Risk content: At 31 weeks of pregnancy, all five senses of a baby are fully developed, and the baby is also getting bigger and smarter. Things become a little difficult for pregnant women at this stage, as they might be having trouble walking, talking, or doing both, and also, they may not be able to see their feet when standing up straight. Your gynecologist will help you by giving you all the vital tips and directions that you will need for a healthy pregnancy, specifically at this stage. If you are seeking the best gynecologist support to ensure a healthy pregnancy, visit QUEEN’S GYNECOLOGY, one of the best maternity clinics in Delhi, which has experience in handling all types of pregnancies.
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In this Article
31 week pregnant- An overview of mother’s body
You have come a long way in your pregnancy journey when you are 31 weeks pregnant; however, your baby and bump are still growing. In some more weeks, you will both grow through a final growth spurt as your baby will have to grow more and more before the final day arrives.
- If this is your first pregnancy, then your gynecologist will check the size of the uterus or womb, and this can be determined by your stomach from the top of your public bone to the top of the bump. Your body, when 31 weeks pregnant, changes a lot, and you might feel back, pelvic, and leg pain, which many reasons can cause.
- Through your second and third trimesters, you gain weight, you go through hormonal changes, and your hormones also relax your ligaments in the joints of the pelvis.
- Some might develop pain in the pelvis, also termed pelvic girdle pain, which can feel like a pain in one or both sides of your back, over the pubic bone, or between the vagina and anus.
- Some experience pain in their legs due to changes in their body, and growing baby weight puts extra pressure on sciatic nerves.
- You may feel pressure in your diaphragm from the upper end. uterus is also pushing against your bladder down on the lower end, and thus, you may feel like you have to urinate frequently.
- Together with growing babies as well as growing breasts, pregnant mothers can expect to put on about one kg to 1.5kg of weight between current time and birth.
Related Blog: 8 Surprising Things Unborn Babies Usually Do In The Womb
31 weeks pregnant – major symptoms
During 31 weeks, pregnant women may experience many symptoms that they may keep a check on, including :
- Frequent urination
- Breathlessness
- Leaky breasts
- Leg cramps or back pain
- Constipation
- Hemorrhoids
You must notify your gynecologist about the 31-week pregnancy symptoms or if you experience severe pain. Some cases might experience Braxton Heck contractions as well as Thai wee. However, these harmless contractions occur when the uterus tightens, but keeping a regular check on them is vital. At 31 weeks pregnant, you must consult the gynecologist immediately if you experience the following:
- Vaginala bleeding
- Severe cramping
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Changes in vaginal discharge
- Severe vomiting
- Intense heartburn
- Decrease in movements of the baby
- Loss of liquid from your vagina.
Related Blog: 29 Week Pregnant: Symptoms, Tips and Baby Development
31 weeks pregnant – your baby’s development
Now, when you are 31 weeks pregnant, you need to know your baby’s development :
- Baby’s brain connections are maturing at a rapid pace as the baby can process details, respond to changes in light, and obtain signals from the five senses.
- During this time, the baby will be sleeping for longer, which is termed REM sleep.
- Babies also make faces swallow, hiccupping, breathe, and move little hands and feet along with the uterine wall. Babies even suck thumbs, too, in the womb.
- The ultrasound at 31 weeks pregnant can pick up the tiny movements as well, like Abby’s eyelids blinking; however, it blinks slowly, about 6 to 15 times an hour.
- The lungs of your baby continue to mature as the baby is still working on breathing skills.
- Baby’s reproductive organs are maturing.
Related Blog: 8 Surprising Things Unborn Babies Usually Do In The Womb (Updated)
Tips for a 31-week pregnant woman
31-week pregnant women experience many symptoms, and at this stage of pregnancy, there is a need for more care. Some tips to follow are :
- It is time to review your packing checklist and make your bag ready with all the essentials that you will need for your hospital stay.
- You can try to do your basic stretches to get relief from your neck and headaches. Massages can also help you during the 31-week pregnancy phase.
- Heart palpitations during this time are common, as skipping a beat or racing heart is the body’s reaction to changes in circulation. Take a break and do deep breathing, as it will help; you can get in touch with your gynecologist if you are concerned.
- It is better to divide your meals into small portions from six to seven divisions in a day and also reduce the gap between these meals.
- Stay hydrated by adding more natural drinks like buttermilk, milk, soups, and water. Water is necessary to maintain the amniotic fluid levels till the latter stage of pregnancy.
- Never avoid your pregnancy checkups as you are in your third trimester, and regular prenatal visits are needed from 28 to 36 weeks.
Why choose Queen’s Gynecology for safe pregnancy?
Your search for the right gynecologist will end here at QUEEN’S GYNECOLOGY, as it is among the best clinics in Delhi equipped with board-certified, highly experienced, and qualified gynecologists who will help and support you in your most important phase of life. It is among the best maternity hospitals in Delhi if you are looking for a safe and best place that will guide you through the best route of treatment options. It is sung by the top pregnancy clinics with a team of highly experienced maternity doctors and obstetricians to handle all types of pregnancies.
