30 weeks pregnant: baby's development, antenatal classes and caesarean sections

Your baby’s development this week

Your baby’s lungs mature very fast between 30 and 35 weeks. Every day that passes means that your baby is less likely to need a lot of help with their breathing.

They have also started practising sucking their thumb, which helps them prepare for feeding after they are born.

Your pregnancy symptoms in week 30

There are some symptoms to look out for during pregnancy as they may be a sign of a more serious problem.

Find a list of the most important symptoms to look out for.

Are you having strange dreams about giving birth?

Some people start having vivid and sometimes disturbing dreams in their third trimester. The reasons why are not very well understood. But pregnancy can be a very emotional time, so it’s possible that these dreams are your mind’s way of coping with your feelings. 

Antenatal classes

Going to antenatal classes will help you learn how to stay healthy during pregnancy Find out more about what happens during labour and how to look after and feed your baby.

“I did NCT antenatal classes and that was amazing. We all had the same anxieties, and it was good to chat with people going through the same thing.”
Nadia

If you are very worried about the birth, talk to your midwife. You may also want to complete our pregnancy and post-birth wellbeing plan to help you think about how you are feeling and prepare for after the birth.

Here are some tips to help you stay stress-free in pregnancy.

Is your body getting ready for labour?

Towards the end of your pregnancy, but before you go into labour, you may see signs that your baby will be arriving soon.

Find out about 4 ways your body gets ready for labour.

What to do in week 30 

As your pregnancy progresses, it may get harder to keep up with your normal physical activity. Do not exhaust yourself. It’s important to listen to your body and take a break when you need to. Remember that exercise does not have to be strenuous to be beneficial.

Read more about staying active in pregnancy.

Preparing for your newborn

You can start making a list of what you need for your newborn baby. This will include some clothes, somewhere for your baby to sleep, a pram, car seat and other essentials.

There’s no need to buy it all at once. Most things, apart from the basics, can wait until you and your baby are home.

We have a lot more information about after the birth to give you the confidence you need to find your feet as a new parent. 

What’s the best position for me to lie in?

Research shows that lying on your side reduces the risk of stillbirth. Read more about the safest position to lie in during pregnancy, including during daytime naps and when you’re sleeping at night.

If you’re not sleeping very well, these tips could help.

What is a caesarean section?

A caesarean section is an operation where an obstetrician makes a cut near your bikini line and womb and lifts your baby out through it.

You may have a planned (elective) c-section if you know you will need a c-section before you go into labour. Some people may have an unplanned (emergency) c-section if this is the safest way to deliver your baby.

Find out about your birth options if you’ve had a caesarean section before.