Key Milestone Weeks in Pregnancy

At 30 weeks pregnant, there are several symptoms you should report to your doctor or midwife immediately, as they may indicate a complication. These include:

• Reduced baby movement: If your baby is moving less than usual, this can be a sign they are not well.
• Bleeding from your vagina: This could indicate placenta issues or other complications.
• Severe abdominal pain: Especially if it’s sudden or persistent.
• Blurred vision, swelling, or a bad headache: These may be signs of pre-eclampsia, a serious pregnancy condition.
• Clear fluid leaking from your vagina: This could be a sign your waters have broken early.
• Shortness of breath or a racing heartbeat: These may indicate cardiovascular strain or other issues.
• Pain or swelling in one leg: This could be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Fever or chills: May indicate infection.
• Emotional distress lasting more than two weeks: Persistent anxiety, sadness, or inability to cope should be discussed with your care provider.

If anything feels “off” or you’re unsure, it’s always best to check with your doctor or health practitioner.

While there’s no strict deadline, having a plan in place now gives you time to think through your preferences, discuss them with your midwife or doctor, and make adjustments if needed. Birth plans are flexible, and they’re guides, not guarantees. You can change your mind at any time, even during labour. A list of things you could start thinking about include:

• Who you want present during labour.
• Preferences for managing pain.
• Cultural or personal practices.
• Medical interventions you’d like to avoid.
• Post-birth choices (e.g. skin-to-skin contact, feeding preferences).

Yes, attending antenatal or prenatal classes now can be helpful. These classes prepare you and your partner for labour, birth, and early parenting. You’ll learn about pain relief options, breastfeeding, baby care, and what to expect emotionally. Many hospitals and private providers offer in-person or online options tailored for different birth choices.

At 30 weeks pregnant, it’s a good idea to start preparing essential baby gear and one of the most important items is a car seat. Before your baby arrives, you’ll need to have a child car restraint (baby capsule) correctly installed in your vehicle. This is not only essential for safety but also a legal requirement in Australia. Babies under 6 months must be seated in a rearward-facing child restraint with an inbuilt harness

Other gear to prepare includes:

• Cot or bassinet (meeting Australian safety standards)
• Feeding equipment (bottles, steriliser, formula if not breastfeeding)
• Nappies and changing station
• Baby clothes and wraps
• Bathing supplies (baby bath, towels, washcloths)
• Pram or stroller
• Storage solutions for baby items

You don’t need to buy everything new. Borrowing or buying second-hand (safely) is common and cost-effective. Many parents find it helpful to use a checklist to stay organised.

Tip: When setting up your nursery or buying baby gear, always check that items meet current Australian safety standards. Avoid older or recalled products, and ensure your baby’s sleep environment is free from loose blankets, pillows or toys.

If you're feeling anxious or emotional at 30 weeks pregnant, you're not alone. It's a common experience during the third trimester. This can be due to hormonal changes, physical discomfort, sleep disruption, and the emotional weight of preparing for birth and parenthood. These feelings are common, but if they become overwhelming or persist for more than two weeks, it’s important to speak with your doctor or midwife. Support is available through services like PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) and Beyond Blue, which offer confidential help and resources.

You can also use mental health screening tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), which your midwife or GP may offer, to better understand how you're feeling and whether further support could help.