bladder, which can lead to bladder infections.

Bring light snacks

Food may not be appealing, especially if you’re experiencing nausea. Skip a full-blown lunch and opt for lighter fare throughout the day. Keep in mind that some pregnancy comfort foods are dead giveaways, such as crackers. If you’re trying to keep your pregnancy a secret, try less notorious foods that still comfort nausea but that don’t shout, “I’m pregnant!” Opt for foods high in protein, such as string cheese, almonds, or milk.

Wear comfortable clothes

You’ve probably packed away your tight-fitting pants already. If you haven’t, now’s probably the time to say goodbye to your hip-hugging ensembles until after your baby’s arrival. Avoiding tight clothes isn’t just about hiding your baby bump. Your body may be retaining water to fuel your increased blood supply, and constricting clothes are not only tight on your skin, but the blood that’s trying to flow underneath.

Watch your posture

Take time to get off your feet and walk around. Staying in the same position for too long allows the blood to pool in the lower part of your body, potentially making you light-headed. Put your feet up whenever possible to keep your blood flowing properly.

Having Trouble Sleeping at 30 weeks Pregnant

Having difficulties sleeping is a common pregnant symptom, and it’s especially common in the second and third trimesters, when other pregnancy symptoms peak and a growing belly makes it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position.

When you’re 30 weeks pregnant, it could hurt to sleep on your stomach, but studies indicates that lying on your back puts more strain on the vena cava, the main blood vessel that returns blood to the heart.

Your blood circulation will increase if you sleep on your left side, which will also be good for your uterus, kidneys, and fetus. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, try placing a pillow between your knees and another under your stomach. If the problem persists, consult your doctor.

30 weeks Pregnant: Wellness and Nutrition

What should you avoid during pregnancy? Doctors agree that you should avoid the following:

Activities that may cause you to fall, or that place pressure or force on your belly
Intense, overly vigorous exercise – if you’re too out of breath to talk, you’re probably exercising too hard.
Drinking alcohol, smoking, and caffeine (ask your doctor how much caffeine you should consume each day)
Sweeteners such as saccharine and herbal sweeteners (ask your doctor if artificial sweeteners are appropriate)
Prescription and over-the-counter medications (check with your doctor about what’s safe during pregnancy)

Paint, cleaning products, and solvents can expose you to chemicals and fumes. Acrylic and latex paints are generally considered safe. However, you should consult your doctor before helping around the house or in the nursery.
Saunas and hot tubs
Chemical treatments for your hair, such as dye and perms

30 weeks pregnancy symptoms

Your body undergoes many changes to give your baby-to-be enough room to grow. Some of these changes are comforting—your rounded belly and your full breasts, for example—while other signs can be troubling. Keep in mind that many of these physical changes will last only until your baby arrives.

Upper abdominal pain

The uterus is growing rapidly, putting pressure on organs like the bladder, intestines, and stomach. This can cause mild pain in the upper abdomen that may extend to the lower abdomen or sides of your stomach. The pressure on your abdomen can also cause pain when you cough or sneeze.

Lower abdominal pain

The uterus is growing rapidly and putting pressure on your bladder, intestines, and stomach. This can cause lower abdominal pain that may feel like mild cramping or a dull ache in the pelvic region. Back pain. The growing weight of your uterus on your spine can cause back pain that typically becomes worse as pregnancy progresses.

Leg cramps

The weight of your uterus can put pressure on your veins and cause leg cramps or swelling. You may also experience varicose veins in your legs due to increased blood flow. Neck pain. As the baby grows, it puts more pressure on the spinal cord, which runs down through your neck and back. This can cause mild pain in the neck area that may extend into your shoulders and arms.

Back pain

Your growing uterus can put pressure on your spine and cause back pain. The weight of the baby can also cause sciatica, which is when pain shoots down the back of one leg due to compression in the spinal cord. Backache. Your growing uterus may cause you to experience mild to moderate lower back pain or stiffness in your lower abdomen around this time.

Sleeping difficulties

You may find it harder to get comfortable when you’re pregnant. Your growing abdomen can make it more difficult for you to find a position that feels good, and your joints may be sore from carrying extra weight. You might also experience restless leg syndrome, which is when you feel like your legs are moving even though they aren’t. This happens because the joints in the body release chemicals that cause itching or tingling sensations when they are irritated by things like pregnancy hormones.

Swollen Ankels

You may be experiencing swollen ankles, which is common during pregnancy. This happens because the increased levels of hormones in your body cause fluid to accumulate in your tissues, including those that line the walls of your veins and arteries. It’s usually not a cause for concern unless you have swelling in both legs or it lasts longer than two weeks.

Fatigue (constant tiredness or weakness)

One of the most typical symptoms of early pregnancy is fatigue, which frequently starts at this point. Although there are many causes of exhaustion during pregnancy (including changes in hormone levels), some research indicates that inadequate sleep brought on by nighttime awakenings from unpleasant sleeping positions may also be a role.

