You’ve reached week 30 of pregnancy! That means only 10 or so weeks left until your baby arrives. Early pregnancy symptoms like fatigue and frequent urination might be making a comeback as your due date gets closer, and you may start to experience Braxton Hicks contractions more frequently. 

On your radar this week: deciding whether or not you want to bank your cord blood, the blood that is left in the umbilical cord and placenta after birth. This blood contains stem cells, which can be used in treating more than 70 types of diseases.

Cord blood can be collected at birth with a collection kit and stored in either a public or private cord blood bank. There aren’t many public cord blood banking companies in the United States, so it may be difficult to find one in your area. Private cord blood banks tend to cost between $300 and $2,300 for collection, processing, and annual storage fees. (Note that if you want to do delayed cord clamping at birth, you may not be able to bank your cord blood.)

Your baby at 30 weeks is the size of a large cabbage. As your baby grows, their gentle taps may feel more like painful pokes. 

30 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Swelling

Edema – or swelling in the feet or ankles – is usually caused by your uterus putting pressure on the veins in your pelvis, including the inferior vena cava, the vein that carries blood from your lower limbs to your heart. This symptom is typical as you near the end of your pregnancy, and wearing slip-on sandals with adjustable straps or slip-on tennis shoes might be helpful at this point.

The extra water weight your body hangs on to during pregnancy, not to mention hormonal changes, can also contribute to swelling. 

Swelling during pregnancy is usually not a problem, but in some cases, it can be a sign of a more serious condition like preeclampsia or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Be sure to talk to your health care provider if you notice more than moderate swelling of your hands or face, significantly more swelling in one leg than the other, or any sudden and/or excessive swelling in your feet or ankles.

Mood Swings

Pregnancy isn’t a walk in the park. Pesky pregnancy symptoms, increasing discomfort, and pregnancy hormones can lead to some pretty intense mood swings in the third trimester.

If you feel like your mood swings are becoming more intense and happening more frequently or if they last longer than two weeks, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or midwife. You might be experiencing depression during pregnancy or pregnancy anxiety.

Shortness of Breath

Does a trip upstairs have you gasping for breath? Your body requires more oxygen when you're pregnant, and you may start to feel winded during simple tasks from this point in your third trimester until your baby is born. Things are getting crowded in there, even for your lungs! 

Relief may come a few weeks before your due date when your baby drops to prepare for delivery. Although shortness of breath is common during pregnancy, you should seek medical attention if you feel faint or have asthma, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or sudden or severe shortness of breath.

Baby on Board

At 30 weeks pregnant, your little one is around 16 inches long. Your growing baby is filling out fast and now weighs around 3 pounds.

Under Construction: Baby’s Skin Color

The production of melanin – the substance that determines skin color – is ramping up this week. The more melanin your baby’s cells produce the darker their skin will be. But most melanin production doesn’t happen until after birth. Your baby will have their permanent skin color around the time they’re six months old. 

Under Construction: Lanugo Disappearing

Now that your baby’s brain is more developed, their fat cells have taken over body temperature regulation. The lanugo, the soft hair covering your baby’s body, is beginning to disappear. 

Under Construction: Bone Marrow Making Red Blood Cells

Your baby’s bone marrow has now completely taken over the production of red blood cells from their liver and spleen – a huge developmental milestone! This means your baby will be better prepared to thrive on their own after delivery.

What to Wear This Week

Are you looking for a cozy pajama set that feels amazing on your sensitive skin? Check out our Clea Bamboo Classic Short Sleeve Pajama Set. This maternity and nursing pajama set is available in a few colors, including Black – a practical option for your hospital bag. This maternity pajama set is perfect for still-growing 30 weeks pregnant bellies and even postpartum recovery (plus, buttons make for easy nursing access). Did we mention the shorts have pockets? 

If you’re longing for a comfortable maternity bra, try our Sublime® Adjustable Crossover Nursing & Lounge Bra, which is sure to become your new favorite third-trimester bra. This crossover lounge bra is made from fabric that is gentle enough to sleep in yet supportive enough for walking, yoga, or Pilates. This simple crossover nursing bra also offers convenient access for breastfeeding your baby after delivery.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice that has been medically reviewed. Please reach out to your midwife or doctor with any questions.