Learn what’s happening in week 31 of pregnancy and find out how your baby is developing.
At 31 weeks pregnant, you might be feeling big, clumsy and breathless. However, you are entering the eight-month of your pregnancy which means that you are getting closer to meeting your baby.
Your little one is now the size of butternut squash and has 95% chances of survival if you were to give birth this week.
What Happens in Your Body in Pregnancy Week 31?
At 31 week, your uterus is significantly larger and is pushing the internal organs, crowding your lungs and making it difficult for you to breathe. This results in shortness of breath, one of the most annoying symptoms of pregnancy at 31 weeks.
While this shortness of breath may feel uncomfortable to you, your baby is content because is getting his oxygen from the placenta.
Heartburn and indigestion are common symptoms of pregnancy at this stage. To avoid heartburn, try eating small meals more often and drink plenty of water.
Braxton Hick contractions also known as practice contraction are also one of the common pregnancy symptoms at 31 weeks. They will prepare you for your real labor contractions and offer a good opportunity to practice breathing exercises.
Your baby is getting bigger so the strain on your body will be more noticeable. You may also experience lower back pain and leg cramps.
Changes in Your Body at 31 Weeks Pregnant
You may notice a yellow, creamy substance leaking from your breasts. This substance is the early breast milk called colostrum. Not all pregnant women leak colostrum, but it is considered a normal symptom either way.
If you experience leaking during the day, you can place nursing pads inside your bra to absorb the colostrum.
Your belly is expanding more, causing your skin to stretch a little more. You may develop stretch marks in the third trimester, so try to watch your weight gain.
Your Baby at 31 Week of Pregnancy
Your baby is gaining more weight and is quickly approaching his birth length. The little one is now 18 inches long and weighs over three pounds.
The brain is developing rapidly and is now processing information and perceiving signals from all five senses.
Your baby is spending long periods of time in REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. He or she is also busy making faces, swallowing, hiccupping, breathing, sucking his/her thumb and pedaling with those tiny hands and feet.
Pregnancy Week 31 Tips
Your baby is now storing iron that will help him/her grow after birth, so it’s very important to boost your iron stores. Eat more iron-rich food including red meat, cereals, legumes, green leafy vegetables, and dried fruits.
Getting enough Vitamin C helps in iron absorption.
Aim to eat frequent small meals throughout the day to prevent heartburn and indigestion.
Your due date is approaching which means you can start practicing breathing and relaxation techniques. Be aware of your baby’s kick pattern and mark your due date on your pregnancy calendar.
The 31 week is a good week to nail down all the details of the baby’s birth. If you are going to a hospital, you may be able to pre-register soon.