Heartburn or gas

There may be a rise in heartburn and flatulence during the 30th week of pregnancy. This is because progesterone produces a decrease in the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle, which typically prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus. This can cause heartburn and discomfort by allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. Try spreading your meals out more, staying away from items that are known to cause heartburn (such spicy foods), and drinking lots of water.

Mood swings and crying spells

The 30th week of pregnancy is a vulnerable time for women, when they are more likely to experience mood swings and crying spells. Until your hormone levels settle, this will have an impact on your mental and emotional well-being. This is a common occurrence for pregnant women; one study indicated that 75% of women felt emotional shifts like irritability or depression in the first trimester.

Indigestion, or constipation

During the 30th week of pregnancy, you may suffer gastrointestinal issues like indigestion or constipation. Pregnancy hormones like progesterone and estrogen might increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal issues including indigestion. These hormones slow down digestion by relaxing the digestive tract, preventing food from being swallowed whole. You can reduce the frequency and severity of indigestion during pregnancy by cutting out on high-fat and sugary foods and eating more often, smaller meals (like sweets or fried foods).

Swelling (edema)

Your body retains water to provide the necessary fluids for your growing baby-to-be. You can prevent much of this swelling from drinking plenty of fluids and keeping your legs up. You may also want to purchase socks designed to improve the circulation in your feet.

Skin spots

The skin’s pigmentation may deepen around certain parts of your body during pregnancy, such as your nipples and freckles. You may also notice spots of color on your face, called the mask of pregnancy or chloasma. These pigmentation changes will fade after your baby’s born.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is a very common and often overlooked symptom of pregnancy. It happens when there isn’t enough oxygen in your body or when your blood flow is constricted. This can make it difficult to do even the smallest things like walk across the room or climb stairs.

You may feel like you need to take deeper breaths than usual or that it takes longer than normal for your breathing rate to return to normal after an activity such as climbing stairs.

Symptoms to be aware of

Please share any concerns you may have with your doctor or midwife. Don’t worry about whether or not you’re repeating yourself or wasting anyone’s time by bringing up an old topic. This pregnancy is yours, so listen to your body if you suspect something is wrong.

Signs of premature labour

If you have any of the following symptoms, call the hospital or midwife straight away, because you could be in premature labour:

regular contractions or tightenings
period-type pains or pressure in your vaginal area
a “show” – which is when the plug of mucus that has sealed the cervix during pregnancy comes away and out of the vagina
a gush or trickle of fluid from your vagina – this could be your waters breaking
backache that’s unusual for you.

30 weeks pregnant belly

Your baby will occupy a larger area of your uterus at this point. To provide more room for your developing baby, your uterus will grow underneath your rib cage. You might start to feel more clumsy. The center of gravity somewhat shifts as your tummy expands. You can get a sense of unsteadiness.

30 weeks pregnant belly size

By week 30, your belly will have expanded and protruded considerably. You might have trouble seeing where you’re walking. There is a 26-35 cm range for fundal height (10.2-13.8 in). Around 9 cm (3.5 inches) above your belly button is where you’ll notice a significant increase in amniotic fluid.

Some women may measure smaller and some larger than this, but this is a good general guide for how big your belly will be at this point in pregnancy.

Measuring pregnant belly at 30 weeks

If you’re measuring your belly at home, use a tape measure and measure around the widest part of your abdomen. Measurement is usually taken above the navel or below it, depending on what’s more comfortable for you. Be sure to stand up straight and relax as much as possible while taking your measurement—it should be taken at the same time every day so that you can monitor how quickly or slowly your belly is growing.

If you are measuring your belly at the top of your pubic bone, expect to see an increase of about two inches per month. If you’re measuring this lower, around your navel and below, it can be as much as three inches per month. The average weight gain during pregnancy is between 25 and 35 pounds and usually occurs in the last trimester (after week 28).

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Braxton Hicks at 30 weeks Pregnant

At 30 weeks pregnant, you may find that your Braxton Hicks contractions are becoming more frequent and intense. You may feel them in your back or lower abdomen, and they may last anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes. If you’re having regular contractions, it’s important to talk with your doctor about any pain or discomfort you experience during them.

Braxton Hicks are common during the third trimester. You may not even notice them because they feel like mild discomfort or a dull ache in your lower abdomen. They’re also called practice contractions because they prepare your body for real labor by getting it ready to push out a baby when the time comes.

30 weeks pregnant ultrasound

An ultrasound of your baby at 30 weeks shows a head that is relatively large; a human baby’s brain weighs 12 percent of his body weight at birth. It’s likely that your baby already has 100 billion or so brain cells at birth.

The importance of prenatal vitamins during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you need a greater amount of folic acid and iron. Why? Here are some reasons:

Folic acid prevents neural tube defects

These defects affect the fetal brain and spinal cord in a significant way. Preferably, you should begin taking extra folic acid three months before you become pregnant.

The placenta and baby require iron to develop

The body uses iron to make blood to supply oxygen to the baby. Additionally, iron helps prevent anemia, a condition in which the blood lacks healthy red blood cells

It’s important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider to find out which are the best prenatal vitamins to take before pregnancy, and how to calculate your expected delivery date.