Weeks 29 and 30
Hello Baby,
Just looking at saying 30 weeks makes me realise we are entering the home stretch (excuse the pun).
10 weeks to go and you will be hereโฆ
Speaking of stretching, I really feel like my skin is itchy and I feel really tight across my belly button.
I know you are growing really fast now โฆyou are around 38 cm. You weigh about 1.3 kgs and will likely double that (and more) at term.
As my ligaments stretch and soften, I am starting to get some backache and hip pain; so I am sleeping on my side with a pillow between my knees, which really helps. With all the positioning and weeing during the night, my sleep is really broken. I do feel a bit lightheaded at times during the day, but that can happen. My blood pressure and sugar levels are normal, so itโs just probably from lack of sleep at the moment. I am still doing some gentle exercise and stretches so it should help my energy levels.
So it seems that you are going to be a gentle little girl. Your kicks and stretches are very ladylike. My friend is pregnant and her baby kicks like a real little Ninja all day and night.ย Some Gynaes suggest counting kicks from 30 weeks. You basically choose a time of day and count the number of proper kicks (not sluggish movements in response to your movements) over an hour. If baby kicks 4 or more times, that is on track. If the kicks are less, then have a cup of tea and toast, and go and have a rest. Count the kicks over the next hour. No need to panic as sometimes the baby is sleeping just as you decide to do kick counts and will soon wake up after mom has a snack. If you are at all concerned (follow your maternal instincts) pop in to the Labour ward and the sisters can check baby out for you.
So far you are on track and have turned head down! It is not unusual for babies to be head up at 30 weeks or so. Itโs called a breech presentation. As baby grows the head is heavy and acts like a weight to help baby turn head downโฆ.so donโt worry if your baby has not turned yet.
Hello my Mommy,
Well this week I have put on some weight. Getting chubby hereโฆ.My brain is growing and starting to wrinkle to accommodate all my brain cells! I am learning even inside the womb..
I am practicing grabbing my feet and cord. My eyes can distinguish between light and dark and I can open and close my eyelids.
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Pregnancy tips
- Ditch the high heels now, mom. Time to wear flat comfy shoes. This will help any backaches, and centre of gravity so less chance of falls.
- Drink lots of water to help with the itchy skin. And of course, Moisturise!
Ourย Diary of a Pregnancyย series is written by Sr Des Meyer, a Perinatal Educator, in private practice, who is based in Durban North. Sr Des has been a Childbirth Educator and Well Baby Clinic sister since 1991. Her passion lies in educating new parents to enable them to achieve their goals as confident parents. โKnowledge is power and a good foundation for the exciting years ahead.โ
