30 weeks pregnant: new aches, and your baby gains 200g a week

At 30 weeks pregnant your baby is running out of room in your womb, KKH says, and from now to the end will put on about 200g a week. The fine hair covering the body, lanugo, is starting to go. For you, the third trimester brings a familiar list of symptoms and a few new ones.

Your baby at 30 weeks

Almost all the spare space in your womb will soon be filled. KKH's planner notes that an average Singaporean baby weighs between 2.5kg and 3.5kg at full term, and most of that weight goes on in the last two months.

Third-trimester symptoms

KKH's list for this trimester:

• leg swelling and leg cramps
• breathlessness
• needing to pee often
• heartburn
• numb or tingling hands
• haemorrhoids
• varicose veins

Leg cramps and peeing often tend to get worse now. The new ones for most women are haemorrhoids, varicose veins and hand numbness, though not everyone gets them.

Haemorrhoids and varicose veins come from your growing womb pressing on blood vessels and making them swell, KKH explains. They usually go after delivery, and if they bother you, your doctor can prescribe creams or suppositories. Numb hands come from water retention: when it builds up in tight spaces such as the wrist, it can cause tingling, burning pain or a dull ache.

Swelling: normal, or a warning sign?

Some leg swelling is normal now. Sudden swelling is different. KKH lists sudden swelling of the ankles or feet, or sudden puffiness of the face, among the signs of pre-eclampsia, especially with a severe headache, blurred vision or pain in the upper right of your tummy. Calf pain or swelling, especially in one leg, is on KKH's list of warning signs too. Both need a doctor the same day.

What's due in Singapore at 30 weeks

Our guide to pregnancy discomforts by trimester has more relief ideas, and the maternity leave calculator gives your notice date.

When to go to the hospital

Sudden swelling, a severe headache or blurred vision, calf pain, fewer movements, regular or painful tightening, leaking fluid or bleeding need the hospital now.

From 22 weeks on, KKH sends leaking fluid, bleeding and labour signs to its Delivery Suite, Level 2 of the Women's Tower. NUH's is Ward 22 on Level 2 of the Main Building. Save your own hospital's delivery suite number in your phone now, so nobody has to look it up in a rush.

Frequently asked questions

How much weight does my baby gain from 30 weeks?

About 200g a week until birth, KKH says.

Are haemorrhoids normal at 30 weeks pregnant?

They're common in the third trimester, KKH says, and usually go after delivery. Your doctor can prescribe treatment.

Why are my hands numb at 30 weeks pregnant?

Water retention around the wrist can cause tingling, burning pain or a dull ache, KKH explains.

30 weeks pregnant is how many months?

About seven months, counted from the first day of your last period.

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