Week 30 of Pregnancy

Your baby at 30 weeks pregnant is approximately 15.7 inches long and weighs about 3 pounds - roughly the size of a large cabbage. The most exciting development this week involves the brain, which is continuing to grow rapidly and form those essential neural connections. Your baby's bone marrow has taken over red blood cell production, a job previously handled by tissue groups and the spleen. Those tiny fingernails have grown to reach the fingertips, and your baby is practicing grasping movements. The eyes are more developed now, with pupils that can constrict and dilate in response to light. Many moms notice that movements feel different at this stage - less like sharp kicks and more like rolling, squirming motions as your baby has less room to wind up for those big movements. Your baby is also developing stronger sleep-wake cycles.

Combat swelling by elevating your feet whenever possible and wearing compression socks during the day. Swimming is particularly helpful - the water pressure helps push fluid back into circulation while giving your joints a break from carrying extra weight. For heartburn relief, try eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large ones. Avoid lying down within three hours of eating, and sleep propped up on pillows. Almonds and yogurt can provide quick relief for some women, and calcium-based antacids like Tums are considered safe during pregnancy. Start thinking about your hospital bag - while week 34 is typically when most moms pack, having a mental checklist now prevents last-minute panic. Begin with the essentials: comfortable going-home clothes, toiletries, phone charger, and anything that helps you feel calm during labor.