Development Milestones for a Baby at Pregnancy Week 31
Your baby, at pregnancy week 31, is the size of a large lettuce and will need to add around 1.9 kgs more before she is finally ready to meet the world. Her little arms and legs are now proportional to her head and the rest of her body and they are slowly filling out. Her eyebrows and eyelashes are also filling out.
All her five senses are now in working condition with her little brain functioning and able to perceive light. Talk to your baby and keep singing to her because she can hear your voice, your breathing and your heartbeat. If she wasn’t submerged in amniotic fluid, she would be able to smell you too.
At this point, she can move her head from side to side, can wiggle her toes and fingers and will be squirmish. You may have trouble sleeping as a result so try resting as much as you can in the position that is most comfortable for you.
Related: Pregnancy Week 30: Baby Development Milestones and Your Body Change
Changes to Your Body at 31 Weeks Pregnant
At 31 Weeks pregnant, your baby bump is now clearly defined and it sure is exciting. Your body is going through changes and some of them might make you a bit uncomfortable.
You are slowly filling out to accommodate the life that is growing within you and as a result may add up to half a kilogram this week. These sudden body changes may be emotionally taxing for you. It is best to surround yourself with supportive people and women who can relate.
You may feel the muscles across your abdomen contracting and relaxing. These are practice contractions and as long as they are irregular, non-painful, infrequent and go away when you change position or walk around, they should be no cause for alarm. If they become regular even without the pain, pay attention as it could be a sign of preterm labour.
It would be important to contact your healthcare provider to know what to expect when this happens and this would be a great time to start hypnobirthing. Malaica’s lamaze classes empower you and your partner with such information so that you’re prepared and can differentiate between normal contractions and when you need immediate medical attention.
Also Read: 10 Signs of Labor You Shouldn’t Ignore: Insights From a Midwife
Pregnancy Week 31 Tip: Breastfeeding Advice
At 31 weeks pregnant your breasts may start leaking colostrum or pre-milk, a yellowish sticky liquid. This is the time to consider buying nursing pads to place in your bras to avoid soiling your clothes. Since breast milk storage has begun it is also a good time to start thinking about shopping for nursing bras. If your breasts haven’t begun producing colostrum, don’t worry, your body is still getting ready to nourish your little one when she finally comes along.
Preparing for Labour and Birth at Malaica
As you get close to your due date, it’s important to understand what it looks like when you get into labour, pain management techniques, when to head to the hospital, gentle exercises for this stretch, what to expect in the delivery room, and so on.
Malaica’s antenatal clinics at this point includes all this form of preparation for you and your birthing partner so that when the time comes you’re calm and informed. Our 24/7 emergency hotline, exclusive to mums receiving care with us, also connects you to an expert who listens to your concerns and lets you know whether they are serious enough for medical attention or for waiting out at home.
Book a consultation with us today to learn how we can empower you in these last few days as you get ready for delivery as well as postpartum.
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