Pregnancy week 31

Your baby’s development

Your baby is about 41.1 cm long and weighs around 1502 g this week, similar to a coconut. The lungs keep maturing, and the production of surfactant, which coats the tiny air sacs and makes breathing easier, continues. Almost all of the five senses are working: your baby reacts to taste, touch, sound and light. Connections in the brain increase very quickly, so awake and sleepy periods become more distinct. Many babies start to settle into a head-down position around now, but this varies from person to person and the position can change several times before birth. Nails reach the fingertips. Your body keeps passing antibodies to your baby to support its immunity. Movements may feel strong and poke-like, which is a reassuring sign of healthy growth. The kidneys now make urine regularly, which helps keep the amniotic fluid in balance.

Changes in the mother

This week you may notice more Braxton Hicks contractions, which are short and irregular. Your belly tightens for a few seconds and then relaxes. For most people they are painless or mildly uncomfortable, and resting, drinking water or changing position usually eases them. What sets them apart from labour is that they do not become regular, closer together or stronger over time. Shortness of breath, heartburn and frequent urination may continue. Feeling slower and clumsier as the womb grows is quite usual. You may see a little leaking from the breasts, which shows the body preparing for milk and does not happen to everyone. Your sleep may be disturbed, so be patient with yourself. It helps to know the signs of preterm labour at this stage, and no question is too small to ask your healthcare provider.

To do this week

• Note down any contractions: when they started, how long they lasted and whether resting made them stop.
• Remind yourself and your partner of the signs of regular contractions and preterm labour.
• Review the route and travel time to your hospital or birth centre.
• Consider signing up for antenatal classes.

Tip for the partner

Trying out the route to the birth place together and timing it can put both of you at ease.

Nutrition tip

Smaller, more frequent meals can ease heartburn; try not to lie down right after eating.