Week Thirty-One Pregnancy

You Are

By this stage, which is late in the third trimester, your body is geared towards ensuring that all the support is available for your baby’s growth. Feeling tired, struggling to breathe, and backaches can be caused by your baby’s increased weight on your organs. You can begin to see more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions as your body prepares for delivery.

Hand and foot swelling is normal, but go to the hospital immediately if you have rapid swelling, severe headaches, or vision changes, as these could be signs of preeclampsia. Now, use this time to prepare your birth plan, collect all the necessary hospital items and take childbirth preparation classes if you haven’t done it yet.

Your Baby

By the time your baby is 31 weeks old, they are approximately the size of a coconut, weighing 3.3 to 3.5 pounds and 16 inches in length. Brain development speeds up now, so your baby can feel light, interpret stimuli, and regulate their body temperature. Even though your baby’s lungs are developing further, they are not yet fully prepared for breathing outside the womb.

Your baby is moving more often and with greater intensity at this stage. If you notice that your baby is moving less, count the kicks and contact your healthcare provider if you are unsure.

During pregnancy, drink lots of fluids, eat healthy foods, and get restful sleep. It’s almost the end game – just a little time until you welcome your little one.