31 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Body Changes, Precautions, Baby’s Development & More

At this juncture of your pregnancy, the baby will be able to recognize a few voices. Now you don’t have to be worried as 31 weeks pregnant guide will supplement with a lot of information valid for your healthy and happy pregnancy. Many women may also complain of absent-mindedness and experience forgetfulness. This symptom is often referred to as pregnancy brain. You may feel anxious as the due date is approaching closer.

Symptoms of 31st Week Pregnancy

You may be experiencing some of the symptoms that you’ve experienced earlier. Below mentioned is a list –

Braxton Hicks

These false contractions are one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy’s third trimester. Braxton hicks only practices contractions to prepare you for the upcoming preterm labor. To ease the discomfort caused by these contractions keep changing your positions often and also drink plenty of water. If the frequency of these contractions keeps on increasing then contact the doctor immediately.

Increase in Weight

As your weight keeps on increasing, you’ll have trouble moving around comfortably and may feel difficulty in breathing. Don’t push yourself too much. Doing exercise is important but make sure that you don’t drain out yourself. Take breaks in between so that you get enough rest.

Delicate Nails

Some women experience that their nails are becoming dry and they break easily. Although the growth rate is pretty fast. You can apply cuticle moisturizing lotion to your nails.

Colostrum

Boobs may begin to leak a yellow color liquid called colostrum. It is thick, nutrient-rich milk that flows from the breasts before the breast milk. It is a baby’s first food and is known to increase the baby’s immunity power.

Frequent Urination

As the uterus grows it will start to exert pressure on the bladder. Due to this, you will have to take frequent bathroom breaks. You may also feel the problem of peeing while you sneeze.

Backache

Backache is a very common problem as your belly grows in size. You should do stretching as much as possible. Even a prenatal yoga class can help you.

Discomfort in Sleeping

You will face trouble sleeping peacefully. Your back is hurting, you are getting contractions in the belly plus it is difficult to find a comfortable position. All these discomforts may affect your sleep.

Common Problems During 31st Week Pregnancy

You will be having aches in different parts of the body. You will find it difficult to move around comfortably. Sleeping peacefully is a dream for you since you cannot lie down comfortably. Buy a pregnancy pillow to cushion your back.

Precautions/Warning During 31st Week of Pregnancy

Follow the below-mentioned precautions for the best results.

31 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Dos

Precautionary dos are those things you have to do.

• You may feel breathless sometimes but then also keep on breathing more. Perform breathing exercises that will help you to keep going.
• Start doing Kegel exercises as you are battling with symptoms of incontinence. You can join a prenatal birth class where the trainer will teach you how to perform them correctly. This exercise will help in strengthening your pelvic muscles and increase their endurance power.
• Drink a lot of water to stay away from issues of heartburn, dropping levels of blood sugar, and constipation. If you are bored of drinking plain water then you can drink other healthy fluids like fresh fruit juices, tender coconut water, lemonade, etc. It also does help in relieving the symptoms of constipation.
• There will be some discomfort to maintain a good posture at all times. However, you must continue sleeping on your left side. While sitting develop a practice of sitting straight using a good support for your back. This will help you to avoid putting pressure on your sciatica nerve.
• Make sure that you are consuming a nutritious diet. Try and eat small healthy meals at regular intervals throughout the day.

31 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Don’ts

Precautionary donuts are the things you’ve to avoid doing.

• Working out at this stage may seem like a task. However, you must not stop doing this basic yoga and stretches. You must consult the trainer to suggest postures that are easy to practice.
• Stop working overtime in the office. Delegate your work to your close ones and start taking a rest.
• Don’t consume spicy foods, acidic foods, fast food, etc. because it increases constipation and heartburn symptoms.
• It is very obvious that alcohol, smoking, and drugs are a big No during pregnancy. It is time for you to get rid of all the addictions.
• You must be dealing with a lot of stressful thoughts at this moment but stop worrying. Think positive and stay away from all kinds of negativity. Negative thoughts can have a direct effect on your baby.

Baby Growth and Development

At 31 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus will be in the middle of a growth spurt to achieve birth height and weight. It will be very active inside the tummy. The kicking and somersaults inside the tummy may keep you awake at night. It’s a clear indication that your child is healthy.

The ears, eyes, and brain have fully developed. Now the baby can react to light as well as sound. So, it is advised to avoid fighting, loud noises, etc since it may make the baby upset.

The baby is losing lanugo which is fur-like fine hair covering the baby’s body. Baby will be developing hair on its head now.

The arms and legs of the baby are developing and are in proportion with the rest of the body. Fingernails and toenails are also developing. Babies may scratch themselves sometimes while playing inside the tummy.

Baby is also able to turn his head from one side to the other. He will be sucking his thumb and also hiccupping at the same time.

Other organs such as the bladder are also growing and developing. The baby can pee around 2 cups of urine in the amniotic fluid daily. The quantity of amniotic fluid is very important as well. Too much fluid indicates the baby may not be able to swallow and if the fluid is too less then maybe the baby is not urinating properly.

Baby’s bone marrow is also growing which helps them to produce red blood cells. The digestive system and lungs are almost developed and the baby continues to grow rapidly.

Baby Size in the 31st Week of Pregnancy

What is the baby’s size in the 31st week of pregnancy?

In the 31st week of pregnancy, your baby is approximately 41.1 cm long and is the size of a coconut.

Parental Care During 31st Week of Pregnancy

What parental care is needed during the 31st week of pregnancy?

You must visit the doctor twice a month. The doctor will check the baby’s growth progress and make sure that you are not having any serious complications. You must continue taking the supplements as advised by the doctor. Make sure that you follow all the directions given by the doctor regarding your lifestyle changes, dietary habits, exercise routine, etc.

