Alright, 30 weeks today. What can i expect?

Question

Ok, so im 30 weeks pregnant today. This is my first child. I want to know what can i expect in the last 10 weeks.

I heard people can go into labor 2 weeks early, especially with their first. Is it true?

SERIOUS questions only please!!!!!!!

i don't want a bunch of idiots just trying to get 2 points on here. Please people who have at least 1 child already.

Answer 1

well...some people also go into labor two weeks late, especially with their first.

In the next ten weeks, your baby should settle into the pelvis. You're going to be able to breathe soon! However, your hips and bones will ache, and you're going to have to pee all the time.

In 4-6 weeks, your doctor will start doing vaginal exams in the office to check for dilitation.

At some point you will lose your mucous plug. It's nasty. Thick clear mucous. These doesn't necessarily mean you're going into labor. It could be weeks later.

Good luck. The thing with pregnancy is they're all different, and you just never can know what to expect!

Answer 2

I can only speak from my experience with my one exclusive breed - Bassets (although I do have a young Whippet now, who will be spayed soon which may give me another slant on post-spayed bitches!!). 1. Some do, and some don't. I guess I have always automatically adjusted their feed, depending on how they are looking week on week but I've always spayed my bitches after their maternal duties were over and I'd say in general, no they haven't gained weight unduly. And as mine were always spayed after they were say 5 years, it could be that those who were inclined to pile on the pounds, with advancing years, would have gone a bit heavier in any case. 2. In all other respects my bitches remained unchanged. Apart from noticing their coats often became thicker - but that didn't happen with all of them either!!! I don't believe neutering affects the temperament of a b itch in the same way it can a male. You are right to ask others for their experiences because vets don't always know when so many actually don't keep a dog and have a day on day first hand relationship with them!! Textbooks don't tell them everything. ps In the UK, we can show spayed bitches (and more recently castrated males too). It used to be with KC permission (spayed bitches) although I think now neutereds can be shown, I'm not sure you have to ask for permission any more. I wish more countries would adopt a similar policy because I have carried on showing my older spayed girls, with success and having to keep them entire just to enjoy an extended show career, seems hard.

Answer 3

Now at least you can start to relax a little bit! The last 10 weeks are difficult because you want the baby to be here so badly. You'll probably spend your time getting his/her room ready and folding the clothes over and over again. Usually women are a little late with their first pregnancy, so I wouldn't get too excited about going early. Prepare for it as best as you can. Read some books and get ready for the birth. Have your suitcase packed and ready to go. And relax. Take some time for yourself now. You won't have much "me" time when the baby gets here. Good luck and congrats!!!!

Answer 4

Actually quite a few first time mothers go past their due date!
The last 10 weeks are interesting! You get to feel the baby move around a lot more as opposed to just the kicking.
You really don't get terribly uncomfy until the last 4 weeks or so. Now is the time to get all of your things together and in order.

Try this web site. :)
http://www.pregnancyguideonline.com/

Answer 5

this is a hard one to answer, as all pregnancies are different! :)
I have had four children, and between myself and my friends we all had different things. In general, you will feel more tired and need to take care of yourself. Get enough rest, even though that can be tricky as the baby will now start to put on weight rather rapidly. A pillow between the knees can ease the sleep problems. Never sleep on your back, as the child's weight on your arteries could cause you to pass out. You should find nature has made this rather uncomfortable anyway, and you won't want to sleep on your back!
Heartburn could be an issue too, so cut out / down on caffeine, large meals and spicy foods.
The baby will come when it is ready, so don't worry. Due dates are rarely the birth time! Make sure your hospital bag is packed and the nursery is ready to go from now on. Premature labour has nothing to do with first or subsequent pregnancies and can be caused for many reasons. Unless you know your exact conception date, it may simply be that the baby is actually due.
With my first, After a scan at 40 wks I was told that my baby wouldn't come for another two weeks, the dates were wrong. I knew the conception date and felt she was ready, and my instinct was correct.. she was born the next day. So even doctors can get it wrong...
Relax as much as you can, as once the baby is born sleep will be precious, in small amounts at a time. However, these last few weeks are your body's way of preparing you for this, as you learn to cope on less and interrupted sleep.
If you can get access to prenatal classes, attend these. They are an excellent way of getting information on what to expect, the birthing process and choices availbable to you as well as what to do once baby is here. I found this information really helped calm the nerves.
Swollen feet and water retention could be happening, if so, take frequent rests with your feet up but NOT raised above belly level, as this could induce labour. Drink adequate amounts of water as this actually helps with fluid retention and rest assured your body will return to normal after giving birth, although you need to allow 9 to 12 months for this. It takes 9 months to put on weight, it should take the same amount of time to loose. Longer if you plan to breastfeed, but that also varies. Some people retain the weight whilst breastfeeding, others seem to loose it really fast.
You will feel exhausted and out of breath as the child takes up more space and moves into your ribcage, this is normal.
You will also feel the need to urinate much more frequently, as the child presses onto your bladder. This may cause you to 'lose' some urine when coughing or sneezing, this too is normal and with pelvic floor excercise after giving birth this should stop, esspecially after your first baby. You should be taught how to do this in hospital, after giving birth.
You will find that you have an urge to clean, this is called 'nesting' and most mothers to be go through this. Be careful not to use harsh cleaning substances, as the smells may be harmful to both yourself and the baby.
On an emotional level, you may find yourself experiencing extreme high and lows, as your hormones play rampant. You might cry for no reason, be argumentative or be as calm as never before, you might have all those feelings within a few hours or not at all.
Overall, just relax, be prepared and enjoy your pregnancy. If you feel anxious about anything, see a doctor or health nurse. I also found reading pregnancy and birth magazines to be of great help.

