30 weeks corresponds to the end of the seventh month of pregnancy. The fetus at this time is already quite viable, and in the event of a premature birth, it has every chance of surviving.
Fetal size at 30 weeks
At this time, the third scheduled ultrasound scan is performed. With its help, the size of the fetus, the volume of amniotic fluid and a number of other parameters are monitored by which development is judged. By the end of 30 weeks with a singleton pregnancy without pathologies, the child's height reaches 37-40 cm, and the weight is about 1300-1400 g.
Fetal development at 30 weeks
At this time, the child is very active: he constantly moves, swimming in the amniotic fluid. His movements become not so sharp, since there is already little room for somersaults in the uterus, but they are more conscious in nature, often being a reaction to external stimuli. A woman may feel an increase in the movements of the baby in response to:
- loud music;
- own emotional state;
- uncomfortable position;
- bright light;
- familiar voices.
At this time, the growth of the head is activated in the fetus. An increase in brain mass occurs, the formation of convolutions begins. However, it begins to function fully only after the birth of the child. At this time, great changes occur in the development of the muscles of the eyes: their movements become conscious.
At 30 weeks, the fetus is extremely sensitive to maternal affection. He responds to conversations and stroking his belly.
It is necessary to periodically count the number of fetal movements. If they become rare and less active, you should see a specialist. Normally, when resting, there should be at least four pushing by the child per hour.
On ultrasound, you can notice specific movements in the chest area of the fetus. This indicates the normal development of the lungs, which begin to prepare for spontaneous breathing.
The heart of the fetus begins to beat more and more distinctly. If a boy's heart rate is even, then in girls it is often inconsistent. At this time, you can fairly accurately calculate the baby's gender by heart rate.
Due to the tightness in the uterus, the fetus takes a position upside down and does not change it until delivery, which is considered the norm. However, this does not always happen. Doctors control the process using an ultrasound scan.
For a period of 30 weeks, the baby is able to:
- move your arms and legs;
- open your eyes and blink;
- to yawn;
- turn your head to the sides;
- to swallow.
What a fetus looks like at 30 weeks
At this time, the fetus becomes more and more like a newborn baby. He disappears lanugo - fluff on his body. However, in some cases, the baby is born with him, which is considered the norm. Some babies are born with hair on their heads, sometimes long. There is nothing wrong with that.
Feeling pregnant at 30 weeks
From the 30th week, the abdomen begins to rapidly increase in size. Even if before that it was distinguished by its modest size, now it is rounded and acquires an impressive volume.
The uterus also grows due to the growth of the fetus and begins to put pressure on the neighboring internal organs. As a result, there are problems in the work of the digestive tract. Constipation, heartburn, flatulence are common. For this reason, the consumption of sufficiently fatty foods should be minimized.
Shortness of breath may occur, which occurs due to the high location of the uterus. As a result, she puts pressure on the diaphragm, and that on the heart. The growing uterus has a similar effect on the bladder. The result is frequent urge to urinate and even incontinence.
A large belly does not allow you to choose the optimal position for rest, as a result, the pregnant woman often does not get enough sleep. When sleep is disturbed, mood also worsens, there is a feeling of weakness, irritability, absent-mindedness. At this time, doctors do not advise sleeping on your back because of the possibility of transmitting the inferior vena cava. The best option is a pose on the left side with bent legs and a small pillow placed between them.
At a period of 30 weeks, many pregnant women are worried about the heaviness and swelling in the arms and legs. Due to the increase in the child's weight and the volume of amniotic fluid, back pain appears. The use of a special bandage will partially relieve the stress on the muscles.
By this time, a change in gait is observed in the pregnant woman. She becomes clumsy and slow.
Despite the rather cramped position, the fetus is still able to roll over. At this time, his tremors can become more noticeable for a pregnant woman, and in some cases even bring pain. Especially when the child touches the leg of the liver.
Many pregnant women experience an itchy stomach. This is due to stretching of the skin and is considered normal. It is necessary to resist the temptation of combing, otherwise it will be even worse. It is recommended to use a moisturizing lotion.
At the 30th week, the breast, directly the nipples, is noticeably distributed in size. Many people note pulling pains. Colostrum is often released from the nipples. This is how the breast prepares for an early lactation.
At 30 weeks, the fetus grows rapidly, which is reflected in the weight of the pregnant woman. For the weeks remaining before delivery, the weight will increase by 2-3 times. The optimal weight gain by 30 weeks for the expectant mother is 9-10 kg.
For a period of 30 weeks, a woman has the right to go on maternity leave. Excess stress during this period can lead to serious consequences, including placental abruption and premature birth. The decree allows you to immerse yourself in pleasant thoughts, enjoy your vacation, and gain strength before giving birth.
Nutrition for the expectant mother at 30 weeks
During this period, the baby is actively growing, so it is important for a pregnant woman to eat well. The daily calorie content of the diet should be at least 3000 calories. No matter how corny it sounds, a pregnant woman should eat for two.
Often, expectant mothers at this time begin to gain weight. Common reasons include a sedentary lifestyle due to maternity leave and overeating.
For a period of 30 weeks, it is important to exclude from the diet:
- raw eggs;
- unpasteurized milk;
- animal fats;
- spices;
- fried foods;
- spicy, salty and smoked food.
The daily menu should be dominated by fruits and vegetables, preferably seasonal and local. Cottage cheese and other fermented milk products are very useful. They contain a lot of calcium, which at this time is necessary for the construction of the baby's skeleton. The presence of cheeses on the menu is acceptable, with the exception of varieties with mold. They contain bacteria that can lead to infection with listeriosis. This dangerous infectious disease can cause serious pathologies in the fetus or even a miscarriage.
The intake of protein is also important, due to which cell growth occurs. There is a lot of it in meat, legumes, seafood.
The fetus at this time requires an increased dose of iron. These microelements are rich in beef liver and meat, buckwheat. Lack of iron leads to anemia in the pregnant woman and to a delay in fetal development.
Vegetable fats such as olive or sunflower oil are preferred in the diet of a pregnant woman at 30 weeks. Of the animals, only cream is allowed.
It is important to reduce your daily fluid intake to a liter. This is due to the prevention of the occurrence of puffiness and disorders in the functioning of the kidneys. Alcohol must be completely eliminated.
Norms of ultrasound at 30 weeks
For this period, the following are considered the norm:
- the placenta corresponds to one point on the maturity scale;
- placenta without heart attacks and calcifications;
- the presence of suspension in the amniotic fluid;
- cephalic presentation of the fetus;
- closed pharynx;
- the length of the uterine cervix is more than 30 cm.
Dangers at 30 weeks
At 30 weeks, a pregnant woman may experience bloody vaginal discharge. This is a clear sign of problems with the placenta. It may bleed if it is too low from the uterus or exfoliates. In this case, you need to lie down and call an ambulance.
There is a possibility of premature discharge of amniotic fluid. Even small discharge of a watery character should serve as a reason for calling an ambulance.
