Week 30 of Pregnancy
Learn about your baby's development and what to expect at 30 weeks pregnant.
Baby's Size This Week
Baby Development at Week 30
- ● Your baby now measures about 39.9 cm and weighs approximately 1319g.
- ● Rapid brain development continues, with the cerebral cortex forming increasingly complex folds that are essential for cognition, sensation, and movement.
- ● Layers of fat are accumulating beneath the skin, smoothing out the wrinkled appearance from earlier weeks and providing critical insulation for after birth.
- ● The eyes can open and close, and your baby is practicing breathing movements using amniotic fluid to strengthen lung and diaphragm muscles.
- ● Lanugo (the fine body hair that covered the skin) is beginning to disappear as fat provides the insulation it was supplying.
- ● Your baby's bone marrow is now completely responsible for producing red blood cells — a major developmental step away from the liver performing this function.
Your Body at Week 30
- ● Shortness of breath is common as the baby moves higher and presses against the diaphragm — you may notice some relief once the baby drops into the pelvis in a few weeks.
- ● Swelling (edema) in feet, ankles, and hands is normal at 30 weeks; sudden or severe facial swelling combined with headache should be reported to your provider immediately.
- ● Sleep may become challenging — try a pregnancy pillow and sleep on your left side for better circulation.
- ● Heartburn and acid reflux are often at their worst in the third trimester; propping up the head of the bed by a few inches can reduce nighttime symptoms.
- ● Braxton Hicks contractions are common and may intensify — they should remain irregular and resolve with rest or hydration.
- ● You may experience colostrum leaking from your breasts — this early form of breast milk is normal and can begin weeks before delivery; nursing pads can help.
Week 30 Checklist
- ☐ Attend prenatal visits every 2 weeks as scheduled in the third trimester.
- ☐ Practice relaxation and breathing techniques for labor preparation — Lamaze, hypnobirthing, and mindful breathing are all evidence-based options.
- ☐ Finalize your birth preferences and discuss them with your care team, including your position on induction, pain relief, and episiotomy.
- ☐ Ensure your newborn essentials (infant car seat, bassinet, feeding supplies) are ready and the car seat is installed or scheduled for installation.
- ☐ Schedule a hospital tour if you have not done so — knowing the layout and parking reduces stress on the day of delivery.
- ☐ Research and begin narrowing down your pediatrician choices — schedule meet-and-greet consultations with top candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect at 30 weeks pregnant?
At 30 weeks pregnant, you are in the third trimester with approximately 10 weeks to go. Your baby is about the size of a Cabbage (39.9 cm) and is rapidly gaining fat and brain complexity. Common symptoms include heartburn, shortness of breath, swelling, sleep disturbances, and intensifying Braxton Hicks contractions. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
How big is my baby at 30 weeks?
At week 30, your baby is approximately 39.9 cm in length and weighs around 1319g — roughly the size of a Cabbage. These measurements are averages based on WHO fetal growth charts; individual babies vary naturally in size.
What is colostrum and is it normal to leak at 30 weeks?
Colostrum is the first form of breast milk — a thick, yellowish fluid rich in antibodies, protein, and growth factors. Some women begin leaking colostrum as early as 16 weeks, while others don't notice it until after birth. Both are completely normal. If leaking is bothersome, wear nursing pads inside your bra. Colostrum production is driven by the hormone prolactin, not by breast stimulation.
How many times a day should my baby move at 30 weeks?
By 30 weeks, most babies have established a regular movement pattern. You should feel at least 10 movements (kicks, rolls, jabs, swishes) within a 2-hour counting session. Movement is typically strongest after meals, in the evening, and when you are lying still. Contact your provider if the pattern changes significantly or if you cannot reach 10 movements in 2 hours.
What is preeclampsia and should I be watching for it at 30 weeks?
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, most often the liver or kidneys. Warning signs include sudden severe headache, vision changes, pain under the right rib cage, and sudden severe swelling of the face, hands, or feet. It typically develops after 20 weeks and is monitored at every prenatal visit. If you experience any warning signs between appointments, contact your provider immediately.
Track Your Exact Pregnancy Week
Use our free Pregnancy Week Tracker to find out exactly how far along you are based on your last menstrual period or due date.
Track My Pregnancy →Sources
- ACOG
- WHO Fetal Growth Charts
- Mayo Clinic
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your pregnancy.