Your baby is getting ready for this world and we know you can`t wait to hold your little one in your arms. Your growing uterus may be making things (and life) a little difficult for you and you must be having trouble in moving, but this is just a sign that your baby is developing well. By week 31, all of your baby`s five senses are fully developed and are getting smarter. But there is so much more happening in week 31. Here`s what to expect at the 31st week of pregnancy.

Baby Growth

By this time, your baby`s brain development is in full swing. Billions of synapses form between its neurons and are constantly receiving information from all five senses. Your baby should be practicing expressions, breathing, swimming in amniotic fluid, and sucking its thumb. Your baby will now respond to your voice with a series of kicks and punches, but not hard enough to cause serious pain or injury. Some babies hiccup all the time, so be prepared to be shaken by its movements when it hiccups at night. Your little one now has fully functional eyes this week, allowing them to react to light. The amount of muscle and fat in the body is higher than ever before. You`ll also notice that it sways on any melody you play for it.

There may be a decrease in baby movements at 31 weeks of pregnancy. This inactivity may increase in the later stages of pregnancy. Especially after the baby`s head falls into the pelvis, there is not much room for movement in the uterus. In addition, as the pregnancy progresses, babies develop movement and sleep patterns. This is why you may notice periods of increased or decreased activity of 1-3 hours. A decrease in fetal movements at the 31st week of pregnancy may indicate umbilical cord or placenta problems. If you are worried that your baby`s movements are decreasing, be sure to share this with your doctor. It may ask you when you last felt the movement and how many times you felt it in the last few hours. It would be best for you to make these measurements and contact your doctor.

Baby Size

At 31 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is the same size as a coconut. Baby weighs approximately 1502 g, is approximately 41.1 cm from head to toe.

Common Body Changes

It must be getting harder and harder each week to carry your little one in your womb. Here are some of the changes you can expect in your body at 31-week pregnancy. You may have experienced some of these symptoms before.

1. Difficulty in breathing: Your lungs will feel tight for breathing as the fetus is constantly pushing up on your uterus. This causes you to breathe shallower and less often than usual, but luckily you don`t have to worry about your baby getting oxygen through your placenta. If you do cardio regularly, it`s time to slow down a bit. Be prepared for shortness of breath because the pressure on your lungs will increase in the coming months.

1. Breast discharge: Your breasts will produce a yellow liquid called colostrum that your baby will feed on for the first three days after birth.

1. Sensitized nails: By now, your hair and nails should have grown rapidly, but after 31 weeks, your nails may break and crack easily due to hormonal fluctuations. The best thing you can do is to keep them short!

1. Braxton Hicks contractions: These false contractions will bother you more than ever before. Staying hydrated and not sitting or lying in the same positions will help alleviate some of this discomfort.

Pregnancy Symptoms

Here are some signs of pregnancy at week 31:

1. Frequent urination urges: As your due date approaches, your bathroom trips will increase. As your baby grows and your uterus expands, the uterus pushes against the bladder and you may feel the need to urinate frequently.

1. Back pain: Your baby`s weight puts pressure on your spine and may change your posture. You may also find it difficult to balance, especially if your posture is uneven. Be sure to do some simple stretches to relax and learn some good posture techniques.

1. Sleeping problems: This is not directly caused by the pregnancy itself, but by other pregnancy symptoms that can keep you awake at night. Back pain, leg cramps, indigestion, waking up to urinate or not being able to find a comfortable position to sleep can make it difficult for you to sleep.

1. Pelvic pain: Pelvic pain can occur due to the expanding uterus pushing against the pelvic girdle. It can be quite difficult to bear, so contact your doctor or physical therapist for some exercises that will relieve the pain.

Abdomen

At the beginning of the 31st week, your weight should have increased by 10-12 kg, which is normal. Your tummy can be tight and dry and itchy, so have some moisturizer handy.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound can now be a weekly affair so the doctor can keep an eye on the pregnancy, especially if you have complications like diabetes or are carrying multiple babies. The scan will show that your baby is now almost completely formed, including all of its organ systems. If it is a boy, his testicles will descend into the scrotum, and if it is a girl, her clitoris will be fully developed. You can also have a 3D ultrasound that shows detailed features of your baby`s face and body.

What to Eat?

Your baby`s health depends on your diet, so make sure you`re getting appropriate portions of protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy products. Eating smaller meals more frequently is preferred to prevent indigestion and stomach cramps. Fried, processed and fat-rich foods should be avoided or consumed sparingly. Add the following foods to your 31st week pregnancy diet.

1. Vitamin C and iron: As your little one is starting to make its own blood cells, it needs more iron in its diet. And adding some vitamin C will help the iron be better absorbed. So eat nutritious foods like cooked spinach, citrus fruits, fish, lean meats and cooked green vegetables.

1. Calcium: Calcium is absolutely necessary for the development of the baby`s bones, cartilage and nails. In addition, you also need calcium to stay fit. Consume milk, kale, spinach and soybeans for calcium.

Although your body needs both iron and calcium, be careful not to take both supplements together, as calcium can interfere with the absorption of iron in the body. To avoid this, you can take individual supplements at different times during the day.

Care Tips

Here are a few tips that will come in handy at this point in your pregnancy:

1. This is the right time to apply for an antenatal course. Trainers are well-equipped to deal with all aspects of childbirth, such as pain management, stress relief, and caring for your newborn. So go ahead and attend a prenatal class. It will be a wonderful experience for you and your partner.

1. It`s not too early to have your hospital bag ready. So go ahead and start packing your hospital bag.

1. Drink at least 2-3 liters of water a day to stay fresh and hydrated.

1. Do exercises such as Kegels to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. However, do these exercises only after consulting your doctor.

Don’ts

1. Don`t assume that facial swelling has anything to do with gaining weight. It could also be a sign of preeclampsia, so talk to your doctor right away.

1. Wearing rings or watches can cause circulation problems. Sometimes a ring can get very tight on your finger and can`t come off. If swelling occurs, you can stop using jewelry and accessories that will disturb you during this period.

Shopping

It may be time to think about how you would like your newborn`s room to be decorated. Go ahead and buy cute little things to decorate your baby`s room. Buy enough maternity clothes to sustain the pregnancy, but don`t forget post-pregnancy clothes. You should also consider purchasing nutritional supplies such as breastfeeding bras, feeding bottles, etc.

Your baby should arrive at 10 weeks or less, so it`s best to be prepared for your baby`s arrival. And while you await its arrival, don`t forget to enjoy your pregnancy journey with your partner and family. Have a happy and healthy pregnancy!