Week 30

In the third trimester, some of the symptoms that you may have experienced in the first trimester start to make a return.¹ A common complaint is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is characterised by heartburn and/or regurgitation.^1,2

GERD is common due to the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy that affect the normal movement of food through the digestive system. This is further impacted by the increased abdominal pressure from the uterus growing and pregnancy-related weight gain. Symptoms of GERD can impact eating, drinking, and sleep quality.²

Fortunately, GERD can be managed through some lifestyle and diet modifications. However, if you are struggling with GERD, and experiencing nausea and vomiting, you should speak to your healthcare provider about medications that can be considered during pregnancy.²

• Constipation
• Bloating and gas
• Sciatica³
• Restless leg syndrome⁴
• Oedema (swelling, particularly hands and ankles)
• Skin changes (such as stretch marks)
• Fatigue
• Braxton Hicks contractions
• Foetal movement

With 10 weeks to go, your baby should now measure about 41 cm (roughly the size of a beet) and weigh around 1.4 kg.¹

One of the most significant developmental milestones at 30 weeks gestation is that now your baby’s bone marrow has taken over the production of red blood cells that were previously produced by the spleen.^1,5

• Consistently taking folic acid is recommended,⁶ and the recommended amounts of vitamin A and D, iron and calcium⁷ which will also help support your oral health⁸
• Staying active and keeping a healthy weight can help support overall health⁹
• Try to avoid alcohol consumption and smoking^10,11
• Nourish your body with pregnancy-safe foods. Try to avoid foods high in mercury, such as mackerel and tuna, raw seafood, undercooked meat, poultry and eggs, unpasteurised foods and cheese with a mould rind such as brie, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and any herbal tea¹²
• Ensure any meat, fish or poultry is fully cooked through¹³

• Limit caffeine consumption to no more than 200 mg per day¹⁴

• Consider scheduling the Tdap vaccine with your healthcare provider. This vaccine helps to prevent a serious condition in newborns called whooping cough¹⁵
• Count the kicks¹⁶