Hello and welcome to my 29 and 30 weeks pregnant update! The third trimester is well underway now, and I’m starting to feel the reality of how close we are to meeting our little one. These two weeks have been full of preparation, strange symptoms, and moments where pregnancy brain has well and truly taken over.
- All my pregnancy diary blog posts:
- Baby Brain Is Real: 29-30 Weeks Pregnant
- Nursery Complete and Hospital Bag Prep
- Baby Movement and Activity at 29-30 Weeks
- Going to Work
- Third Trimester Symptoms: Nausea Returns
- Wrist and Finger Pain: Another Pregnancy Symptom
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions: 29-30 Weeks Pregnant
All my pregnancy diary blog posts:
Pregnancy Diary – 6 weeks pregnant
Pregnancy Diary – 7 weeks pregnant
Pregnancy Diary – 8 Weeks Pregnant
Pregnancy Diary – 9 Weeks Pregnant
Pregnancy Diary – 10 weeks pregnant
Pregnancy Diary – 11 & 12 weeks pregnant
Pregnancy Diary: 13 & 14 weeks pregnant
Pregnancy Diary: 15 & 16 weeks pregnant
Pregnancy Diary: 17 & 18 weeks pregnant
Pregnancy Diary: 19 & 20 weeks pregnant
Pregnancy Diary: 21 & 22 weeks pregnant
Pregnancy Diary: 23 & 24 weeks pregnant
Pregnancy Diary: 25 & 26 weeks pregnant
Pregnancy Diary: 27 & 28 weeks pregnant
Pregnancy Diary: 29 & 30 weeks pregnant
Pregnancy Diary: 31 & 32 weeks pregnant
Pregnancy Diary: 33 & 34 weeks pregnant
Pregnancy Diary: 35 & 36 weeks pregnant
Pregnancy Diary: 37 & 38 weeks pregnant
Baby Brain Is Real: 29-30 Weeks Pregnant
Baby brain is absolutely real, and I have the evidence to prove it. I’ve turned into a complete scatterbrain. In a single day, I managed to break two glasses and – this is the embarrassing bit – put milk into my Irn-Bru instead of sparkling water three times. Yes, three times! It curdled and was absolutely disgusting, yet apparently I didn’t learn my lesson the first two times.
Nursery Complete and Hospital Bag Prep
Some big milestones in the last couple of weeks: the safari-themed nursery is complete! I’ve got most of the things I need now, just a few bits and bobs still to get. It feels so real now seeing everything ready and waiting. I’ve also started thinking seriously about hospital bags. I’ve bought a labour gown and some pyjamas, and I have a box in the baby’s wardrobe full of things I’m taking for me. It’s reassuring to know I’m getting prepared, even though the thought of labour itself still feels daunting.
Baby Movement and Activity at 29-30 Weeks
The baby continues to get more and more active. It’s like he’s sucking all the energy out of me and using it to have his own little rave in there! Sometimes it feels like he’s moving for hours and hours at a time. The movements are so strange – I always thought you just felt kicks every now and then, but it’s swirling, turning, bouncing, and all sorts of peculiar sensations. It’s amazing and slightly uncomfortable all at once.
Going to Work
I actually went into work one day to meet a colleague briefly. I visited a branch nearby that I usually look after, and it was lovely to see people and have them come over to ask about the baby. I guess that’s a part I’ve missed out on with COVID – not many people have actually seen me pregnant in person, so it was quite nice to have those interactions.
Third Trimester Symptoms: Nausea Returns
I’ve started to feel a bit sick again, which was disappointing after feeling better for a while. I read that around this stage, your body is doing some final major developments like sorting out the baby’s lungs, so your pregnancy hormones surge and that can cause morning sickness to make an unwelcome return. I really hope it eases off soon because it’s not fun dealing with nausea again on top of everything else!
Wrist and Finger Pain: Another Pregnancy Symptom
Another thing I’ve been experiencing these past few weeks is wrist and finger pain. It started in my wrists and has now eased a bit, but the middle finger on my right hand hurts when I bend it – not ideal when I’m playing the piano! I read this can be due to your blood vessels getting thicker because of increased blood volume, which aggravates the nerves. It’s one of those pregnancy symptoms nobody tells you about beforehand.
Not long to go now – just 10 weeks or so left – but it feels like forever! Each week seems to drag by, yet somehow the days fly past. It’s a strange contradiction, but I suppose that’s pregnancy for you.
Final Thoughts
Weeks 29 and 30 have been about nesting, preparing, and dealing with the reality that baby brain is no joke! Getting the nursery finished felt like a huge achievement, and starting to pack hospital bags has made everything feel very real. The return of nausea and new symptoms like finger pain are challenging, but I’m trying to focus on the fact that we’re in the home stretch now.
Only about 10 weeks to go, though it feels simultaneously like ages and like no time at all. If you’re at a similar stage, I’d love to hear how you’re getting on in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions: 29-30 Weeks Pregnant
Is baby brain a real thing in pregnancy?
Yes! Baby brain, or ‘pregnancy brain,’ is absolutely real. Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the mental load of preparing for a baby can all affect your memory and concentration. I found myself doing silly things like putting milk in fizzy drinks repeatedly – it’s frustrating but completely normal.
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Most midwives recommend having your hospital bag ready by 36 weeks, but I started gathering things around 29-30 weeks. It gave me peace of mind to know I was gradually preparing, even though I still had time. Start with a box or bag and add items as you think of them or buy them.
Why does morning sickness come back in the third trimester?
It’s quite common for nausea to return in the third trimester due to another hormone surge as your baby’s development reaches final stages. In my case, it came back around 29-30 weeks, which research suggests is linked to major developments like lung maturation.
What causes wrist and finger pain during pregnancy?
Pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by increased blood volume making your blood vessels thicker, which can put pressure on nerves in your wrists and hands. I experienced this particularly in my middle finger, which was annoying when playing piano. It usually resolves after giving birth.
How active should baby be at 29-30 weeks?
At this stage, your baby should be quite active with regular movements throughout the day. I noticed mine seemed to have hours-long rave sessions! You should feel a pattern of movement, and if you notice any significant decrease, contact your midwife straight away.