Answer 6

lets see i went thru a cleaning spree and still am. i got tired more and lots have happened you will see on your own its different for other people. its better to find out on your own lets just say it has its ups and downs the last ten weeks. im 38 weeks now and my first.
Go to babycenter.com, babyfit.com and pregnancyweelky.com these sites can help you out they can send you stuff thru e-mail about your pregnancy on a weekly bases its really helpful to me but yet i still come here for answers too.

Answer 7

im not 30 weeks yet..im 27 weeks..and from what i read in "what to expect when your expecting" is tiredness and aches and pains in your legs hips and back! but i have that already..and my doctor said its going to get worse!! =(

Answer 8

u will just get really tired and start a cleaning frenzy in preperation good luck and congrats.

Answer 9

nascar starts in a week or so

Answer 10

Yes, this is true woman can go 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after. At 30 weeks you can expect:

Week 30

The Mom:

Relaxation techniques can help you alleviate some of the stress and tension you may be feeling. They can also help you work during labor by enabling you to work with the contractions instead of against them.

There are two types, physical and mental.

Physical relaxation requires you to find a comfortable position, make your body is completely supported, pillows can help. Close your eyes and concentrate on tensing and relaxing individual parts of your body. Start at your toes and work your way gradually up to your head, then back to your toes again. When you are done, you should feel nice and loose all over.

Mental relaxation requires deep concentration, so you will need a quiet room where you can be undisturbed. Once you find a place, make yourself comfy. Empty your mind and concentrated on your breathing. Breathe in deeply and hold your breath for a few seconds for letting it out slowly. Once you have established a steady pattern, relax your muscles all over, and let your mind float away. It may help to imagine floating in calm water.

The Baby:
Because she is getting so big, you will probably begin to notice her movements aren't as vigorous. She is probably curled up into the fetal position, with her arms and legs crossed. She weighs about 3 pounds, and is about 16.8 inches long now.

Pregnancy Week 31

The Mom:

You can check on your baby by keeping daily kick count charts. This is done by recording the first 10 movements you feel each day. If you notice that baby's movements are becoming less frequent or if they stop altogether, you should contact your doctor.

You are also probably experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions. There are practice contractions, that aren't painful, but can be uncomfortable. You acutally have these practice contractions throughout your pregnancy, but aren't aware of them ususally until the final weeks. These contractions also help draw up the cervix and thin it for labor.

The Baby:
While baby's lungs still aren't mature yet, most of his other body systems are completely developed. His nerve cells and connections are functioning, and he can feel pain. You can even make him move if you push on your abdomen. He's almost 18 inches long, and weighs almost 3.5 pounds.

Week 32

The Mom:

Almost to the end, only 8 weeks to go! There are still a few unlikely, but potential complications you should be aware of. The first is placenta previa. Placenta previa is rare, but is more common in women who have had more than one child. In placenta previa, the placenta either blocks or partially blocks the cervix. The pressure of the baby on the placenta can cause painless bleeding during the last trimester. If the obstruction is complete, it may require a Cesarean Section. You OB will be able to tell if you have placenta previa with an ultrasound. Another condition is abruptio placenta, this is when part of the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus. This will cause some pain and bleeding. If you experience this, it's important to call your doctor right away. If the abruption is large, your baby could be at risk.

