31 Weeks Pregnant
At 31 weeks pregnant, your baby is continuing to grow and prepare for the world outside the uterus. Our article provides insights into your baby’s development and position, symptoms you may experience, and some tips on managing symptoms and preparing for delivery at 31 weeks pregnant.
Highlights at 31 Weeks Pregnant
Here are some of the highlights and action items from 31 weeks pregnant:
At 31 weeks, your baby is now about the size of a coconut!
As your breasts grow, you might want to consider purchasing some maternity bras for extra support and comfort.
It's time to find out what your delivery options are and think about how you want to feed your baby when they arrive—preparation is key!
If you’re looking for the perfect baby name, try our Baby Name Generator for some inspiration:
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31 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development
Now that you’re 31 weeks pregnant, it's good to know what's going on with your baby's development.
Around 31 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is quickly gaining weight, and their weight will double during the last couple of months.
Your little one’s brain is maturing rapidly. As a result, your baby may start to regulate their own body temperature, meaning they’re no longer entirely reliant on the amniotic fluid for warmth.
You’re not the only one who may have frequent urination! Your baby is swallowing amniotic fluid and peeing several cups back out each day.
If you’re 31 weeks pregnant with twins, check out our twin pregnancy guide to find out more about what your little ones are up to.
How Many Months Is 31 Weeks Pregnant?
If you’re wondering what 31 weeks is in months, you won't find a single, standard answer, as there are various ways to group the 40 weeks of pregnancy into 9 months. However, at 31 weeks gestation, you’re likely coming to the end of your seventh month of pregnancy.
So, what trimester is 31 weeks? At this stage, you’re in the third trimester—the final leg of your pregnancy journey.
Around 31 weeks pregnant, it’s also common to wonder how many days are left until you give birth. Usually, your healthcare provider will provide you with an estimate of your due date, but you can never be 100 percent sure when your little one will decide to make an appearance.
How Big Is a Baby at 31 Weeks Pregnant?
At 31 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a coconut and may weigh close to 4 pounds. They are growing rapidly during this period and will need plenty of nutrients to continue this growth.
Your Baby: What Does 31 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?
Check out the illustration below for a sense of what your baby may look like and their position at 31 weeks pregnant.
Your Body at 31 Weeks Pregnant
Around 31 weeks pregnant, you may be noticing some pregnancy-related changes to your breasts. For example, you may start to see reddish streaks on the skin—hello, stretch marks!
There’s not much you can do to prevent stretch marks from forming on your breasts, or elsewhere for that matter, but the striations may fade with time after you give birth. Try to stay hydrated and keep your skin moisturized—this may also help to ease any itchiness of the skin.
As your breasts grow, you may also find that you need to go up a bra size or two so that you get proper support. If you haven’t already, head to your local maternity wear store or department store and ask for a professional maternity bra fitting.
Maternity bras often have wider straps, more coverage in the cup, and extra rows of bra hooks so you can adjust the size as needed. Plus, you can continue using them after your baby is born! Night-time maternity bras provide extra support while you sleep, and maternity sports bras, too. Later in the third trimester, your breasts may leak a thick, yellowish fluid called colostrum. Not all pregnant people experience this leakage, but, if you do, you can tuck a gauze pad or a nursing pad into your bra to absorb the colostrum.
Once your baby is born, colostrum provides a breastfed baby with nourishing proteins and antibodies. Colostrum is produced for a few days before breast milk starts flowing.
31 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms
At 31 weeks pregnant, here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing:
Hand pain. You may experience what’s called carpal tunnel syndrome. This is when the tissues swell in your hands and press on the nerves, causing a tingling sensation or numbness in your hands. Typically, once you give birth and the swelling goes down, these symptoms will go away. For now, using a wrist splint and resting your hands throughout the day might help. Mention this symptom to your healthcare provider for further guidance on how to ease the discomfort.
Discomfort from baby’s movements. Sometimes it can also be uncomfortable when your active little one moves, kicking and jabbing. On the other hand, feeling your baby move may be reassuring to you, and around 31 weeks pregnant, your provider may recommend that you monitor your baby's movements by doing daily "kick counts." Download our go-to pregnancy guide which offers some information on tracking movements.
Feeling exhausted. It’s normal to be feeling tired and weak around 31 weeks pregnant—after all, your body is working hard to support a new life. In addition, your fatigue might be compounded by the fact that you’re finding it harder to get a good night’s sleep. Try to take naps when you can throughout the day. Eating well and exercising may also give you a little energy boost. Always speak to your healthcare provider if you’re at all concerned about how tired you are.
Itchy skin. As your belly grows, itchiness on your abdomen is a common pregnancy symptom that might crop up. You might also experience itchiness elsewhere, like around your breasts and buttocks, at 31 weeks pregnant. Try to ease the discomfort of itchy skin during pregnancy by using a soothing moisturizer and be sure to drink lots of water.
