Is the baby fully developed at 31 weeks? What position is the baby in at 31 weeks? What not to do at 31 weeks pregnant? Here's everything you need to know about this stage, mum-to-be.
31 Weeks Pregnant in Months
31 weeks pregnant is how many months?
Congratulations! 31 weeks pregnant is approximately 7 months and 3 weeks into the pregnancy. You're well into the third trimester, and getting closer and closer to your due date.
Week 31 of Pregnancy: Baby
Pregnancy week 31 means your baby is getting bigger and bigger. Your baby is almost ready to make their way into the world.
The umbilical cord is still attached to your baby, and you'll be able to feel it pulsating as your baby moves around in there. The placenta—the organ that provides nutrients to your growing baby— is also growing rapidly and has a lot of work ahead of it—about half of your baby's blood supply will come from the placenta at this point.
The growing fetus is busy absorbing nutrients from its mother's bloodstream, oxygen through her placenta, and even some toxins that would otherwise harm its delicate system! Most of these nutrients come through the umbilical cord, which connects the placenta to your baby's navel (belly button).
Baby’s Growth
At week 31 of pregnancy, your pumpkin is as big as a small pumpkin or a coconut! They now weigh 1.6 kg and measure 28 cm. Your baby is getting bigger and rounder. Their head is becoming more proportionate to their body, making them look more 'human.'
The last few weeks of your pregnancy have been a whirlwind of excitement, anticipation, and preparation. You’ve probably already started buying baby clothes and decorating the nursery.
Your baby is now more than 5 pounds and growing at an incredible rate of up to half an inch per week! That’s right—your baby will continue to grow rapidly over the next few weeks before it finally starts to slow down and enter the world.
Baby's Development
Is the baby fully developed at 31 weeks?
At 31 weeks, the baby's development is advanced, but they are not fully developed. Many of the baby's organs and systems are functioning, but their lungs may still be maturing, and they will continue to gain weight and develop until the end of the pregnancy.
Babies born prematurely at 31 weeks may require medical assistance and neonatal care to support their development outside the womb.
In this week-by-week pregnancy guide, you'll learn that:
- Your baby’s arms, legs, and body are now in proportion with their head, which they can turn from side to side.
- Their organs continue to develop, including the bladder, which will now be passing water. Think of it as practice for peeing later—a major development for week 31 of pregnancy.
- Your little one is also getting plumper, with needed fat accumulating underneath their skin.
- Their eyes can recognise light, so they know when it is bright and dark now, but they still won't necessarily get into a sleeping or moving-about routine.
- Baby is now busy making faces, hiccuping, swallowing, breathing, peddling with their hands and feet along your uterine wall, and even sucking their thumb.
Baby’s Hearing
At week 31 of your pregnancy, your baby's ear structures have developed enough to hear the noises around them.
Their hearing has developed and is now fully functional. They can hear the sound of your voice, and they're also able to hear the sound of other voices. The more you talk to your baby, the more he or she will learn about language and be able to interact with you later on in life.
Your baby's hearing will continue to develop over the next few months, so it is important to talk with your baby and play music for them. It's also a good time to start using sign language with your baby if you're planning on doing so.
Baby’s Teeth
By this point, your baby is starting to grow teeth. She has all the teeth she needs to chew food when she’s born, but they aren’t visible yet because they’re still under her gums.
Baby’s Movement
It's time to get excited!
You can expect to feel your baby move more frequently at the end of pregnancy. This is because your baby has grown bigger and stronger, which means it can move around more.
This is good because it means your baby is healthy and growing well. It may take a little while to notice these movements because they are so small. But as your baby grows, you can feel them more easily.
What position is the baby in at 31 weeks?
At 31 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is often positioned head down in preparation for birth. This position, known as "cephalic" or "vertex" presentation, is the ideal and most common position for delivery. The baby's head is typically nestled snugly in the mother's pelvis, while their feet and legs may be tucked up against their body.
This head-down position allows for a smoother and safer delivery through the birth canal. However, it's essential to note that not all babies are in this position at 31 weeks, and some may still be moving around and changing positions before settling into the final birthing position closer to the due date.
31 Weeks Pregnant: Your Body
As you approach the last leg of your pregnancy, you and your baby are ready to make your big debut. Your body is doing everything it can to prepare for the big day, and we're here to help you stay informed on what's happening inside and out.
