30 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Brain, Symptoms & Choosing a Pram

30 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Brain, Symptoms & Choosing a Pram

At 30 weeks pregnant, you have around 10 weeks to go. Your baby is about the size of a cabbage, and their brain is maturing fast. Tiredness and backache may be back, and it's a good time to choose your pram and car seat.

Baby's size
About the size of a cabbage (around 40cm head to heel, 1.3 to 1.4kg)
Big development
Rapid brain growth
Common symptoms
Tiredness, backache, weeing more often and mood changes
This week
Choose your pram and car seat

What's happening this week

Your baby looks like a tiny newborn and is busy maturing. Every extra week in the uterus helps their lungs and brain develop.

Brain

Growing fast

Your baby's brain is developing deeper grooves and folds, creating more space for brain cells. This rapid growth continues right through the third trimester.

Senses

Light and sound

Your baby can open and close their eyes and tell light from dark. Their hearing is well developed, so your voice is becoming familiar.

Busy hands

Grab and hold

Your baby sucks their thumb, makes fists and grabs whatever they can reach, including their feet and the umbilical cord, which is strong enough to cope.

Lanugo is starting to shed, and fat under your baby's skin is making them look smoother and plumper. Their skin is starting to make melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour.

Choosing a pram and car seat

You'll need a car seat to take your baby home from hospital, so it's worth choosing one now. Take your time comparing options, and try prams in store if you can.

Car seat
Choose a rearward-facing seat that meets the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 1754). In Australia, babies must travel rearward facing until at least six months old, and it's safest to keep them that way for as long as they fit.Aim to have it professionally fitted by around 36 weeks
Second-hand seats
Only use a second-hand car seat if you know its history. Don't use one that's been in a crash, is more than 10 years old, or is missing parts or instructions.
Pram
Look for one that meets the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 2088) and lets a newborn lie flat, with a bassinet or a seat that fully reclines. Check the five-point harness and brakes.
Your lifestyle
Think about where you'll use it, such as footpaths, gravel or the beach, how easily it folds, how heavy it is and whether it fits in your car boot.

Symptoms at 30 weeks pregnant

Some early pregnancy symptoms may be making a comeback as your body works harder.

  • Tiredness. Carrying extra weight and broken sleep can wear you out. Rest when you can, and don't be afraid to slow down.
  • Backache. Your growing bump strains your back. Supportive shoes, good posture and a warm pack can help. Here are more tips for easing back pain.
  • Trouble sleeping. Go to sleep on your side, with pillows supporting your bump and between your knees. Here's why side sleeping matters.
  • Weeing more often. Your baby is pressing on your bladder.
  • Mood changes. Tiredness and hormones can bring highs and lows. If you feel low or anxious most days, talk to your doctor or midwife, or call PANDA on 1300 726 306.
  • Leaking colostrum. You may notice a yellowish fluid from your nipples. Breast pads can help.
  • An outie belly button. Loose clothing helps if it feels sensitive.

Contact your hospital straight away if you have any vaginal bleeding, a gush or trickle of fluid, green or bad-smelling discharge, regular contractions, or if your baby's movements slow down or change. Also call if you have a severe headache, blurred vision, sudden swelling or pain under your ribs. Get urgent help for a painful, hard lump at your belly button, especially with vomiting.

Looking after yourself

Listen to your body and take breaks when you need to. Gentle exercise, like walking and swimming, can still help with energy, sleep and backache. It's also a good time to start gathering things for your hospital bag, so you're not rushing at the end. Our hospital bag checklist covers what to pack for you and your baby.

Your to-do list for week 30

Helpful for this stage

Car safety and accessoriesFor safe trips from day oneShop car safety Pram and stroller accessoriesBags, organisers and moreShop accessories The hospital bag listWhat to pack for you and your babySee the list

Week 30 FAQs

Is brown discharge normal at 30 weeks pregnant?

A little brown or pink spotting can happen after sex or an internal examination, as your cervix is more sensitive. But any bleeding in the third trimester should be checked, so call your hospital or midwife to be safe.

What car seat does my newborn need in Australia?

A rearward-facing car seat that meets the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1754. In Australia, babies must travel rearward facing until at least six months old, and it's safest to keep them rearward facing for as long as they fit.

When should I install the car seat?

Aim to have it fitted by around 36 weeks, so you're ready if your baby comes early. Many councils, retailers and child restraint fitting services can check it's installed correctly.

What should I look for in a pram?

Look for a pram that meets the Australian Standard AS/NZS 2088 and lets a newborn lie flat, either with a bassinet or a seat that fully reclines. Also check the five-point harness, brakes, how easily it folds, its weight and whether it fits in your car boot.

When should I pack my hospital bag?

Aim to have it packed by around 36 weeks. It's a good idea to start gathering things now, so you're not rushing at the end.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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