Everything you need to know about week 30 of pregnancy

30th week of pregnancy (30 weeks pregnant)

A warm welcome to the 30th week of pregnancy. You are now right in the middle of the third trimester and the grand finale of your pregnancy. Your baby is now incredibly busy – steadily gaining weight in preparation for life outside your belly. The baby's movements are becoming stronger and more noticeable, creating a wonderful bond with your little one.

For you as an expectant mum, this phase can be both exciting and challenging. Your baby bump continues to grow and your body is working at full speed. You may now be feeling the signs of the upcoming birth more strongly or thinking about the final weeks. Your baby is now about the size of a romanesco – an impressive size.

In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about your child's development, the changes in your body, and receive valuable tips for the 30th week of pregnancy.

Your baby at 30 weeks pregnant:

• Your baby now measures approximately 40–41 cm and weighs 1300–1400 grams.
• Your baby is diligently building up fat reserves so that it can regulate its body temperature well after birth.
• The lungs continue to mature and your baby practises breathing movements with amniotic fluid.
• The brain develops in the final stretch with increasingly complex networks and functions.
• The senses are now well developed and your baby is moving vigorously.
  
  

Your body at 30 weeks pregnant:

• Your uterus protrudes about 10 cm above your belly button and your body continues to work at full speed.
• Back pain, heartburn and shortness of breath are quite normal now.
• You may experience water retention more frequently.
• Your breasts are preparing for breastfeeding; colostrum may already be leaking.
  
  
  

Your baby's development in the 30th week of pregnancy

In the 30th week of pregnancy, your baby reaches an impressive size of about 40 to 41 cm (crown-to-heel length) and weighs a proud 1300 to 1500 grams. That is comparable to a Romanesco. The rapid growth is mainly for building up fat reserves, which are crucial for temperature regulation after birth. Your baby's skin is now becoming smoother and taking on a fuller shape thanks to the increasing layer of fat underneath. The fine lanugo hair is now beginning to recede.

Lung maturation continues to progress, and the production of surfactant, an important surface substance in the lungs, is increasing. Your baby is still diligently practising breathing movements by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. The brain is also developing at a rapid pace: the surface of the brain is becoming increasingly complex, and the nerve cells are forming further connections to coordinate various functions. Brain development is now in the final sprint.

Your baby's senses are now very well developed. It can clearly hear your voice and that of your partner, and respond to external sounds. Its eyes are often open, and your little one can easily distinguish between light and darkness.

Your baby now has a sleep-wake rhythm that doesn’t always match yours. The movements are now more deliberate: fewer somersaults, but stronger kicks or stretches that you might feel under your ribs. The foundations for the milk teeth are also already developing.

Between the 29th and 32nd weeks of pregnancy, the third scheduled ultrasound examination takes place. During this, the position, size, weight, amount of amniotic fluid and the placenta are examined particularly closely.

The pram you've always wanted.

Your body in the 30th week of pregnancy

Week 30 of pregnancy marks a noticeable stage in the third trimester. Your baby bump is now unmistakable and your uterus now extends about ten centimetres above your belly button. Your body is working extremely hard to support your child's rapid growth.

Many expectant mothers experience increased physical symptoms during this stage: back pain, heartburn and shortness of breath are common. Your uterus is pressing against your stomach, so small meals are advisable. Itching can occur due to the stretching of the skin – take care of your skin regularly. From now on, practice contractions may occur more frequently, causing your bump to become hard.

Water retention in the hands, feet and legs is also normal at 30 weeks of pregnancy. Make sure to wear comfortable footwear and elevate your legs. Your blood volume has increased significantly, which is important for supplying your baby but can also lead to tiredness. Your breasts are actively preparing for breastfeeding, and colostrum may already start to leak.

You may feel the nesting instinct – the urge to prepare and set everything up. Don’t overdo it, but allow yourself breaks. The 30th week of pregnancy is also emotionally intense: anticipation, tension and impatience take turns.

Tips for week 30 of pregnancy:

• 💡 Optimise your sleep: Sleeping on your side (left) and using a nursing pillow help you sleep better.
• 💡 Nutrition in focus: Iron- and calcium-rich diet, small meals to combat heartburn.
• 💡 Gentle exercise: Walks, yoga, and swimming promote circulation and relieve discomfort.
• 💡 Birth preparation: Attend courses now, learn breathing techniques, plan your birth.
• 💡 Packing your hospital bag: Prepare early and use a checklist for all the important items.
• 💡 Apply for parental allowance: Find out about deadlines and prepare the necessary documents.
  
  
  
  

The most frequently asked questions about the 30th week of pregnancy

How much weight gain is normal at 30 weeks pregnant?

By the 30th week of pregnancy, many mothers gain between 8 and 11 kilograms. This depends on your initial weight and is monitored by your doctor.

What does it mean if the baby's movements decrease?

In general, you should still be able to feel your baby's movements regularly. Although space in the womb is becoming tighter, your baby is still very active. If your little one's movements noticeably decrease or stop altogether, contact your doctor or midwife.

What is colostrum, and is it normal that my breasts are producing it now?

Colostrum is the nutrient-rich first milk that your breasts can start producing during pregnancy. It is completely normal if you notice colostrum leaking in the 30th week of pregnancy or in the final weeks. This shows that your breasts and the organs involved in breastfeeding are preparing for later breast milk production and childbirth.

How can I prepare optimally for the birth?

You can prepare well for your birth: Talk to your doctor or midwife and create a birth plan together. Pack your hospital bag at your leisure and, if you like, attend a childbirth preparation course. Our tip: Check your pregnancy calendar to see what to expect, and take your partner with you to register the birth – it just feels better together.

What is the usual position of the foetus at 30 weeks of pregnancy?

The foetus still has enough room to change its position in the 30th week of pregnancy. It can still turn, but many babies are now slowly moving into the birth position (head down), known as the cephalic position. The ligaments in your body support this change.

Is a premature baby born at 30 weeks’ gestation viable?

Yes, a baby born in the 30th week of pregnancy has really good chances of growing up healthy these days, thanks to modern medicine and loving intensive care. Many important organs, such as the lungs, are already developed enough to continue maturing well with a little support. Your little miracle will still need time and plenty of warmth outside your tummy to adjust to life. With the right care and your closeness, it has the best prospects of soon coming home fit and strong.

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