The placenta has nearly doubled in size over the past 3 weeks. At 31 weeks pregnant, your body is continuing its process of preparing for labour, but it's not quite time yet! The amniotic sac will continue getting thicker, which means more fluid surrounding your little one so they can float around in their little water world without bumping into anything too hard.
Your uterus is now measuring around 5 inches above your belly button and is pushing against your diaphragm (stomach muscle), which has been pushed down by this growth spurt.
This can cause shoulder pain, backaches, and a tight chest. If you haven't already, it would be a good time to start taking prenatal vitamins with iron since they will be an extra boost during this rapid growth!
Your belly is starting to stretch. It's not the same kind of stretching as your body does when you've eaten too much or pulled a muscle, though.
31 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
At this point, you may also notice that some of your symptoms have begun to diminish. This is because your body is adjusting in preparation for birth. The hormone relaxin makes it easier for your pelvis to open up and make room for delivery.
Your uterus has also grown considerably since you were first pregnant, so it may feel like there isn’t much room left inside your abdomen anymore. However, don’t worry—your baby can still fit!
- At week 31 of pregnancy, you will experience frequent urination as your uterus puts more pressure on your bladder, which now has less room to store urine.
- You may get occasional headaches. If tension is twisting your head up in knots, spend a few minutes in a dark, quiet room.
- That growing belly can hurt as it curves to accommodate the load. Now is the time to incorporate some prenatal yoga into your exercise routine.
- Feel like you are getting more forgetful? This is a condition that’s a result of shrinking brain-cell volume in the third trimester. Of course, your brain cells go back to normal a few months after delivery.
- You also get some practice for real labour when you notice a quick tightening of the uterine muscles. Learn how to differentiate Braxton Hicks from real contractions, so you don't get anxious.
- Your body is also getting ready to take care of your baby's needs so you may experience leaking breasts at week 31 of pregnancy. It's nothing to worry about. Use some breast pads to avoid milk-stained clothes.
What are 31 weeks pregnant symptoms that you should not ignore?
While some discomfort is common during pregnancy, certain symptoms at 31 weeks pregnant should not be ignored and should be reported to a healthcare provider promptly. These symptoms may include:
- severe abdominal pain
- vaginal bleeding
- significant changes in fetal movements
- high blood pressure
- severe headaches
- blurred vision
- symptoms of preterm labour (such as regular contractions before the due date)
Any of these signs may indicate a potential complication that requires medical evaluation and intervention to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.
Maternal Weight Gain
You've probably been wondering how much you should gain during pregnancy, and now you have an answer: your own body is the best judge of that. Your doctor will likely recommend that you gain between 25 and 35 pounds. That's a lot of weight! But don't worry—it's nothing you can't handle with a little planning and support from your partner.
As you continue gaining weight, keep in mind that it's perfectly normal for your belly to expand outward and downward as the baby grows. You might feel like your belly is getting too big, but don't be afraid of it—this means there's more room for the baby!
The good news is that most of this extra weight will come off after delivery. Some women lose more than half their pregnancy weight within six months postpartum.
Nutrition
At 31 weeks pregnant, you may feel more tired than ever, but you're also closer to the finish line. Your baby is almost here! If you're starting to feel your body change, it's important to be aware that this is normal and healthy during pregnancy.
This week, we'll talk about maternal nutrition: what nutrients are important for your baby and how you can get them in your diet.
You probably know that protein is an essential nutrient for your developing baby, but did you know it also helps build up your muscle mass? That's right—pregnancy is not just about creating a new life—it's also about creating a stronger one for yourself.
Pregnancy Care: Your Checklist at 31 Weeks Pregnant
- Take it easy when you’re climbing into the shower or tub. Roll up any area rugs that could trip you up at home.
- Take a walk during the day or get some other form of low-key, circulation-boosting exercise.
- Is your hospital bag packed? If not, now’s a good time to get it ready, just in case. Here's our delivery bag checklist, which you can download.
- Take a tour of the birthing centre or hospital where you plan to deliver.
- If you notice sudden facial swelling, talk to your doctor. Along with changes in vision and headaches, swelling can signify preeclampsia.
What not to do at 31 weeks pregnant?
It's important to avoid activities and behaviours that could pose risks to both the mother and the baby at this time. This includes avoiding smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs. Additionally, pregnant individuals should be cautious about heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and activities that could lead to falls or injury.
It's crucial to follow medical advice, attend prenatal appointments, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to support the well-being of both the mother and the developing baby.
Your next week: 32 weeks pregnant
Your previous week: 30 weeks pregnant
Updates from Pheona Ilagan
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