Your growing baby’s development in week 30

Help your growing baby develop in the thirtieth week of your pregnancy

Continue to make iron-rich food a part of your everyday meals, particularly in week 30 of pregnancy when your growing baby’s red blood cell count increases.

What’s happening this week?

Your growing baby’s bone marrow has progressively been producing more and more red blood cells,i as it is now the principal site of red blood cell production. Initially this was being done by the tissue groups, then the spleen.ii The increase in red blood cells is to carry oxygen throughout his or her tissues, including the brain.

In terms of brain development, grooves and indentations continue to develop on your growing baby’s brain. This allows the brain tissue to keep growing.

He or she is also practicing hard to take his or her first breath when he or she makes the much awaited entrance into the world.

Your growing baby weighs about three pounds (1.3 kilograms) and measures about 15.75 inches (40 centimeters) from head to toe.iii

What can you expect?

You may have developed a new clumsiness in this third trimester. It’s due to your growing bump, the shift in your center of gravity, as well as hormonal changes that loosen your joints. iv Protect yourself and your little one with these steps:

Be aware of your surroundings. Take special care when walking over wet or potentially slippery surfaces or take an alternative route.

Wear low-heeled shoes with rubber soles so that you are less likely to slip.

Ask your partner, a friend or family member to help you with any errands, especially if it requires heavy lifting.

What can you do to support your pregnancy?

Continue to include iron-rich foods like spinach and poultry and red meat in your daily meals to help you and your growing baby with red blood cell production. Remember to take your supplements which may include iron, folic acid and calcium as directed by your doctor.

Cherish the moments you have with your partner now, before the next exciting phase of your life. Your growing baby might even respond to the touch with excited little kicks and movements. This is one enjoyable way to communicate with your growing baby during pregnancy.