At 30 weeks pregnant, you're now three-quarters of the way through pregnancy - just 10 weeks to go! Your baby is about the size of a large cabbage (38.5 cm, 1.4 kg), with rapidly developing brain, eyes that can now see dim shapes, and bone marrow producing red blood cells. This is a great time to consider vaccinations, cord blood banking decisions, and managing third trimester symptoms like leg cramps and heartburn.
Your Baby at 30 Weeks
Watch: How to boost your baby's brain development. Here are list of foods one should give the baby
Size and Development
Measurement
Details
**Length**
About 38.5 cm (15.15 inches)
**Weight**
Approximately 1.4 kg (3 pounds)
**Size comparison**
Like a large cabbage (bandh gobi)
Baby's Development This Week
Eyes:
Can open eyes wide
Seeing dim shapes
Pupils can expand and contract
Responding to light changes
Brain:
Brain tripling in weight
Deep grooves developing
More surface area for brain tissue
Processing information actively
Body:
Lanugo (fine hair) disappearing
Fat cells regulating temperature
Bone marrow making red blood cells
Skin cells producing melanin
Skin Color:
Skin cells making melanin now
Final skin tone develops by 6 months after birth
Currently baby appears lighter
What's Happening to Your Body
Common Symptoms at 30 Weeks
Symptom
Why It Happens
What Helps
Leg cramps at night
Pressure, circulation
Stretch before bed, pillow between legs
Heartburn
Uterus pushing stomach
Avoid trigger foods, small meals
Shortness of breath
Lungs crowded
Good posture, rest, sleep propped
Swelling
Fluid retention
Elevate feet, stay hydrated
Mood swings
Hormones, stress
Support, rest, talk to someone
Itching
Skin stretching (usually normal)
Moisturize, loose clothing
Belly Button Changes
What's Normal:
Belly button may pop out (become "outie")
May feel sensitive to touch
Clothes rubbing can be uncomfortable
Use loose tops or soft bandage for comfort
Returns to normal after delivery
When to Worry:
Severe pain near belly button
Hard lump next to belly button
Could be umbilical hernia - call doctor immediately
Discharge Changes
Normal Discharge:
Increased due to estrogen
Brown tinged (old blood) - usually harmless
Clear or slightly white
May increase as labor approaches
Abnormal - Call Doctor If:
Bright red bleeding
More than 2 tablespoons blood
Green or bad-smelling discharge
Leaking clear fluid (could be amniotic fluid)
Before 36 weeks, any concerning discharge
Mood Swings
Why They Happen:
Hormone fluctuations
Physical discomfort
Anxiety about birth
Sleep deprivation
Stress
What Helps:
Talk to partner or friends
Rest when possible
Gentle exercise
Relaxation techniques
Know that it's temporary
When It's More Than Mood Swings:
Lasting more than 2 weeks
Intense or overwhelming feelings
Affecting daily life
Talk to your doctor - treatment available and safe
Step-by-Step Guide for Week 30
Step 1: Manage Leg Cramps
Why They Happen:
Baby pressing on nerves
Circulation changes
Possible mineral deficiency
Often worse at night
Prevention:
Stretch calf muscles before bed
Stay hydrated during day
Avoid pointing toes when stretching
Gentle walk in evening
Consider calcium and magnesium intake
During a Cramp:
Flex foot (pull toes toward you)
Massage the muscle
Apply warmth
Stand and walk if possible
Step 2: Control Heartburn
Trigger Foods to Avoid:
Spicy foods
Greasy/fried foods
Acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus)
Caffeine
Heavy meals before bed
What Helps:
Small, frequent meals
Don't lie down after eating
Sleep slightly propped up
Wear loose clothing
Ask doctor about safe antacids
Step 3: Get Vaccinated
Important Vaccines Now:
Tdap - Protects baby from whooping cough
Flu shot - Protects you both from flu
RSV vaccine - Ask doctor about availability
Why It Matters:
Antibodies pass to baby through placenta
Protects newborn before their own vaccines
Safe during pregnancy
Pregnant women are high-risk for complications
Step 4: Consider Cord Blood Banking
What It Is:
Collecting blood from umbilical cord after birth
