Third Trimester 30 weeks pregnant

Pregnancy Week 30 - Baby's Brain Growing Rapidly

At 30 weeks, your baby is about the size of a cabbage. The brain is developing at an astonishing rate, forming billions of neurons and complex neural connections. Your baby's eyes can track light, and the lanugo hair is beginning to fall off as more fat accumulates under the skin.

Cabbage
Baby Size
39.9 cm (head to heel)
Length
1.32 kg
Weight
Week 30
of 42
Baby Development This Week

Your baby's brain is developing rapidly, with the surface becoming more wrinkled and grooved to accommodate the growing number of neurons. Your baby's eyes can now track light sources, and the pupils can constrict and dilate. The lanugo hair that covered the body is starting to fall off, though some may remain at birth. Your baby is producing red blood cells from the bone marrow. The toenails are growing, and the hair on the head may be getting thicker.

Changes in Your Body

Your belly is getting quite large, and you may feel the strain of carrying the extra weight. The top of your uterus is about 4 inches above your belly button. You may be experiencing heartburn, difficulty sleeping, and swelling. Some women develop pregnancy-induced hypertension around this time. Your breasts may be producing more colostrum. You might feel the baby hiccuping frequently, which is completely normal.

Common Symptoms at Week 30
HeartburnSwellingInsomniaBaby hiccupsShortness of breathBraxton Hicks
Tips for Week 30
  • Eat omega-3 rich foods (salmon, walnuts, flaxseed) to support your baby's brain development.
  • Take daily walks to help with circulation and mood.
  • Start preparing freezer meals for after the baby arrives.
  • Practice relaxation techniques for labor — try hypnobirthing or meditation.
When to Call Your Doctor

Seek immediate care for signs of preeclampsia (severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling), preterm labor, or decreased fetal movement.

Frequently Asked Questions — Week 30