What You Can Expect
At this age, your baby’s organs and senses are still immature. The lungs are growing and getting stronger but your baby may need help to breath or to make breathing easier. Your baby’s brain is growing quickly. If you could see it, it is more wrinkled.
His skin is sensitive to touch. When you touch one part of your baby’s body, you may see movement in another part. He startles easily. When active, your baby’s movements are sometimes jerky; he will try to stretch his arms and legs, and his legs may move actively.
Your baby is starting to lose the fine hair that covers his body. With a little more fat, your baby may be able to control his own temperature but will need a little help from the incubator so he can grow. He can blink his eyes and respond to light and dark, though bright lights may be too much for him. By 30 weeks, he may have alert times lasting several minutes, but he gets tired easily and may hiccup, sneeze or even cry with too much activity.
Your baby needs a lot of sleep to grow and gain weight. His stomach and intestines are still growing. Your baby will not be ready to feed from a bottle or breast but you may see your baby “rooting.” He is starting to develop his suck but doesn’t know how to suck, swallow and breath at the same time. Pacifier use and skin-to-skin care while being fed will help develop these skills for future feedings.
Your baby’s eyes can open for short periods of time but he can’t yet focus. Upon hearing your voice, your baby may become quiet and still or may sometimes look to you. He may begin to try to listen to soft sounds, but he is still sensitive to many sounds.
Things You Can Do For Your Baby
- Continue to do the things from 26-28 weeks gestation.
- Skin-to-skin care. Avoid rocking, this is too much for him.
- Don’t stroke or rub the skin.
- Let the baby rest so he can grow and gain weight.
- Your baby needs darkness for sleep and some light when awake. Shield his eyes from bright light.
- Avoid using toys or pictures; your face is enough to try to focus on.
- Talk, read or sing to your baby in a low quiet voice for short periods of time.
- Avoid strong smells like perfume, scented lotions, or cigarette smoke.
- Offer pacifier and hold your baby during tube feedings.
- Your baby may suck on a pacifier, but he will need your help to hold it in.
- You may be able to do some hands-on care for your baby. Move your baby slowly and gently when changing his diaper or taking a temperature.
- Avoid lifting the baby’s legs with diaper change.
- You may be able to help bathe your baby, check with your nurse.
- Your baby may be able to wear clothes so you can bring in a few outfits.