Rich in stem cells
Can treat cancers, immune disorders, more
Options:
Type
Cost
Use
Private banking
Paid (expensive)
Reserved for your family
Public donation
Free
Available to anyone who needs it
Steps to Decide:
Research the options
Discuss with partner
Talk to your doctor
Make decision before birth
Arrange with hospital if banking
Step 5: Book a Prenatal Massage
Benefits:
Relieves third trimester aches
Reduces swelling
Improves mood
Helps with sleep
Safety Tips:
Choose trained prenatal massage therapist
Avoid pressure on certain points
Lie on side or use special cushions
Communicate comfort levels
Managing Sleep
Tips for Better Sleep
Position:
Side sleeping (left side optimal)
Pillow between knees
Cushion under belly
Slightly propped up for heartburn
Environment:
Cool room temperature
Dark and quiet
Comfortable bedding
Bathroom trips planned
Routine:
Consistent bedtime
Limit fluids before bed
Relaxation before sleep
Avoid screens before bed
Tips for Success
Stretch before bed - Reduces leg cramps
Eat small, frequent meals - Helps heartburn
Stay hydrated - But limit before bedtime
Get vaccinated - Protects your newborn
Track baby movements - Know the pattern
Take breaks - Rest when tired
Seek support - For physical and emotional needs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring severe itching - Can be sign of liver condition (ICP)
Eating large meals - Worsens heartburn
Sleeping flat on back - Reduces blood flow
Ignoring mood changes - Depression is treatable
Not drinking enough water - Dehydration worsens cramps
Dismissing belly button pain - Could indicate hernia
Skipping vaccinations - Important for baby's protection
When to Seek Help
Contact Doctor Immediately If:
Severe, constant itching (especially hands/feet)
Bright red vaginal bleeding
Leaking fluid (could be amniotic fluid)
Decreased baby movements
Severe headache with vision changes
Sudden severe swelling
Regular painful contractions
Severe abdominal pain
Fever
Schedule Appointment For:
Questions about cord blood banking
Concerns about mood or anxiety
Persistent symptoms
Birth plan discussions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: 30 weeks mein pet mein khujli ho rahi hai - normal hai kya?
A: Mild itching on stretching belly is normal due to skin stretching. Moisturize regularly with coconut oil or lotion. However, severe itching especially on hands and feet could be sign of ICP (liver condition) - tell your doctor immediately. They can do a simple blood test to check.
Q: Baby ka skin color kab final hota hai?
A: Baby's skin cells are making melanin now, but final skin tone develops by about 6 months after birth. Newborns often appear lighter or have a reddish tint initially. The color your baby will ultimately have depends on genetics.
Q: Belly button baahar aa gaya hai - kya karna chahiye?
A: This is very common! Your expanding uterus pushes the belly button out. It may feel sensitive - wear loose clothes or cover with soft bandage. It returns to normal after delivery. Only worry if there's severe pain or a hard lump near it.
Q: Brown discharge ho raha hai - normal hai kya?
A: Brown discharge is usually old blood and often harmless. Cervix is more sensitive during pregnancy and can bleed slightly. However, if discharge is bright red, heavy, green, smells bad, or accompanies pain, contact your doctor immediately.
Q: Mood swings bahut zyada ho rahe hain - kya karun?
A: Mood swings are normal in third trimester due to hormones, discomfort, and anxiety. Talk to someone, rest, gentle exercise, and relaxation help. But if intense feelings last more than 2 weeks or affect daily life, talk to your doctor - depression and anxiety are treatable and safe to address in pregnancy.
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This article was reviewed by a healthcare provider. At 30 weeks, you're three-quarters of the way there - your baby is growing rapidly!
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