Pregnancy week 30! This number shows how far you've already come. You are now in the middle of the 8th month and it will only be around 10 weeks until your little treasure sees the light of day. Is your belly getting hard sometimes? We'll show you how to tell the difference between real contractions and training contractions. In this part of our pregnancy calendar, you will also find out how to best prepare for the postpartum period. We also explain what you need to bear in mind when driving during pregnancy.
With a length of around 38 centimetres, your baby in week 30 is about the size of a celery stalk. It weighs a proud 1400 grams on the scales. Babies born prematurely in the 30th week of pregnancy already have a survival rate of 97 % .
If your little darling was completely covered by a delicate fuzz of hair in the last few weeks, this lanugo hair will now slowly begin to recede. Most babies' lanugo hair will have disappeared by the time they are born. Some still have a slight fuzz on their skin in the early days. At the same time, the hair on the head begins to sprout. Eyebrows and eyelashes are also clearly recognisable.
It's slowly getting tight in your belly. For this reason, your little lodger moves into the so-called foetal position. In this position, it pulls its legs up, crosses its arms in front of its body and rests its chin on its chest. Many babies are already lying head down in week 30. Other children take a little longer to turn. Don't worry too much about this yet. Your baby still has the opportunity to get into the optimum starting position for the birth.
The bones become firmer with each week of pregnancy. The growing layer of fat also makes the foetus's skin firmer and less wrinkled. The bone marrow is now fully responsible for haematopoiesis. Are you expecting a boy? Then the testicles gradually descend during this week. They are now located in the groin area and will reach the scrotum around the 32nd week of pregnancy.
Practical help for you:
Emergency service midwife Katharina explains the most important things about the maternity pass online.
Many women find pregnancy from the 30th week of pregnancy somewhat difficult. No wonder, the belly is now quite large and increasingly restricts performance and mobility. The growing uterus displaces the other internal organs, which can lead to heartburn, back pain, shortness of breath, frequent urge to urinate, bloating and constipation. These are all completely normal side effects of pregnancy. However, if they bother you too much, contact your midwife or gynaecologist.
In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, many women experience contractions during this phase of pregnancy. You have probably already felt them yourself. The abdomen hardens for a few seconds. During these contractions, also known as pre-labour contractions or Braxton Hicks contractions, the smooth muscles of the uterus contract and then relax again. This strengthens the muscles, promotes blood circulation and is therefore training for the forthcoming birth. However, pre-labour contractions have no effect on the cervix. But how do I know whether these are harmless training contractions or real contractions?
Exercise labour:
- They are not usually painful. Some women experience a slight pulling sensation similar to menstruation.
- They occur irregularly and at relatively long intervals. Up to three contractions per hour or up to ten per day are considered normal.
- The intensity usually decreases when lying down and in a warm bath.
Real labour:
- They are usually painful. The pain can also radiate from the abdomen to the back and thighs.
- They occur at regular, ever shorter intervals.
- The contractions continue even if you change your position, move, lie down or take a bath.
If you are not sure and are worried that you are having real contractions, it is best to consult your midwife or gynaecologist. This is especially true if, in addition to the contractions, there are other symptoms that could indicate a real labour. impending birth may be an indication. These include bleeding, the discharge of the mucus plug or the leakage of amniotic fluid.
Preparation for the puerperium
About ten weeks to go until the Birth! This thought will certainly trigger a lot of different feelings in you. As well as thinking about the birth, you should also think about the time afterwards. These first days and weeks with the new inhabitant of the earth have something magical about them. At the same time, the Postpartum can also be quite exhausting. Endless breastfeeding sessions, sleepless nights, an abundance of hormones and physical discomfort after giving birth - it can quickly take its toll. So prepare yourself for this exciting early period with baby as early as possible during your pregnancy. Find out how you can best enjoy the first few weeks in our Online workshop.
Our tips for a relaxed postpartum period:
– Prepare your favourite mealsAfter the birth, mum needs to regain her strength. Especially if you are breastfeeding your baby, a balanced diet is important in the postnatal period. Use the last few weeks of pregnancy to pre-cook and freeze your favourite dishes. It's also worth stocking up your larder with healthy snacks and ingredients for quick meals. Do you like almonds? That's good. Because you can use them as a night-time snack after the birth. They provide valuable energy without straining your teeth.
– Check your stock of hygiene productsTake a five-minute shower in peace and quiet - this is a real wellness moment during labour. If you have your favourite shower gel to hand, you'll feel better straight away. Also buy hygiene products especially for the postnatal period. These include sanitary towels for the Lochianursing pads and lanolin ointment for nipple care.
– Accept helpEspecially if you are a single parent or your partner cannot take a longer holiday after the birth, the help of family and friends is worth its weight in gold. They will certainly be happy to help you with household chores, cooking and looking after older siblings. If you don't have this option among your friends, you have the option of hiring domestic help. In certain cases, the costs are covered by health insurance.
Your midwife is also there to support you in the weeks after the birth. Turn to her with any questions or uncertainties. Your midwife will be able to show you how to Breastfeeding correctly, helps you to bathe it and gives you valuable tips on how to care for your little darling. If you haven't found a midwife to visit you after the birth, you can call on the help of notdiensthebamme.de to take advantage of this. You can get tips and help for you and your baby at any time. You can easily book your personal appointment.
You can also gain more confidence in dealing with your child in our Online course "Infant care". You can watch the lessons during your pregnancy to prepare yourself and refer back to them later if you have any questions about your pregnancy. Caring for your baby have.
As your baby's belly gets bigger, there are a few things to watch out for when driving so as not to put your child in danger. Firstly, in the event of an accident, there is a risk that your unborn child could be injured by the impact of an airbag. As a passenger, it is best to sit in the back seat. If you are sitting in the front passenger seat, you should move the seat as far back as possible. As a female driver, it also makes sense to keep as much distance as possible from the steering wheel. It should be at least 25 centimetres.
As for all passengers, pregnant women must wear a seatbelt in the car. Important when buckling up: The lap belt must be positioned below the baby's tummy. If the belt is on the stomach, it could injure the baby in the event of heavy braking.
Pregnant women may also 3rd trimester in principle drive yourself. However, if you have symptoms such as dizziness, nausea or even contractions, you should not get behind the wheel. Also make sure you take regular breaks on longer journeys. The best way to do this is to go for a short walk or do a few relaxation exercises. This is good for your back and improves blood circulation.
As midwives, we are the experts for the time of becoming parents. We help mothers to give birth to their children well. We support the bond between you and your child.
We are always there for you, even if you haven't found a midwife locally. We can advise you directly and easily by email, phone, chat or video transmission.
We will help you during your pregnancy, during the postnatal period and beyond with all your questions about parenthood and your baby. We know that many questions need answers at short notice. That's why we are always available for you online.
Benefit from the worldwide accessibility of our courses and expert advice from midwife Katharina. No matter where you are, our online services make professional midwifery care accessible - especially in areas with a shortage of midwives.
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