Week 30
Your baby is the size of a cabbage
What's happening this week
Your baby is now about 16 inches from head to toe and weighs approximately 3 pounds — roughly the size of a head of cabbage. You're ten weeks from your due date, and your baby is growing visibly every day.
This week, your baby's eyes can open wide and respond to light. If you shine a flashlight on your belly, your baby might turn toward or away from the beam. The pupils can now constrict and dilate — adjusting to different light levels just as they will after birth. Vision will be the last sense to fully mature, continuing to develop for months after birth.
Your baby may have a good head of hair by now — though the amount and color vary enormously. Some babies are born with thick, dark hair; others arrive practically bald. Hair present at birth often falls out in the first few months and may grow back a completely different color or texture.
Red blood cells are now being produced exclusively in the bone marrow, a process that will continue for the rest of your baby's life. The immune system is developing, with antibodies from your blood crossing the placenta and providing temporary protection against diseases you're immune to. This passive immunity will protect your baby in the first months after birth until their own immune system matures.
The brain continues its extraordinary growth, adding billions of neural connections. The characteristic wrinkled surface of the mature brain is becoming more defined with each passing day. Your baby can process sensory information — responding to touch, sound, light, and even taste — with increasing sophistication.
Your body this week
Ten weeks to go — and your body is making sure you know it. The third trimester is physically demanding in a way that the earlier months weren't, and week 30 often marks the point where 'I'm uncomfortable' becomes a near-constant state.
Your uterus is now about 4 inches above your belly button, and you may feel like there's no room left for your internal organs (there isn't much). Heartburn, shortness of breath, and frequent urination are constant companions. Your ribcage may ache as it expands to accommodate your growing uterus.
Fatigue is back — not the hormonal exhaustion of the first trimester, but the physical tiredness of carrying 20+ extra pounds while your body works overtime to support a rapidly growing baby. Listen to your body and rest when you need to. This is not the time to push through exhaustion.
Braxton Hicks contractions may be more frequent now. Remember: they're irregular, usually painless, and stop when you change positions. Regular, increasingly painful contractions that don't stop are a different story — call your provider.
Your provider may start checking your baby's position during visits. Most babies settle into a head-down position by now, but some are still flipping around. If your baby is breech (head up) at this stage, there's still time for them to turn — most do so by weeks 34-36.
This is a great week to finalize your hospital bag if you haven't already. Include: your insurance information, a going-home outfit for you and baby, toiletries, phone charger, snacks, and anything that provides comfort (a favorite pillow, music playlist, or stress ball).
For dads
Ten weeks to go. That number probably hit different than 'twenty weeks to go' did — this is real, and it's close. If there are still major preparation tasks undone, now is the time. Car seat installed and inspected? Pediatrician selected? Hospital route planned (including a backup)? Work leave paperwork submitted? These aren't tasks that should be done in a panic during labor — they should be done calmly, this week, while you have time. Also: pack your own hospital bag. You'll need a change of clothes, a toothbrush, your phone charger, snacks (the hospital cafeteria may be closed at 3 AM), and something to keep you occupied during early labor (a book, downloaded shows, a card game).
Your partner may start expressing anxiety about labor and delivery. She might research birth stories obsessively, worry about pain management, or have nightmares about complications. These fears are normal — she's about to undergo one of the most intense physical experiences of her life. Don't dismiss her fears with 'you'll be fine' or 'women have been doing this for thousands of years.' Instead, listen. Ask what specifically worries her. And then address those specific fears together: 'If you're worried about pain, let's talk through the epidural process so you know exactly what to expect.' Turning vague anxiety into concrete information is one of the most helpful things you can do right now.
Common concerns
Is it normal for my baby to be breech at 30 weeks?+
Yes — at 30 weeks, many babies haven't yet settled into their final position. Most babies naturally turn head-down by 34-36 weeks. If your baby is still breech after 36 weeks, your provider may suggest exercises, a technique called external cephalic version (ECV) to manually turn the baby, or may discuss a planned cesarean. For now, there's no cause for concern — your baby still has room to move.
How do I know if contractions are real labor or Braxton Hicks?+
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, usually painless (more like tightening), and stop when you change positions, drink water, or rest. Real labor contractions are regular (getting progressively closer together), increasingly painful, don't stop with rest or position changes, and may be accompanied by lower back pain. If you're unsure, time the contractions for an hour: if they're consistently 5-10 minutes apart and getting closer together, call your provider.
Should I be worried about preterm labor at 30 weeks?+
At 30 weeks, your baby would have an excellent chance of survival if born prematurely (over 95% with NICU care), though several more weeks of growth are ideal. Watch for signs of preterm labor: regular contractions before 37 weeks, lower back pain that doesn't resolve, a feeling of pelvic pressure, changes in vaginal discharge, or leaking fluid. If you experience any of these, contact your provider immediately. Most people do not go into preterm labor, but knowing the signs helps you respond quickly if needed.
What should I pack in my hospital bag?+
Pack early — ideally by 34-36 weeks. For you: insurance card, birth plan copies, comfortable robe or gown, non-skid socks, toiletries, hair ties, lip balm, going-home outfit (think maternity size, not pre-pregnancy). For baby: going-home outfit, car seat installed in the car, a swaddle blanket. For your partner: change of clothes, phone charger, snacks, entertainment for early labor. Nice-to-haves: a pillow from home, a playlist, a focal point for breathing exercises, and a nursing bra.
Product picks for week 30
We may earn a small commission if you purchase through links on this page — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Pre-packed hospital bag
Don't want to assemble everything yourself? A pre-packed bag with toiletries, socks, and postpartum essentials saves time and stress.
Perineal massage oil
Starting perineal massage around 34 weeks may reduce tearing during delivery — research supports gentle, regular practice.
Newborn diaper starter pack
Stock up now so you're not scrambling after birth — a starter pack with newborn diapers and wipes covers the first 1-2 weeks.
A quick note: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns. Learn how we create our content.
Content based on guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Mayo Clinic, and peer-reviewed medical literature. Learn more about how we create our content.