30 Weeks Pregnant

Pregnancy Body Changes

At 30 weeks pregnant, you may be experiencing constipation. Constipation is a common complaint of pregnancy. The pregnancy hormones that allow you to maintain your pregnancy also slow the digestive process considerably. Exercising regularly and eating foods high in fiber is important and will help keep you regular.

At this point you probably have stretch marks. Approximately 50 percent of pregnant women will get stretch marks. Stretch marks are streaks that can be pale, dark red, or purple. Stretch marks occur when the skin stretches to accommodate the growth of the belly.

You may also be experiencing swelling in your hands, feet, face and ankles caused by water retention. A good way to keep water from building up is to drink lots of water, which will help flush out your system. To help with the discomfort, you can raise your legs or lie down when you can, preferably on your left side. Also avoid stockings or elastic-top socks.

However, if swelling appears overnight, you should call your healthcare provider immediately because swelling can be a sign of high blood pressure and preeclampsia.

If you are experiencing frequent indigestion and heartburn, now is the time to pay attention to what you eat. Eat smaller meals, healthy foods, and drink lots of water. Stay away from spicy foods. If it becomes very uncomfortable, talk to your doctor about medications for heartburn or indigestion.

Your Baby's Growth and Development

Your baby weighs about 3 pounds and measures about 10.8 inches from crown to rump, your baby continues to gain weight and layers of fat. From this point on your baby will gain about a half a pound a week.

In male babies, the testicles move from near the kidneys through the groin en route to the scrotum. In female babies, the clitoris appears large and exposed because it is not yet covered by the folds of the skin called the labia.

Your baby's head is getting larger, more in proportion with its body. Your baby's eyelids now open and close. The bone marrow is now responsible for making red blood cells.