Leg cramps. At 31 weeks pregnant and during your third trimester, you may experience cramps in your lower legs. This cramping may even occur during the night, disturbing your sleep. Stretching before bed, flexing your feet up and down, or massaging your calves may help to relieve the cramps.
How Big Is a Pregnant Belly at 31 Weeks?
At this point in your pregnancy, the size of your bump is increasing as your baby continues to grow and your uterus expands. Around 31 weeks pregnant, you may experience some weight gain, and your bump might have grown to be midway between your breasts and belly button. Throughout this article, you can read some of the effects of your growing belly and how to make yourself as comfortable as possible.
What Does 31 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?
For a clearer view of what your belly might look like around 31 weeks pregnant, check out the image below.
31 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider
As you get closer to your due date, you may have many things on your mind, including delivery methods and how to get the best night’s sleep. Keep reading for more information:
As your belly grows, you may be struggling to find a comfortable sleeping position. If you’re uncomfortable around 31 weeks pregnant, experts recommend lying on your side with one or both knees bent. You could also place one pillow between your knees and another under your belly or go for one of those full-length pregnancy pillows for added comfort.
You may be wondering if sex during pregnancy is safe now that your belly is getting bigger. If your pregnancy is normal and both you and your partner feel comfortable, it’s generally safe to have sex even in the third trimester. Finding a comfortable position may take a little time, but experiment and find out what works for you. Ask your healthcare provider if you’re at all worried about sex or have any questions.
Now could be a good time to start thinking about whether you plan to breastfeed or formula feed. Talk to your healthcare provider or lactation consultant about your choices and ask any questions you may have. If you plan to breastfeed, you might also like to attend lactation classes. If you’re unsure, your provider will be able to talk you through any equipment you may need, like a breast pump and bottles, and where to get them. If you plan to feed your baby with formula, you can also ask for advice on what formula might be best for your baby. You still have time to figure this out, and you may only decide what works for you once your baby is born, but it can’t hurt to give this topic some thought.
If natural childbirth is something you might like to try, read up on how to prepare for a natural delivery—in other words, giving birth with little to no medical intervention. If it’s something you find appealing and your healthcare provider also thinks it could be a safe option for you based on your personal situation, start thinking about what alternative pain relief options you might like to try and how best your birth partner or doula can support you during labour.
Still stuck on what to name your little one? Consider throwing a baby naming party so that your friends and family can help you create a short list or pick the perfect name. Or use our Baby Name Generator tool with thousands of names to choose from.
Tip for Partners Pay attention to your health as well as taking care of your pregnant partner and their health. You’ll need plenty of energy once your baby arrives, so ensure you’re eating well and getting some exercise. Consider having a routine health checkup with your provider to ensure your immunizations are up to date and all is well. |
31 Weeks Pregnant: Questions for Your Healthcare Provider
At 31 weeks pregnant, you may have many questions to ask your healthcare provider. Here are some common ones to ask around 31 weeks:
Are there any extra nutrients I might need at 31 weeks pregnant, and what if I have a loss of appetite?
Will I have an ultrasound at 31 weeks pregnant?
What is the risk of my baby being born prematurely around 31 weeks pregnant and what are the symptoms of premature labour?
What are the differences between Braxton hicks compared to real contractions at 31 weeks? (If you experience pelvic or lower abdominal pressure, low, dull back pain, increased vaginal discharge, mild cramping in the abdomen, or your water breaks at 31 weeks pregnant, contact your healthcare provider immediately.)
Is my blood pressure within an acceptable range? What can I do if my blood pressure is too low or too high?
When should I stop working? Is there anything I should or shouldn’t do at work at this stage?
How can I fasten my seatbelt now that my belly is so big?
Is flying or travelling abroad ok at 31 weeks pregnant?
Is a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean delivery) an option for me based on my personal situation and medical history?
At 31 weeks pregnant, what are some symptoms not to ignore? Although your healthcare provider is best to answer this question, our article covers some of the warning signs you should not ignore during pregnancy.
FAQS AT A GLANCE
Although the 40 weeks of pregnancy don’t fit neatly into 9 months, you’re generally considered in your seventh month at 31 weeks of pregnancy—but you may be on the cusp of your eighth month.
31 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist
Here are some helpful to-dos to consider around 31 weeks pregnant:
Decide who you would like to be with you for support during labour. It could be a doula—a non-medical professional who can give you emotional and practical support during labour and childbirth—or it could be your partner, best friend, or family member.
Although you may have already discussed maternity leave with your employer, now could be a good time to revisit your plans and start to share your workload with your colleagues so that crucial tasks aren’t left to the last minute.
Check if there’s any paperwork you still need to organize for your maternity leave, and have your partner do the same should they be taking any leave, such as paternity leave.
If you have a little time this week, check out our guide on finding the best diapers for your baby. It might also be beneficial to research the best baby products, whether you’re looking for a crib, car seat, baby bottle, or breast pump.
How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.
31 weeks pregnant - checklist