Your uterus is approximately 5 inches above your navel. You may be able to feel your baby's buttocks as he moves about.

The Baby:
Baby now weighs about almost 4 pounds and is about 18.9 inches long. She will soon be settling in head down, to get ready for birth.

Week 33

The Mom:

If this is your first pregnancy, you and your spouse might want to plan a special evening together before becoming new parents. This will give you an opportunity to discuss your feelings and ensure these last few weeks are special for you both.

If you have other children, involve them in the preparations in these final weeks. Your children are probably very excited. Help them make a Welcome Baby banner for the nursery, or a card for them to give the baby one she arrives. If you expect a lot of visitors with baby gifts once the baby arrives, and you have a toddler or preschooler, you may want to prepare a basket of big sister/brother gifts. These could be just small books, crayons etc. This will help them from feeling left out when the new baby gets presents. It's not unusual for toddlers and preschoolers to experience some regression when a new sibling arrives. Make sure that you make time for them away from the new baby. You can also hold "Big Sister/ Big Brother Classes for them. You can give them diapers and let them practice diapering their dolls. Use dolls to help them learn how to hold the baby. Your hospital may provide a sibling class as well.

The Baby:
The vernix that your baby started developing earlier is getting quite thick now. His lungs are still not quite mature, but he is practicing breathing more and more each day. He weighs around 4.4 pounds, and is 19.4 inches long.
Week 34

The Mom:

Now is a good time to make sure you are ready for baby. Even though he isn't due for several weeks yet, he may surprise you and make an early entrance.

Make sure baby's things are washed and ready. Do you have diapers in the house yet? You might want to stock up on nonperishable goods, and fill your freezer with casseroles and easy to prepare meals. Keep your call filled with gas, and know where and how to reach your birth partner when they are away from home.

Pack your hospital bag. You will need to pack the things you want during labor, such as music, massage oils and snacks for your partner. Put your birth plan in as well. Don't forget to add going home clothes for both you and baby. Keep in mind that you probably won't be able to fit into your prepregnancy clothes just yet and may be more comfortable in some loose maternity clothes. Don't forget your camera, address book, and birth announcements if you want to send them from the hospital. I always found it useful to have a roll of quarters. That makes it easy for my spouse to get a soda if he needs one.

SYMPTOMS YOU MAY EXPERIENCE

Breast Changes, tenderness, fullness, darkening of the areola
Frequent Urination
Constipation
Indigestion or heartburn
Occasional headaches
Stretch Marks (cocoa butter can help with these)
Itching
Round ligament pains
Braxton Hicks contractions
The Baby:
By this week, boy's testicles will have desendend into the scrotum. This is something your baby's doctor will check when he is born. Baby is about 19.8 inches long, and weighs about 5 pounds now.

Week 35

The Mom:

Positions for Labor

There are several different positions you may find helpful during your labor. One popular position calls for you to relax on all fours by leaning forward into a pile of pillows or a bean bag. This gives your baby as much room as possible in the pelvis. Your partner can massage your back.

If you are having back labor, these two positions may help you shift the weight of the baby off your back. In the first one, you kneel on all fours with your elbows and forearms on the floor and you knees wide do that your abdomen is hanging between them. You can rock forward and backward in this position. The second one has you on the floor on your hands and knees with your arms and legs wide apart. Keep the small of your back straight, not hollow.

If you prefer to stand, you my find that leaning back into your partner for support, letting him support your weight is another position to try.

The Baby:
Each day now, your little one gains weight, getting ready for that all important day when you get to meet! She weighs about 5.5 pounds, and is 20.25 inches long.

Week 36

The Mom:

Usually 2-4 weeks before labor begins, your baby will begin to descend into the pelvis. This is called lightening. You will notice that it makes it easier to breathe again. Second, Third and later pregnancies may not drop until just before labor begins.

False Labor usually has the following symptoms:

Fetal movements intensify briefly with contractions.

Contractions subside if you walk around or change position.

Pain is in the lower abdomen rather than the lower back.

Contractions are not regular and don't increase in frequency or severity.

Signs of Real Labor include:

Contractions intensify, rather than ease up, with activity.

Pain in the lower back and spreads to the lower abdomen.

You may experience diarrhea.

Contractions become more frequent and painful.

Membranes rupture.

If your baby is born before 37 weeks, he will be considered premature. Most preemies are cared for in the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery. They receive extra care and attention to make sure they are breathing, nursing and maintaining their body temperature.

