31 weeks pregnant

What to expect this week

What's happening in week 31

Week thirty one and your baby is just weeks away from being in your arms!

Your baby at week 31

At week 31 the average baby will be around 40cm long, likely weighing close to 3lbs and although they will not get much longer at this stage, but they will continue to put on weight each week.

Their arms, legs and body are now in proportion with their head and their organs are continuing to develop including the bladder which will now be passing water through it. Their bone marrow is now doing the all important job of producing red blood cells, up until this point their liver had performed this job.
They will also know when it is light and dark now, but still won't necessarily keep to a day or night time sleeping or moving about regime! With only a few weeks to go you have probably started to notice your baby has now settled in to a regular pattern of movement. If you notice any change in your baby's movements call your midwife.

You at 31 weeks pregnant

You might be getting Braxton Hicks contractions now, and be feeling regular tightening in your tummy. Braxton Hicks are sometimes called practice contractions, but they should not be painful.
You might also be feeling more tired now as your due date is well and truly in sight, so it is important to get as much rest as and when you can, particularly if you are having trouble sleeping at night.
You might be experiencing more heartburn now, too, as your growing baby puts extra pressure on your tummy - your midwife might suggest an antacid if you are finding it too uncomfortable. In fact, you might find your whole digestion system is a bit out of kilter in late pregnancy - again, speak to your midwife if your symptoms are bothering you. Some, like constipation and wind can be easily remedied through diet.

What to think about in week 31

If you have other children, they are no doubt on the countdown now for the arrival of their new brother or sister, and will have been well prepped about what having a new sibling will entail – but what about other children in your family?
If this is your first baby but you are already an aunty, your nieces and nephews might be used to having you to themselves, and potentially not having to share their grandparents with other children, either. Take some time to reassure the other little one's already in your life about what an exciting thing your new arrival is going to be for the whole family!