Week 30 of Your Pregnancy

Learn all about fetus development at 30 weeks. Also get tips on how to handle pesky symptoms like itchy skin and sleep issues.

Pregnancy Journey Week 30

Design By Alice Morgan / Illustration by Tara Anand

It's week 30 of your pregnancy and your unborn baby is growing fast. Learn all about their development this week. Also, learn about the importance of taking care of any pregnancy-related skin issues or how to deal with sleep issues you might be experiencing. 

Pregnancy Week 30 Quick Facts

  • At 30 weeks, you are 7 months pregnant
  • You have 10 weeks until your due date
  • You're in the third trimester

Your Unborn Baby's Size at 30 Weeks

The fetus weighs about 2.9 pounds and is about 15.7 inches long, roughly the size of a large cabbage.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 30

Some pesky symptoms may pop up this week. Here are a few worth noting that are common at (but not limited to) 30 weeks:

  • Itchy skin and stretch marks
  • Sleep issues, including insomnia and increased fatigue
  • Bleeding gums or other dental issues

If you are experiencing itchy skin, concerned about stretch marks, or both, experts say it’s normal. Pregnant people “will notice their skin bothering them more starting at 30 weeks,” says Lili Burger, M.D., an OB-GYN with Ochsner Health in New Orleans, Louisiana. “I recommend that people use a mild lotion, coconut oil, or a gentle moisturizer as needed.”

As for sleep, issues may start to increase starting at week 30. Some may find they are waking up as many times as three to five times at night due to needing to urinate, itchy skin, lower back pain, heartburn, or for other reasons. Some pregnant individuals report having vivid and unusual pregnancy dreams.

Be on the lookout for dental issues that experts believe are likely a result of hormonal changes. That includes pregnancy gingivitis, which affects up to 75% of pregnant people and can occur during any trimester. Dental checkups during pregnancy are generally safe and a good idea if you’re experiencing issues. Always speak with your prenatal provider first and make an appointment with the dentist if you’re able to.  

On my end, I experienced mostly light to heavier gum bleeding in the mornings especially during the third trimester for both of my pregnancies. In my first pregnancy, I went into preterm labor at week 30. I had not been feeling “right” in the days before my water broke and had been totally exhausted and feeling out of sorts.

Keep in mind, symptoms can vary, but if you experience anything that seems concerning to you no matter how small, make sure to call your health care provider to get checked out.

Developmental Milestones 

The brain is growing rapidly, and the fetus’ lungs are continuing to develop. The eyes are maturing. And red blood cells are forming in the fetus’ bone marrow.

At this point, the fetus typically has regular cycles of sleeping and waking. After 30 to 90 minutes of snoozing, they may start to move around or kick to let you know they're awake.

Pregnancy Journey Weekly Reminder

Design by Alice Morgan

Prenatal Tests and Doctor's Appointments

The majority of pregnant people will visit the doctor for a 30-week check-up. This is a good time to review your third trimester lab results, usually taken anytime between 28-35 weeks. These comprehensive third trimester tests look for infections, along with blood and urine tests that check for anemia, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis, and more. 

This week, many pregnant individuals may also go through a non-stress test or NST if they haven’t already. That means you will have a fetal monitor strapped to you for about 20-30 minutes to check the fetus’ heart rate. For high-risk individuals, they may undergo a weekly NST test and it can be stressful for some. Back when I was pregnant, I used my weekly NST tests as a chance for a mini cat nap, since you are typically lying down during the test.

Blood pressure readings are highly recommended during every prenatal visit. If you do not want to know your weight, let the staff know. It’s important to advocate for yourself during your prenatal check-ups. Routine cervical exams are often not necessary during every visit. If you find you are constantly being asked for one or blood and urine tests during every visit, ask if you can have the tests less frequently.

Common Questions at This Pregnancy Stage

What can I do about itchy skin?

Itchy skin is common during pregnancy as your hormones change and the skin stretches too. "Use mild lotion, coconut oil, or a gentle moisturizer as needed,” says Dr. Burger. If you have a skin condition like eczema, speak with your provider to see what might work best for you.


While mild itching is normal, it’s important to speak with your provider if you start experiencing severely itchy skin. This can indicate cholestasis, a liver condition that can occur in late pregnancy that may require treatment.


How can I best handle headaches and/or allergies?

Dealing with headaches and allergies (or both!) can be brutal. Dr. Burger advises patients to "Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.” This can help keep headaches and allergy symptoms away or lessen symptoms. But medications can help too. “For headaches and pain, pregnant people can take Tylenol,” says Dr. Burger. “For allergies, take Claritin. For cough and/or congestion, take Robitussin or Mucinex.” But always make sure to speak with your provider first and follow the appropriate dosage.

Things You Might Consider This Week

You're 30 weeks pregnant and now is a good time to think about baby essentials and finalize research for big purchases if you haven't already. Work on getting at least one car seat ASAP (and practice how to install it correctly beforehand). 

Now is also a good time to start planning a list of what to put in your hospital go-bag, along with a second go-bag for your primary contact (the one likely taking you to the hospital) and what they should bring. Make a backup plan for other family members/friends in case your primary contact may not be immediately available (like if you need to go directly to the hospital from work).

Make sure you and everyone else has a reliable phone and that everyone has each other’s contact information handy. Also, consider when to distribute the number and address of all health care professionals, along with the name, address, phone, and directions to the hospital or health care facility for everyone in your immediate family/support system team.

Support You May Need This Week

Depending on how you feel, start to carve in extra time for an afternoon nap if possible. Another option is to get home from work if you’re employed with the plan to have an early lights out. (8 p.m. anyone?) 

Let people around you know if there is anything that you might need to help you sleep at night, whether it's a special pillow, a white noise machine, frequent refills on a water bottle near your bed, or something else. Sleep is crucial, but sleep rhythms may look different for each pregnant individual depending on work or personal schedules. Don't beat yourself up about needing cat naps or super early lights out and/or if you're waking up early in the morning. Figure out what works best for you.

Head over to week 31 of pregnancy

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