30 Weeks Pregnant

Changes in the Belly Button
As you reach the 30-week mark of your pregnancy, you may notice alterations in the appearance of your belly button. The expanding uterus in your third trimester exerts pressure on your abdomen, causing your belly button to protrude. Consequently, what was once an “innie” may transform into an “outie.”

The sensitivity of your belly button to touch may increase, and discomfort can arise when clothing rubs against it. Some women opt for looser tops or even use an adhesive bandage to minimize discomfort in the late stages of pregnancy.

In rare instances, pregnant women may experience an incarcerated umbilical hernia, characterized by intense pain. This occurs when a portion of the intestines protrudes through an opening in the tissue, bulging into the belly button and becoming trapped. If you encounter severe belly button pain during pregnancy, accompanied by a hard lump near your belly button, it could be a surgical emergency, requiring immediate attention from your healthcare provider.

Brown Discharge
Throughout pregnancy, heightened estrogen production leads to increased vaginal discharge. Brown discharge, tinted with old blood, is typically normal and not a cause for concern.

Brown spotting or discharge may occur after intercourse or a pelvic exam, as the cervix becomes more sensitive during pregnancy, making it prone to irritation and minor bleeding. As labor approaches, you may observe discharge resembling thickened mucus, appearing clear, pinkish, brownish, or tinged with blood. This is known as the mucus plug, often accompanied by “bloody show.”

However, certain cases of vaginal discharge during pregnancy may indicate serious issues such as placenta previa, placental abruption, preterm labor, or infection. Contact your healthcare provider promptly if the discharge is bright red and exceeds two tablespoons, occurs before 36 weeks, is green, or has a foul odor.

Fatigue
In the third trimester, pregnancy fatigue may resurface. While it might not reach the extreme levels experienced in the first trimester, you may find yourself getting tired more easily due to the extra weight and potential sleep disturbances.

Fatigue could be a symptom of iron-deficiency anemia, so inform your healthcare provider if you consistently feel unusually tired. Additionally, depression can contribute to fatigue or insomnia. If you experience persistent sadness, hopelessness, or difficulty managing daily tasks, contact your doctor or midwife immediately.

To alleviate fatigue, maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, engage in gentle exercises like walking, seek assistance when needed, and adopt strategies for better sleep.

Swelling
Expect swelling in your ankles and feet as you approach the end of your pregnancy. The growing uterus puts pressure on pelvic veins and the inferior vena cava, slowing blood return from your legs and causing fluid to accumulate in the tissues of your feet and ankles.

Hormonal changes and increased fluid retention to support pregnancy contribute to swelling, with an expected 2 to 3 pounds of additional water weight by the end of pregnancy. While swelling is usually normal, it could indicate serious conditions like preeclampsia or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in some cases. Notify your healthcare provider if you notice sudden, excessive swelling in your feet or ankles, significant swelling in one leg, or more than moderate swelling in your hands or face.

Mood Swings
The third trimester may bring back mood swings due to a combination of discomfort, stress, and hormonal changes. If your mood swings intensify, persist for more than two weeks, or become more frequent, you may be dealing with depression or pregnancy anxiety. Inform your healthcare provider to receive appropriate support, as untreated emotional health problems can impact your baby’s well-being and increase the risk of preterm labor and postpartum depression. Psychotherapy and medication can be effective in treating these conditions.

Shortness of Breath
Later in the third trimester, simple activities like climbing stairs may leave you breathless. Increased oxygen demand during pregnancy, coupled with pressure on the diaphragm from the growing uterus, leads to shortness of breath. Preexisting conditions such as asthma, anemia, or high blood pressure can also contribute.

Some relief in breathing may occur a few weeks before delivery, especially for first-time pregnancies, as the baby drops into the pelvis. While shortness of breath is common, seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden or severe shortness of breath, worsening asthma, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, a feeling of faintness, or chest pain during breathing.