Conclusion
31-week pregnancy takes you to the final stretch of your pregnancy, and it is best to go easy on yourself and prioritize rest and comfort. Most pregnant women will not have a regular scheduled prenatal visit at 31 weeks, although high-risk pregnancies may have to go for a weekly visit. If you experience any of the above-listed 31-week pregnancy symptoms, then never hesitate to call and discuss with your gynecologist to get checked on time. Consult the best gynecologist at QUEEN’S GYNECOLOGY, one of the best pregnancy clinics in Delhi.
| Week | Pregnancy Symptoms | Tips and Advice | Baby Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | – Missed period | – Take a home pregnancy test | – Fertilization occurs |
| Week 2 | – Tender breasts | – Begin taking prenatal vitamins | – Blastocyst implants in the uterus |
| Week 3 | – Fatigue | – Schedule your first prenatal visit | – Embryonic development begins |
| Week 4 | – Morning sickness starts | – Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine | – Neural tube forms |
| Week 5 | – Increased urination | – Eat a balanced diet | – Heart starts beating |
| Week 6 | – Mood swings | – Stay hydrated | – Brain and head development |
| Week 7 | – Constipation | – Start gentle exercise | – Limb buds form |
| Week 8 | – Food cravings | – Get plenty of rest | – Webbed fingers and toes develop |
| Week 9 | – Weight gain begins | – Avoid raw or undercooked foods | – Tail disappears, now considered a fetus |
| Week 10 | – Visible baby bump | – Wear comfortable clothing | – Organs continue to develop |
| Week 11 | – Darkened areolas | – Practice relaxation techniques | – Baby can swallow and produce urine |
| Week 12 | – Reduced nausea | – Consider prenatal classes | – Sex organs distinguishable |
| Week 13 | – Increased energy | – Continue regular check-ups | – Baby’s fingerprints form |
| Week 14 | – Less frequent urination | – Plan for maternity leave | – Baby’s facial muscles develop |
| Week 15 | – Quickening (baby moves) | – Do pelvic floor exercises | – Baby can make facial expressions |
| Week 16 | – Round ligament pain | – Stay active with low-impact exercises | – Develops sense of hearing |
| Week 17 | – Nasal congestion | – Consider a prenatal massage | – Baby’s skeleton starts hardening |
| Week 18 | – Belly button changes | – Stay well-hydrated | – Vernix caseosa covers the skin |
| Week 19 | – Braxton Hicks contractions | – Eat small, frequent meals | – Baby’s kicks become stronger |
| 20 | – Leg cramps | – Begin monitoring baby’s movements | – Baby is covered in lanugo (fine hair) |
| Week 21 | – Shortness of breath | – Sleep on your side | – Eyebrows and eyelashes appear |
| Week 22 | – Linea nigra (skin darkens) | – Practice relaxation techniques | – Rapid brain development |
| Week 23 | – Backache | – Consider prenatal yoga or swimming | – Baby can recognize your voice |
| Week 24 | – Swollen ankles | – Elevate feet when sitting or lying | – Lungs continue to mature |
| Week 25 | – Increased appetite | – Continue regular prenatal check-ups | – Baby may respond to loud noises |
| Week 26 | – Heartburn | – Sleep with extra pillows for support | – Eyes open for the first time |
| Week 27 | – Braxton Hicks intensify | – Pack your hospital bag | – Baby can hiccup |
| Week 28 | – Trouble sleeping | – Monitor blood pressure | – Baby’s kicks become more regular |
| Week 29 | – Shortness of breath | – Avoid lifting heavy objects | – Baby’s bones fully developed |
| Week 30 | – Swollen hands | – Stay hydrated and avoid salt | – Baby may be head-down in preparation for birth |
| Week 31 | – Increased vaginal discharge | – Take childbirth classes | – Baby’s immune system develops |
| Week 32 | – Hemorrhoids | – Practice perineal massage | – Baby’s toenails and fingernails grow |
| Week 33 | – Trouble finding a comfortable position to sleep | – Rest and nap when possible | – Baby’s bones start to harden further |
| Week 34 | – Frequent urination | – Prepare for maternity leave | – Baby’s central nervous system matures |
| Week 35 | – Braxton Hicks increase | – Avoid prolonged standing or sitting | – Baby’s skin becomes less wrinkled |
| Week 36 | – Pelvic pressure | – Finalize birth plan | – Baby continues to gain weight |
| Week 37 | – Lightening (baby drops) | – Stay active with walking | – Baby’s head positions for birth |
| Week 38 | – Fatigue increases | – Do pelvic exercises | – Baby’s lungs are fully mature |
| Week 39 | – Cervix effacement | – Rest and conserve energy | – Baby’s immune system continues to develop |
| Week 40 | – Contractions begin | – Monitor contractions | – Baby’s digestive system is ready for breast milk |
| Week 41 | – Dilation of cervix | – Stay calm and patient during labor | – Baby’s head molds to fit through the birth canal |
FAQ’s
During this time, you are about seven months pregnant, and your fully grown fetus can be seen in 3D blinking, thumb-sucking, and also may be smiling. Your baby has done a lot of growing and getting ready to meet you soon.
When you are 31 weeks pregnant, then you are about seven months pregnant, and at this time, pregnancy is tracked by weeks and not months. Your baby is fully developed and has finished most of their major development stages and milestones.
The lungs are the major and last organ that finishes to develop in the baby.
