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Week 30

Trimester 3

Days 29+0 to 29+6

Week 30 of 4075%

Baby is now the size of a large cabbage

Welcome to Week 30. You have entered the final ten weeks of a typical pregnancy. Your baby's focus is now on growth, brain development, and preparing for life outside the womb. For many parents, this milestone feels both exciting and surprising — the positive test may feel like yesterday, yet your baby is now a growing little person who can hear, move, stretch, hiccup, and respond to the world around them.

Length

39–40 cm

15.4 in–15.7 in

Weight

1.3–1.5 kg

2.9 lb–3.3 lb

Development highlights

  • check_circleWeight gain is now one of your baby's biggest priorities — building fat stores, muscle mass, strength, and energy reserves.
  • check_circleThe brain's surface continues developing more folds and grooves, allowing for increasingly complex neural connections supporting learning, memory, and sensory processing.
  • check_circleYour baby's vision continues improving — if bright light shines on your belly, your baby may turn toward it, move away, or become more active.
  • check_circleMany babies now have visible hair on their heads, though how much varies greatly.
  • check_circleThe lungs continue producing more surfactant, improving survival chances with every passing week.

This week's milestones

  • check_circleFinal ten weeks of pregnancy begun.
  • check_circleVision responding to light.
  • check_circleHair visible on scalp.
  • check_circleGrip strength noticeably increasing.
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Fun fact

Your baby's grip is becoming stronger, and they may spend time grasping the umbilical cord and touching their face.

Weekly checklist

  • Continue prenatal vitamins.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Eat balanced meals.
  • Stay active.
  • Monitor baby movements.
  • Continue preparing for birth and postpartum recovery.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for movements to feel different?

Yes. As your baby grows larger, movements often feel more like stretches and rolls rather than big flips.

Why do I feel so much pelvic pressure?

Your growing baby, uterus, and changing posture place additional pressure on the pelvis.

Is nesting real?

Many parents experience a strong desire to organize and prepare for the baby's arrival during the third trimester.

Should I have my hospital bag packed yet?

You do not necessarily need it packed this week, but many parents begin planning and gathering items around this stage.

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Medical information disclaimer

The content on this page is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult your GP, midwife, health visitor, paediatrician, or other qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your health or your child's health and development. Never ignore or delay seeking professional advice because of something you have read on BabyScout. If you think there is a medical emergency, call 999 (UK) or your local emergency services immediately.