Welcome to 31 weeks pregnant or the final stages of this incredible process that is bringing a new life into the world. You're a few short weeks away from giving birth and may be having mixed emotions. This is completely normal, especially for a first-timer. While the process has been long, this is a massive milestone in any women's life, and anxieties about giving birth can be through the roof. Talk about it with your care provider or a friend/family member for support if you feel especially overwhelmed. Read on to understand what kind of changes you can expect from your body.
Key points of pregnancy at 31 weeks
- Anxiety and other strong emotions will most likely be present around the beginning of your labor track. This is normal but if they prove too much to handle, talk with a trusted friend or care provider about your feelings and reservations about going into labor.
- Be extra mindful around sleep and what you eat and how much water you get every day. It might be tough to get everything you need so speak with your care provider for a more detailed list or recommendations.
- Your baby will be entering another stage of rapid growth. This may lead to an increase in misestimations on size in ultrasound scans but generally isn't a reason for concern.
Pregnancy Body Changes at 31 Weeks Pregnant
You'll need additional stores of iron during the third trimester to help build your baby's oxygen supply. The best sources are dark green, leafy vegetables, as well as lean red meat, dried beans, and dried fruits It is possible to develop a form of mild to severe anemia due to an increase in blood volume according to the American Society of Hematology. Speak with your doctor about solutions or supplements you may need.
It's also important to drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of fluids each day. Fluids are essential for building new cells, maintaining increased blood volume, and decreasing water retention.
At this late stage of your pregnancy and with your belly being the size it is, you may find yourself spending many hours awake at night as you battle to find a comfortable position for you to sleep in. However, avoid sleeping on your back as much as possible as it may put extra stress on your spine.
Pregnancy body pillows are a godsend, they realign your body and give you and your tummy extra support exactly where you need it. You may find yourself using it long after pregnancy, they are a great product for helping to avoid those morning aches and pains.
Some more tips to help you sleep:
* Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
* Don't drink too much fluid at night, or you will be in the bathroom the whole night.
* Avoid any caffeine after 2 P.M..
Your Baby's Growth at Week 31
Your baby is entering a growth spurt. For the next eight weeks, they'll gain weight faster than he increases in length, at the rate of about half a pound a week. The bigger they get, the harder it will be to “see” them on ultrasound and get a good estimate of their size–the margin of error increases to 15 percent by the end of the third trimester.
They'll definitely be growing fast, and you'll notice that their kicks will start to feel more like squirming as they run out of room to roam. Your baby will be weighing in at around 3 1/2 pounds and measures nearly 14 1/2 inches from head to toe.
Your baby's growth weight may begin to slow down a little now, but although it is slowing down the internal organs will continue to grow and develop.
You may want to start preparing for your baby's birth, by getting supplies together a little at a time. Our Baby Needs Checklist is a complete printable list of everything you'll need to have on hand for your new baby.