At 30 weeks pregnant, you are firmly into the third trimester and roughly three-quarters of the way through your pregnancy. This is often a week when birth starts to feel real: your bump is prominent, your baby is moving vigorously, and thoughts naturally turn towards preparing for delivery. Week 30 sits in the window for a growth and wellbeing scan (30–35 weeks), making it a natural moment to check in on how your baby is developing.
Whether this is your first pregnancy or you have been here before, understanding what is happening to your body and your baby this week can help you feel more confident and prepared. Here is what to expect at 30 weeks, following on from week 29.
Your baby at week 30
By week 30, your baby is growing rapidly and beginning to look much more like the newborn you will eventually meet. At this stage a baby typically measures around 39–40 centimetres from head to heel and weighs approximately 1.3 kilograms, though these figures are only general guides and healthy babies vary considerably in size.
Much of the important development this week centres on maturation rather than the formation of new structures. Your baby's brain is growing quickly, developing the characteristic grooves and folds, and the lungs are continuing to mature in preparation for breathing air. Your baby is also laying down fat beneath the skin, which helps smooth out their appearance and will play an important role in regulating temperature after birth.
At 30 weeks, most babies have well-established patterns of sleep and activity, and you will likely have a good sense of when yours tends to be most lively. Your baby can respond to sound, light and touch, and their eyes can open and close.
Your body at week 30
As your baby and uterus grow, you may notice a number of common third-trimester changes. Many women find that some symptoms which had settled earlier in pregnancy begin to return or intensify around this time. These experiences are typically a normal part of the third trimester, though everyone is different.
- Breathlessness, as your growing uterus presses upwards against your diaphragm.
- Backache and pelvic discomfort, as your posture shifts and pregnancy hormones soften your ligaments.
- Swelling in the feet, ankles and hands, which is often more noticeable at the end of the day.
- Heartburn and indigestion, tiredness, and difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position.
- Braxton Hicks contractions — irregular, usually painless tightenings that are your body's way of practising for labour.
You may also feel your baby's movements more strongly and, at times, more uncomfortably as space becomes tighter. It is important to know that movements should not slow down or reduce as you approach your due date. If you ever notice a change in your baby's usual pattern of movements, contact your midwife or maternity unit straight away — at any time of day or night.
What to keep in mind this week
Week 30 is a good time to turn your attention to preparing for the weeks ahead. A few practical things worth thinking about now:
- Rest and pacing. Listen to your body and try to build in regular breaks, particularly if you are still working or on your feet a lot.
- Sleeping position. In the third trimester, current NHS guidance advises going to sleep on your side rather than your back, as this is safer for your baby.
- Monitoring movements. Get to know your baby's normal pattern, and never hesitate to seek advice if anything changes.
- Planning ahead. Many parents begin thinking about their birth preferences, packing a hospital bag and organising practical arrangements around this stage.
If you would like a clearer picture of what is coming next, our pregnancy journey planner maps out your personalised timeline of scans, appointments and milestones week by week.
Scans, tests and appointments
Around this point in the third trimester, several appointments and options may be relevant, depending on your individual circumstances and where you receive your care.
On the NHS, week 30 falls between routine antenatal checks, where your midwife will typically monitor your blood pressure, test your urine and check your baby's growth and position. Some vaccinations are also offered during this period: the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine is usually offered from around 16 to 32 weeks, and RSV vaccination is offered from 28 weeks to help protect your baby after birth. Earlier milestones, such as the 20-week anomaly scan (offered at 18–21 weeks) and the glucose tolerance test for those who need it (typically 24–28 weeks), will already be behind you by now.
At London Pregnancy Clinic, week 30 sits within the window for a wellbeing scan (30–35 weeks), which assesses your baby's growth, movements, position, the amniotic fluid and the placenta, offering reassurance in the later stages of pregnancy. This is also an ideal time to consider a birth planning appointment, where you can discuss your baby's position, your options and your preferences for labour and delivery with a specialist. Later in the third trimester, your care team may also discuss group B streptococcus with you if it is relevant to your situation.
Looking ahead
Reaching 30 weeks is a real milestone — the finishing line is genuinely in sight. Over the coming weeks your baby will keep growing and maturing, and you will move steadily closer to meeting them. Next up is week 31, as your third trimester continues and preparations for birth gather pace.
If you have any questions about your baby's growth or wellbeing at this stage, our fetal-medicine team in the City of London is here to help you feel informed and reassured.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always speak to your midwife, GP or obstetrician about your own pregnancy.
