Pregnancy week 30

What’s your baby up to?

Your baby now measures around 39.9cm from head to toe, and weighs around 1.31kg, about the size of a large cabbage.

His brain continues to develop rapidly, forming grooves and folds which allow for future expansion of brain tissues. Your baby’s lungs are developing, but not yet fully mature for life outside the womb, and would need some help if baby is born before 36 weeks.

The amount of amniotic fluid decreases as your baby takes up more room in your uterus.

Your baby’s eyesight is much developed, but not yet perfect. He will have 20/400 vision by the time he is born.

In addition to the disappearing lanugo, the white greasy substance on your baby’s skin known as vernix caseosa starts to disappear around now.

How are you doing?

The third trimester feels like the first trimester all over again, but with more symptoms added to the mix. You may find that you are constantly tired, short of breath, sleep deprived, and running to the bathroom every now and again.

Pregnancy hormones and anxiety may have put you on an emotional roller-coaster. You may find that mood swings have become second nature. While these feelings are normal, you may still want to talk to your doctor about any feelings of apprehension you are having. Depression in pregnancy is real, and is a condition that needs your caregiver’s attention.

Having very strange and vivid dreams is also very common. No, these dreams are not spiritual attacks from the ‘enemy’, dreaming is a normal part of pregnancy. Interestingly, experts have been able to decipher the vivid dreams of pregnant women, and how they vary from one trimester to the other.

What should you do this week?

Keep track of your baby’s movement by recording kick counts. If you’re not feeling your baby’s movements report to your doctor immediately.

Gentle exercises, like swimming walking, yoga can do wonders for your dwindling energy levels.

Symptoms like severe and persistent headache, changes in vision, excessive swelling especially in the face should be reported to your doctor as these could be a sign of pre-eclampsia.

Pack your hospital bag, it’s better to be well prepared for labour early enough, just in case.

Finally, stay informed, healthy and inspired, by reading  Maternity Nest. Connect with other moms-to-be for moral support, by joining your Due Date Club in the The Nest.