Back to Pregnancy Week by Week Guide
You have finished 30 weeks of pregnancy! Congratulations! As you progress in your third trimester, you will notice how much weight you and your baby are fast gaining. Continue eating a well balanced diet and do not miss any of your routine checkups. Know more on how to handle these last few weeks of your pregnancy best in our short pregnancy e-book.
Changes in Your Body at Week 31 Pregnancy
As your pregnancy draws nearer and you soon step in the 32nd week of being pregnant, you will notice that although your ligament pain subsides, your back pain increases a lot. Although sleeping for long periods may be difficult for you, do try and relax as much as you possibly can.
At 31 weeks of pregnancy your breasts begin to prepare for lactation. So it is possible that you will notice a sticky yellowish substance leaking out from your breasts. This is called colostrum. And this is a very normal thing to happen.
You may also find that when you cough or sneeze you tend to leak a little urine. This is also a normal phenomenon at this stage of pregnancy.
Your Baby’s Development at Week 31 Pregnancy
The lungs are almost completely mature at this stage and it is able to inflate properly. It also produces surfactant which prevents it from collapsing after birth.
At 31 weeks of pregnancy the baby inside you can hear everything at this stage – even you breathing and your heart beating.
With its toe and finger nails fully formed, it has developed the ability to scratch itself in the womb.
The baby has reached the stage when it will open its eyes. And when it does it will focus and see things within a limited range.
Your baby is swallowing and urinating up to half litre a day at this stage. So the level of the amniotic fluid in the sac is very important now. Excess of it means that the baby isn’t swallowing properly. This could cause gastrointestinal problems. On the other hand, too little of it means that the baby is not urinating enough thereby causing kidney problems. The doctor will determine if all is fine or not by examining the size of your belly and match it with the ideal size that it should be at this stage of any woman’s pregnancy. He can even ask you to do an ultrasound.
Week 31 Pregnancy Tips and Advice
At 31 weeks of pregnancy the best sleeping posture is on your side. Use a side pillow to support your back and your tummy to make it more comfortable for you.
Practice Kegel exercises to prevent sudden urine leakage when you sneeze, cough or laugh. Also use panty liners for added protection.
Week 31 Fun
While you still have some energy left, get your house cleaned. But don’t try and do it all on your own, get friends and relatives to help you. And make it as baby safe as possible.
At 31 weeks of pregnancy speak to your doctor and take a tour of the birthing center. Familiarize yourself with the surrounding before the final day arrives. It feels nice.
So have you begun doing your Kegel exercises? Are they helping you? Join our due date club here and share your thoughts with other mums-to-be.
Week 31 Pregnancy Articles – Coming Soon!!!
Week 31 Pregnancy Discussions
- 31 weeks pregnant and amniotic fluid high
- Is the thick yellow discharge the mucous plug?
- Can I use nipple cream for the cracks?
- Does acupuncture help for breech babies?
Week 31 Have a Laugh
Two little boys overheard talking:
Boy 1: My mom is having a new baby.
Boy 2: What’s wrong with the old one?