The Baby:
Wow, the home stretch! You've made it! Just a few weeks left, if you have the average pregnancy. Baby continues to get ready for live on the outside by practicing breathing, sucking and swallowing. He weighs about 6 pounds and is around 20.5 inches long.

Week 37

The Mom:

It may become necessary to induce your labor. There are many reasons why they may elect to do this. Some possible reasons are bleeding, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia or being overdue.

If your doctor decides to induce your labor, he will probably use a pitocin drip. This helps stimulate contractions, and also keeps them steady. Many women find that pitocin drips lead to stronger than normal contractions.

The Baby:
Baby is now making cortisone, which is the hormone that will help his lungs mature enought to handle breathing air on his own. His lanugo, the fine hair he developed earlier, is starting to wear off on its own. He weighs about 6.5 pounds, and is approx 21 inches long.

Week 38

The Mom:

Pain Relief is available should you chose to use it. If you find that you need some relief, you may want to start with an injection of a drug like Demerol or Stadol. These drugs will help you relax and they also take the edge off of the pain for you. You will still feel the contractions. They can also make your baby sleepy when he is born.

If you decide you would like an epidural, an anesthesiologist will be called in. She will inject a local anaesthetic into the space between your spinal column and the spinal cord, numbing the nerves that serve the uterus. It may also numb your leg nerves making it hard for you to move around. They take about 20-30 minutes to set up, then you usually get a medication every hour and a half. There are a lot of different feelings about the effects of your baby. You will want to be sure to do your own research and make an informed decision.

The Baby:
Most babies born anytime after this week, are considered full term, and have no difficulties at all. Baby may have long fingernails, in need of a trim, and a head full of hair at this point. The vernix is beginning to dissolve. Baby weighs approx 6.8 pounds, and is about 21.25 inches long.

Week 39

The Mom:

While you certainly hope for an easy labor, there are a few complications that can arise during delivery.

If you baby is breech, your doctor may try and turn him. If this doesn't work, many doctors will insist on a C-section. There are some doctors who will try to vaginally deliver a breech baby.

If your baby needs help traveling down the birth canal, your doctor may use either forceps or vacuum extraction. Forceps look like a large pair of salad tongs. they will be inserted into your vagina, and your doctor will help the baby out as you push. Vacuum extraction is when your doctor places a suction cup on the baby's head, and the baby is sucked out as you push with your contractions. These two methods may leave some bruising on your newborn, but it usually only lasts a few days.

The Baby:
Baby is now in position for birth, and weighs about 7 pounds. She is about 21.5 inches long.

Week 40

The Mom:

This is it! The week you are due is finally here! You are probably impatient for labor to start, but don't be discouraged if you go over your due date. Only 5% of babies actually arrive on the day they are due.

You may be afraid you won't recognize that you are in labor, but usually the signs are unmistakeable.

You may notice the passing of the mucus plug that protected the cervix during pregnancy. This is called the "show". It's usually blood tinged, and clear in color. This occurs before labor starts or in the early stages.

You may also have the sudden gush of your amniotic sac breaking. This can also come as a trickle. It should be clear. If you notice that the fluid is yellow, green or brown, call your doctor and go the hospital immediately. Your baby may be distress. Your water can break hours before your labor gets started. However, your doctor probably won't let you go too long without labor starting once your water has broken.

Contractions, the tightening of the uterus occurs throughout labor.

There are three stages for labor.

The first stage is usually the longest. It's may start off with infrequent contractions, which increase in strength in frequency. Your doctor/midwife will have told you when to notify them of your contractions. Towards the end of the first stage, you will enter transition.

Transition is when you baby is moving into the birth canal. The second stage begins when you are fully dialated and begin pushing the baby out. Once your baby is delivered, you may get to hold her while your doctor checks her over to make sure she is ok. The umbilicial cord will be clamped and cut.

The third and final stage is the birth of the placenta. This is usually quick. If you would like to see or touch it, don't be afraid to ask.

That's it! You're a new mom! Life's greatest adventures and wonders await you and your new child. Enjoy them all.

The Baby:
Your baby may or may not be engaged in your pelvis at this point. A lot depends on whether you are a first time mom, or a repeater. Baby is usually lying with his head down, and his back against your abdomen. This is considered the "ideal" position for birth. He will probably weigh about 7.5 pounds and will be about 22 inches long! Hard to believe how much he's grown these past nine months, isn't it?

Hope this helps you GOOD LUCK.