By the thirtieth week, you might have noted that the baby has already taken to a regular sleep-wake pattern. Once you get the cycle, it will be easy to communicate with the baby and know about his/her health. It is also important to follow these movements so that you can notify the doctor in case the movement slows or stops.
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Baby’s growth and development in week thirty
By the thirtieth week, the baby has grown a lot and now weighs about 3 pounds and 15.7 inches long. If the baby was to be born prematurely in this week, chances of survival would be 96%. Note that most of the organs are developed and keep maturing in the coming weeks.
The nose bridge continues developing and is now apparent compared to the previous weeks. The nose tip still looks inverted and will become proportional as the face continues to lengthen. In the coming weeks, the nose tip will tilt sharply downwards so that the baby can finally get an appealing face.
In the brain, the nerve cells keep developing and nearing maturity. The neurons start dividing into 6 main areas that control various functions including memory, motion, vision, thought, and movement coordination. While these are advanced controls, they start working even before the baby is born.
Size of Baby at 30 Weeks Pregnant
Your baby is about the size of a large cabbage.
The baby is about 39.9 cm(15.71 inches) and weighs 1319 grams(2.91 pounds).
Changes to expect in Mom’s body during week 10
By the thirtieth week, you are only about 10 weeks to the end of the pregnancy! How prepared are you for childbirth? By the close of the week, the uterus is about 4 inches above the navel and bending over is no doubt becoming difficult day by day. Your weight has increased and reached 23 to 24 pounds.
By now, the third trimester signs such as swollen feet, back pain, and Braxton hick contractions are becoming very common. Other symptoms in the week include;
Leaking breasts: This is usually very annoying for some people. From now going forward, the breasts may start leaking pre-milking colostrum that helps you prepare for breastfeeding. If you find the leaking milk too bothersome, make sure to use some nursing pads to protect the clothes.
Sleeping difficulty: From the 30th week, sleeping difficulties will become part of the norm until the baby is born. The growing baby bump makes it difficult to get the right position. Indeed, even when it looks like you have gotten a good position, urination will keep waking you up. Besides, dreams such as you holding the baby’s hands, going shopping, and even holiday becomes even more vivid. To fall asleep, consider trying relaxation techniques, reading novels, or playing some soothing music.
Mood changes: Because of the growing belly, elevated pregnancy hormones, discomfort and occasional pains, you should expect a lot of mood swings throughout the third trimester. For moms who are worried whether they will become good mothers, the moods can become very emotional. Make sure to share all your feelings with your partner to get relief.
Developing a birth plan
The thirtieth week is an ideal time for you to start thinking of or draw a birth plan. In the US, about 12.8% of pregnant mothers deliver prematurely. Of this 12.8%, about 10% of them deliver between the 28th week and 31st weeks. It is, therefore, prudent to ensure that you have a good birth plan.
Note that though you are drawing the plan, it is impossible to control all the contingencies during labor and delivery. Some complications can happen the last minute and alter everything. Among the things that you should consider when preparing a birth plan include;
- The place you want to deliver the baby
- The practitioner to assist you with labor and delivery (certified midwife or a practicing expert).
- Do you prefer normal birth or CS?
- Do you prefer pain medication or natural pain management?
- What you know about episiotomy and its application.
- The preferred position of birth.
- What you understand about induced labor and whether you think it is ok.
- How your baby should be handled immediately after birth.
Once you have put down a birthing plan, discuss it with your preferred doctor. Always remember that while that is your wish, many are the things that the doctor will not follow but be guided by professional practice. For example, there are standard procedures for handling a new born baby that must be adhered to whether you have an alternative view or not. Again, this is just a plan and not a contract! Be free with your doctor to change anything before the due date.
Things to do during the 30th week
- Start preparing a birthing plan this week. This will document how you want the last things before delivery to go.
- Take more time reviewing the process of labor and childbirth in order to make the right decisions on what you want.
- Take a closer review of caesarean section process and what it entails. You might want to get the assistance of your doctor to get it clearer.
- Take a deeper review about breastfeeding. Though there is a lot of information about breastfeeding, you might want to take real classes at a nearby maternity center.
- As third trimester symptoms keep intensifying, this is a great time to bond even more with your partner. Take most of your time together sharing your experiences, preparations, and even expectations.
- Make sure to take as much rest as possible. Rest will give you ample time to relax, drive pain away, meditate, talk to the baby, and dream.
- Get regular pregnancy massage in the week from your partner or a professional masseur. The massage should particularly focus on stimulating the legs, hands, pelvic muscles, and neck.
- Keep counting the baby’s movements and recording in order to track the health of the baby. This will also provide you with ample time for bonding and communicating with the baby.
- Continue shopping for your baby’s items and storing them well in your special room to create the appropriate mood. Remember to only get enough clothes because the baby will outgrow most of them very fast. For example, most of the clothes that are ideal for a 1-week baby will be outgrown by the close of the second month.