Changes in Feelings in the 31st Week of Pregnancy

The pregnant women will have changes on the grounds of looks, feelings, and experiences.

31 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Changes in Feelings

How will you feel during the 31st week of pregnancy?

What changes you will experience in feelings during the 31st week of pregnancy?

As the due date is coming closer it is natural to feel a little apprehensive. But if you are dreaded by anxiety then you must speak with someone. Too much fear may cause an increase in your stress hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol in your body can cause health issues.

You will start to imagine your life with your baby as an integral part of it.

Many women get confused about so much information available about pregnancy and delivery care. Remember to consult your doctor always and filter only the information which applies to you.

31 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Changes in Experience

What changes you will experience during week 31 of pregnancy?

The changes experienced are –

• You will experience swelling as the fluid retention begins to increase.
• You may experience urine leakage as and when you sneeze, cough, or lift heavy objects. It may make you feel embarrassed and frustrated at times. Try to do Kegel exercises to reduce this symptom of incontinence.
• Constipation, heartburn, breathlessness, and Braxton hicks will be a part of your daily routine.

31 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Change in Looks

What will you look like during the 31st week of pregnancy?

In week 31 of pregnancy, you will have a large prominent belly. Although this is not the final look. You will keep increasing till the child’s birth. Your back will begin to curve slightly due to the additional weight on the belly.

Diet During the 31st Week of Pregnancy

31 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Dietary Dos

What should you eat during the 31st week of pregnancy?

Which food you should avoid during the 31st week of pregnancy?

• During the last trimester, it is very important for you to eat foods that are rich in calcium and iron. Calcium strengthens babies’ bones and makes them stronger. You must include enough iron in your diet since there will be a lot of blood loss at the time of delivery. Consume nuts, green leafy vegetables, dry fruits, milk, lean meat, etc.
• Consuming a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats is important. For carbohydrates, you can eat cereals, whole grains, potatoes, sweet potatoes, nuts, legumes, etc. For proteins eat fish, lean meat, beans, egg white, yogurt, soy milk, etc. Eat nuts, fish, eggs, and peanut butter to fulfill your quota of fats. Always remember, do not overeat.
• Fibrous foods are important throughout pregnancy. They have a high nutritive value and also contain the right amount of fiber which you will need to get relief from constipation. Consume white beans, black beans, brown rice, avocados, corn, etc.
• Drinking plenty of water is important during this time. You can also drink healthy fluids like fruit juices, lemonade, kokum sherbet, etc.

31 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Dietary Don’ts

There are certain foods that you must avoid during pregnancy to get relief from different pregnancy symptoms and to avoid gaining excess weight.

• Drinking coffee as your due date is approaching can make you very uncomfortable. Caffeine present in coffee can affect the fetus as well as your sleep patterns. Caffeine is also present in chocolates, aerated soft drinks, etc.
• Avoid consuming milk products that are not pasteurized. They may have the presence of disease-causing germs.
• Some of the fishes have the presence of methylmercury in them. This can prove to be harmful to the nervous system of the fetus. eg. shark, swordfish, marlin, tilapia, etc. If you are craving fish then pick the ones which are not fatty.
• Avoid eating pate since they may contain the presence of microorganisms like Listeria. Although, they cause flu-like symptoms in you, but can prove fatal for the newborn baby. Similarly, don’t consume undercooked or raw eggs, shellfish, cured meat, etc throughout your pregnancy.

Sex During 31st Week of Pregnancy

Is it safe to have sex during the 31st week of pregnancy?

Get you and your husband tested to know if you’re suffering from any kind of sexually transmitted disease. If there is nothing to be worried about and the doctor has given you the go-ahead, then there is no need to worry. You can have sex in comfortable positions without putting pressure on the tummy. The doctor will also inform you if you cannot have sex due to certain complications like the risk of miscarriage, preterm labor, or any other pregnancy-related complications. Some women do not feel like having sex during this time which is fine and very normal.

Doctor Consultation in the 31st Week of Pregnancy

Do I need to visit a doctor in the 31st week of pregnancy?

What should you discuss with the doctor?

Now you will be seeing the doctor two times every month to ensure that your pregnancy is safe and progressing properly. Blood and urine routine tests will be done to check for any signs of infection and to check levels of glucose.

The doctor will be monitoring your blood pressure, fetal heartbeat, and edema to make sure that everything is safe. The size and shape of your uterus will be also checked.

31 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Test/ Procedure

In this week of pregnancy, your doctor will examine if your pregnancy has any kind of complications and will recommend a test for abnormalities if required.

Supplements in the 31st Week of Pregnancy

Do you need to take supplements during the 31st week of pregnancy?

You need to take folic acid, iron, and calcium supplements throughout your pregnancy. Folic acid is very important as it can save your baby from any birth defects or neural tube defects like spina bifida. Increase the intake of vitamin C in your diet which is the key factor for absorption of folic acid. Calcium is important as the baby needs a lot of calcium for the bone development and development of the skeletal system. You can get this component from natural food sources as well. However, taking supplements is equally necessary.

31 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Important Points to Know

A lot is happening in this week of pregnancy inside your tummy. Just follow all the instructions given by your doctor and stay healthy in this time of important development. The development of babies is going to get more noticeable now. Don’t worry, just enjoy this exciting phase.

Preparation Guidelines for Baby

Start by enrolling in pregnancy classes if available near your home.

Remember that every labor story is unique and the intensity of pain is different. If you’re pregnant for the first time, you’ll get a lot of advice from family and friends but follow the recommendations of your doctor. It is the right time to think of some beautiful and meaningful baby names. Also set plans for saving your baby’s umbilical cord or placenta then you must discuss it with your gynecologist.