31 weeks pregnant: doubts? All you need to know!

Do you believe that all five baby senses are fully developed at 31 weeks of gestation ? The baby is also getting smarter! In the meantime, you might feel a little distracted. It’s just that many mothers find themselves acting absentmindedly during the third trimester. Some say that “ pregnancy brain ” is not a real thing, but can you honestly think of another time in your life when you had as much on your mind as you do now? We’re guessing no. That’s reason enough to be so overlooked at 31 weeks gestation.

31 weeks gestation is how many months?

31 weeks gestation is seven months and three weeks pregnant . You are wrapping up month seven at the end of this week.

Symptoms of 31 weeks of pregnancy:

Starting at  31 weeks pregnant , you will likely experience the same symptoms you have already experienced. Some may get worse and some may become bearable. Here are the most common symptoms of  31 weeks of pregnancy :

1. Shortness of breath:

You may start to have more problems at this 31 week stage of Pregnancy primarily with getting around as you get heavier and more short of breath . Remember not to try too hard. It’s good for you and baby to get some exercise, but definitely take as much rest breaks as you need.

2. Dry and brittle nails:

Sure, you’re getting extra nail growth at this 31 week stage , but it can cause those nails to become dry and easily broken. Some moms-to-be have success with a hydrating cuticle oil.

3. Braxton hicks contractions:

To relieve Braxton Hicks discomfort (very severe back pain), drink plenty of water and change positions frequently. This will prevent these “ practical contractions ” from turning into preterm labor. If you have certain pregnancy complications , or if you are pregnant with twins at 31 weeks’ gestation , you are at a higher risk of preterm delivery.

4. Swollen breasts and leaking fluid:

This yellow liquid at 31 weeks  is baby’s first food, called colostrum, and your body is ready for the big arrival.

5. Frequent urination:

Your bladder is as full as your lungs . There’s not much you can do other than mentally plan more bathroom breaks in your daily routine.

6. Trouble sleeping.

No wonder you can’t sleep well at 31 weeks  when your back hurts, your belly is tight, you can’t find a comfortable position, and you have to keep getting up to pee!

Development of your baby at 31 weeks of pregnancy:

This 31 week pregnancy  your baby measures over 40.5 centimeters (about 16 inches). Soon he will give another “growth spurt”. He weighs about 1.5 kilos (just over 3 kilos) or the equivalent of a coconut .

The fat that has been accumulating in the last few months makes your arms and legs already full and turned. Now he’s probably moving around a lot and maybe waking you up at night with his stunts. All this movement indicates that he is very active and healthy.

You can also turn your head from side to side. Of course, he still doesn’t know what that means “no”, but you’ll see when he learns when he’s born! At this  31 week gestation stage , you may have already turned upside down in your uterus, in the ideal position for delivery.

Some babies do this a little later, and others keep their heads up for a few more weeks, but don’t worry, you still have plenty of time to turn around. Even if it seems like a lie, there is still a lot to grow!

Diet for 31 weeks of pregnancy:

Remember that it is normal to gain weight from 9 to 13 kilos during pregnancy . Thus, excessive weight gain can increase the risk of suffering certain complications ( gestational diabetes , high blood pressure …). It is not necessary to eat for two, nor eat more, the important thing is to eat better, that is, take care of quality and not quantity.

Healthy eating habits that you need to take in this  31 weeks of Pregnancy are: five meals a day in small amounts, to avoid heavy digestions, taking grilled or steamed dishes, eating slowly, chewing food properly, reducing consumption of quickly absorbed sugars (breads, cakes, soft drinks…), regularly having carbohydrates ( rice , pasta, vegetables and cereals), increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables because they are rich in minerals and vitamins, including eggs, milk  and dairy products in your diet and drink at least 2 liters of water daily to stay well hydrated.

Changes in the mother at 31 weeks’ gestation:

Starting at 31 weeks pregnant , you may feel stronger contractions . But unless you exceed the average of 5 contractions per hour, it will be normal. Your breasts will start to form milk  and you will notice some colostrum coming out of them. Colostrum is a liquid that feeds your baby until you start producing milk .

Your belly is already a considerable size, so sleep starts to be complicated. Sit down looking for new positions or using pillows. The baby starts to take up part of the space occupied by the lungs , so its breathing may vary over these weeks.

Facts about 31 weeks of pregnancy:

The discomforts of 31 weeks pregnant can make you feel uncomfortable doing work in your position, as usual. If you must remain in the same position at work for a long time, your back may hurt or you may feel discomfort in your legs. To alleviate these discomforts try alternately supporting each foot on a small object and bending your knees from time to time to unload your back if you have to stand for a long time.

If you have to sit for a long time, it will help you get up from your site every half hour and move your legs and arms. Sitting frequently moves the ankles to improve venous return and supports the back straight on the back of the chair, placing the legs at right angles to the floor. And remember that exercise helps reduce muscle discomfort and stiffness.