Pregnancy Week 31

What does my baby look like?

This week, your baby is roughly the size of a coconut in length.

Your baby is very active right now, moving around, sucking their fingers, and every so often doing somersaults. As fat builds up under their skin, they start to look plumper and less wrinkled. And now that your baby can pee, the amount of amniotic fluid is increasing too.

Your baby's brain is developing quickly. The connections between nerve cells are multiplying; your baby can track light and is starting to process signals from all five senses. Through the amniotic fluid, they can even pick up on the tastes and smells of the foods you eat.

Your baby is beginning to recognize sounds from outside the womb. That's why having your partner, and any older children, talk to your belly can be a meaningful way to start bonding early.

Your baby's movements

It's a myth that babies move less as pregnancy nears the end. You should keep feeling your baby move right up until labor begins, and even during labor itself.

If you think your baby is moving less than usual or has stopped moving, don't wait, contact your doctor or a healthcare provider right away.

How many months pregnant?

This week you're in your seventh month of pregnancy, with about two months to go until delivery.

Your baby's position

Over the next few weeks, your baby will start settling into the position they'll be in for delivery. Most babies turn head down; in the vast majority of pregnancies, babies get ready for birth facing down with their back toward the mother's belly. This is one of the easiest and safest positions for delivery.

Some babies, though, stay in a different position. If you're worried about your baby's position, you should talk it over with your doctor.

Multiple pregnancy

If you're expecting more than one baby, delivery may be planned earlier than with a single pregnancy. This is to protect both you and your babies from complications. Your doctor will discuss this plan with you in detail.

What's happening in my body?

Your baby and your belly keep growing. Over the next few weeks, both you and your baby may go through one last growth spurt.

If this is your first baby, your doctor may measure the size of your uterus from your pubic bone up to the top of the womb. They may also gently feel your belly to figure out your baby's position.

Some moms-to-be feel their baby settle lower during these weeks. If your baby is still head up, there's usually a little more time for them to change position.

Whooping cough vaccine

If you haven't had the whooping cough vaccine yet, this is a good week to talk with your doctor about it. Getting this vaccine before week 33 increases the chance that your baby will be protected through you.

Braxton Hicks contractions

You may feel your uterus tighten or harden now and then. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions. They usually last about 30 seconds, come irregularly and infrequently, and are painless or only mildly uncomfortable.

Labor contractions, on the other hand, come at regular intervals and get stronger over time. If you're not sure whether what you're feeling is Braxton Hicks or a sign of preterm labor, let your doctor know. Since dehydration can bring on these contractions, it's important to drink enough fluids throughout the day.

Colostrum

If you notice a yellow or orange fluid leaking from your nipples, don't worry. This fluid is colostrum. It's rich in protein and antibodies and is an incredibly valuable first food for your newborn.

Whether or not your breasts leak, both are normal. You can use nursing pads to protect your clothes.

Frequent urination and leaking

Needing to pee often is very common in pregnancy. Hormones, the increased volume of fluid, and pressure on your bladder all contribute to it.

That said, frequent urination can sometimes be a sign of a urinary tract infection. Let your doctor know if you have pain when you pee, blood in your urine, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, a fever, or back or lower abdominal pain.

Some moms-to-be leak a little urine when they cough, laugh, sneeze, or exercise. This can be related to the pelvic floor muscles relaxing and the pressure of your growing uterus. Kegel exercises can help.

Back pain and sciatica

Lower back pain is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy, and it may become more noticeable during these weeks. As your uterus grows, your center of gravity shifts, your abdominal muscles stretch, and the load on your back increases.

Pain in your lower back or spreading from your hip down your legs may be related to sciatica. A warm compress, gentle stretching, walking, swimming, and appropriate exercise can bring relief. If the pain is severe, talk with your doctor.

Sleep problems

Getting comfortable sleep can be hard during these weeks. Your baby's movements, aches, frequent trips to the bathroom, and finding a comfortable position can all disrupt your sleep.

It can help to try different sleep positions, a pregnancy pillow, or some extra support. If lack of sleep is noticeably affecting your quality of life, let your doctor know.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

If you have tingling, numbness, and pain in your hands, you may be experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome. Fluid retention and swelling during pregnancy can put pressure on the nerve that runs through your wrist.

Symptoms can include swollen fingers, numbness, a feeling of warmth, and discomfort that gets worse especially at night. Resting, keeping your hand elevated, applying ice, hand exercises, and a nighttime splint can all help. These complaints usually ease up after delivery.

Itching

Itching is common in pregnancy. But sometimes it can be a sign of a more serious liver problem like intrahepatic cholestasis. You should talk with your doctor about itching that develops without a rash, gets worse at night, and is especially noticeable on your hands and feet.

If you're feeling clumsy

As your belly grows, your balance can change and you may feel clumsier. If you have a fall or take a blow to the belly, you should contact your doctor.

Symptoms you might notice this week can include:

• sleep problems
• stretch marks
• swollen and bleeding gums
• round ligament pain
• hemorrhoids
• back pain
• indigestion and heartburn
• bloating and constipation
• leg cramps
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urinary tract infections
• vaginal infections
• darkening of the face, or the mask of pregnancy
• oilier, more acne-prone skin
• thicker, shinier hair
• milky white vaginal discharge and light spotting

Do I need to eat for two?

"Eating for two" is a myth. In the third trimester, you only need about 200 extra calories a day.

Eating during this stage

If you use sweeteners, aspartame- and sucralose-based products are considered safe in pregnancy when consumed in moderation. Even so, it's better to choose natural and nourishing options as much as possible in your daily diet.

Options like fresh fruit, dried fruit, yogurt, and homemade smoothies can be a more balanced choice.

Nutrition for the third trimester

Your baby may gain another 1 to 1.5 kilos between now and delivery. That's why quality matters in your diet. Colorful vegetables, complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats make up a balanced foundation.

Iron is important for your baby's cognitive development. Vitamin C can help with iron absorption, so it can be helpful to eat iron-rich and vitamin C-rich foods together.

Shortness of breath

As your uterus grows, it can press on your diaphragm and lungs. This can leave you feeling short of breath. Standing up straight, eating smaller and more frequent meals, and lying on your left side propped up with pillows can bring relief.

Your prenatal care

You may have a checkup appointment during these weeks. At this visit, the size of your uterus may be measured, your blood pressure checked, your urine tested for protein, and your previous test results discussed.

Pilates, stretching, and light exercise

Low-impact exercise, especially walking, swimming, stretching, and Pilates, can help ease back pain and pelvic discomfort. You can check with your doctor about an exercise routine.

Pain relief options and your birth plan

You can start thinking about how you'd like to manage labor pain. There are various medical options, including an epidural, as well as medication-free methods. When making a birth plan, it's important to stay flexible.

Thinking about breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can help your baby fight off infections thanks to the antibodies in breast milk. It can also lower your baby's risk of respiratory and stomach infections. That said, not everyone is able to breastfeed. You can talk with your doctor about what's right for your situation.

After your baby arrives

It can help to think ahead to the time after your baby arrives. Learning in advance about postpartum care, feeding, sleep, and the support you'll need can make this period more manageable.

Your shoe size may go up

Your feet may swell and change shape during pregnancy. Comfortable shoes, and support socks if needed, can help.