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Pregnancy Week by Week: Week 30...
Week 30
What Is Happening To Your Body
If you haven’t done so already, now is a good time to figure out your birth plan. A birth plan allows you to think about what type of experience you want during labor and delivery and immediately after your baby is born. But remember, a birth plan is just that — a plan. You can change your mind at any time. And while your doctor or healthcare provider will do his or her best to follow your desires, their job is to ensure your health and that of your baby, so be prepared to be flexible when the big moment arrives.
Due to the high hormone levels in your body that are needed to maintain pregnancy, your body is slowing down its digestive process. This slowing down may result in an increase in constipation. To keep things moving comfortably, get regular exercise, drink lots of water and try upping your fiber intake.
Drinking different types of herbal teas may help with the various side effects of pregnancy. Chamomile can help with indigestion, ginger root with nausea, and peppermint with bloating.
If sitting is uncomfortable, try to be more aware of your posture. As your baby becomes bigger, your center of gravity changes making you more prone to falls. You may also find yourself slouching more. Maintaining proper posture will help to relieve pain in your back and shoulders.
Exercising and stretching will have beneficial effects now and down the road. Being active now will help you have more energy during the remaining weeks of pregnancy and will increase your stamina for birth.
You only have about 10 more weeks to go! Keep up the great work. You can do it!
What Is Happening To Your Baby
Your baby now measures approximately 15.7 inches (39.9 cm) long from head to heel. At this point your baby weighs about 3 pounds (1.4 kg).
Your baby is very conscious of its environment. Its becoming more sensitive to light and can distinguish between sunlight and artificial light. Its eyes can also move in its sockets and your baby is more attuned to sound, taste and smell. His or her lungs are working at near optimal levels.
At this point, you will also be able to tell if your baby has the hiccups by the rhythmic twitching in the uterus.
What Is Happening This Week? 
Ultrasound images courtesy of GE Healthcare
The clinical images and information presented in this application represent normal fetal growth during a typical pregnancy. The images and information are to be used for educational purposes only and not for diagnostic purposes. Please consult a licensed physician regarding any specific questions pertaining to your pregnancy.
