It’s time to start thinking about your labor options! For 31 weeks pregnant women, it is common to get a little nervous or anxious about the upcoming delivery. Planning an event will help you to relieve anxiety and nervousness. When you are 31 weeks pregnant, it is the right time to plan a baby shower.
When you are in the 31st week of pregnancy, your uterus is about 4½ inches above the belly button. Pregnancy week 31 will also bring about a number of changes for you and your growing baby. Have you planned your labor options? If not, now is the best time to start planning. Get ready for your upcoming labor and delivery. Start your maternity shopping to buy the essential clothing and equipment that you will need at the time of your labor and delivery.
You recognize the sensation where you feel like you’re falling even though you’re lying still in bed? The baby also feels this in the womb when your sudden movement makes them throw out their legs and arms automatically.
In the 31st week, the waiting begins for the arrival of your upcoming baby. You are now only a few weeks away from giving birth. So, during this time, it is completely normal to experience mixed emotions, especially for first-time mothers-to-be. In case you feel overwhelmed by these mixed emotions, you need to talk with your care provider.
Go on to read more about the exciting things that happen during the 31st week…
Symptoms experienced by a 31 weeks pregnant woman:
Tightened muscles, contractions, swollen feet, and a squeezed stomach are all pregnancy symptoms that you may experience during pregnancy week 31.
This week, some women may observe leakage from their breasts, which is called colostrum or pre-milk. Generally, colostrum is a thick and yellowish substance, but for some women, it is a thin and watery drainage from the breasts. If you don’t observe this discharge from your breasts, don’t worry, this is completely normal.
A very common problem that pregnant women experience during the third trimester is difficulty sleeping. With the increased belly size, you may find it difficult to get sound sleep during the night. Most women battle to find a comfortable sleeping position.
Frequent urination is the main problem that occurs in the third trimester. The increased pressure of your growing uterus upon the bladder can cause the urge to urinate more frequently.
Apart from these symptoms, there are several other problems that occur when you are 31 weeks pregnant, such as varicose veins, occasional headaches, nasal congestion, backaches, forgetfulness, and increased clumsiness. Multiple birth
Physical changes that occur in a 31 weeks pregnant woman:
Your diaphragm may become a little cramped these days, which is because the uterus is pushing up against it, pushing your lungs and making it harder for them to extend thoroughly. During this period, your baby is free on the air and will remain so until the baby comes near the end of your pregnancy and begins preparing for birth. However, don’t worry, your baby is healthy and calm as he is getting enough oxygen from the placenta.
Fetal changes that occur:
When you are 31 weeks pregnant, the baby is about 17 inches long and weighs up to 4 pounds.
The baby’s skin starts to appear as it will look after the delivery. Gradually, the skin color is changing from pink to red, which you can observe in a 31-week pregnancy ultrasound.
Except for the lungs, all the major organs of the baby are well developed by the time you reach the 31st week of pregnancy. These last 10 weeks are more vital for proper lung growth. Eyebrows and eyelashes are also well developed.
The baby’s immune system is growing stronger, and it is able to fight against the illness causing substances.
From this week on, the baby’s physical growth will be slowed slightly, and the baby will gain half a pound each week until 2 weeks before the labor. Pregnancy week 31 is the most significant duration for the baby’s last growth phase.
Nerve cells in the baby’s body start functioning, and now the baby can feel the pain. As each week passes, the baby’s bones will become stronger.
Baby’s brain is now able to produce millions of nerve cells. The neurons are becoming active, and thus your baby is also becoming more and more responsive. The baby can make movements to the rhythm of the music.
The baby can now recognize a wide range of sounds, and he or she responds most strongly to your voice. 40 weeks pregnant
What care should be taken by a 31 weeks pregnant woman?
During pregnancy’s third trimester, you need to increase the consumption of iron to aid in the proper supply of oxygen in your body. Some of the best sources of iron include dried fruits, dried beans, red meat, and dark green and leafy vegetables.
Also, pregnant women should drink at least 8 oz. of water every day. Enough fluids are essential to build new cells, decrease water retention, and maintain higher levels of blood. Pregnancy complications
If you are finding it very difficult to sleep, especially at night, you can use a pregnancy pillow for proper support. It gives you and your growing belly better support. Here are a few more tips that will help you feel good, particularly during the third trimester:
- Every day goes to bed and wakes up at the same time.
- Avoid drinking caffeine, especially after 2 PM.
- Avoid drinking excess amounts of fluids during the night; otherwise, you need to spend more time on your bathroom visits.
Have a wonderful pregnancy journey! Go on to know more about the exciting things during pregnancy week 32…
