31-Week Pregnancy

Welcome to the 31st week of your pregnancy! Birth is approaching rapidly, and your baby is preparing to enter the world. This week marks significant progress in your baby's growth and development.

Size and Weight:

At 31 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is approximately 40–41 cm long and weighs around 1500–1600 grams. You can think of your baby as being about the size of a coconut.

Organ Development:

Your baby's organs continue to mature. The lungs are developing further, and surfactant production is increasing. Surfactant is an essential substance that helps the lungs expand and fill with air after birth. Your baby's heart beats stronger, and circulation is improving. The brain is growing rapidly, and the nervous system continues to develop. The bone marrow has started producing red blood cells. The immune system is developing, providing some protection against infections through antibodies passed from the mother. The liver and kidneys are also continuing to mature.

Sensory Development:

Your baby's senses are becoming more advanced. The eyes can now open and close, and the pupils respond to light by expanding and contracting. The eyes are beginning to focus and can see nearby objects. The baby can hear better and distinguish different sounds, reacting to noises in the womb, music, and especially the voices of the mother and father. Taste buds are developed, allowing the baby to sense the flavor of the amniotic fluid. The sense of touch is also developing, and your baby can touch the uterine wall, the umbilical cord, and their own body.

Movements:

At 31 weeks, your baby's movements are stronger, more coordinated, and purposeful. You can feel kicks, nudges, rolls, and hiccups more clearly. Feeling your baby's movements is both exciting and comforting. Sharing these movements with your partner can strengthen your bond. Since your baby takes up more space in the womb, movements may feel stronger and can sometimes be uncomfortable.

Brain Development:

Your baby's brain is rapidly developing, and brain activity is increasing. This week, the connections between brain cells are growing, making the brain more complex. Your baby is starting to think, learn, and remember. Additionally, your baby begins to experience and express emotions. Brain waves reflect sleep and wake cycles. During this period, omega-3 fatty acid intake is very important for your baby's brain development.

During the 31st week of pregnancy, your body undergoes many changes.

Physical Changes:

• Growing belly: Your abdomen continues to enlarge, stretching your skin. Your navel may protrude outward.
• Weight gain: Gaining around 11–14 kg by this week is considered normal.
• Breast growth: Your breasts continue to grow, and colostrum production increases.
• Skin changes: You may notice spots, stretch marks, or prominent veins on your skin.
• Hair and nails: Hair may become thicker and shinier, and nails may grow faster.
• Other changes: You may experience varicose veins, swelling (edema), back pain, constipation, indigestion, heartburn, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, numbness in hands and feet, sleep problems, snoring, leg cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome, hot flashes, sweating, fatigue, forgetfulness, hemorrhoids, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, insomnia, palpitations, dizziness, or anemia.

Emotional Changes:

• Mood swings: Hormonal changes can cause emotional fluctuations.
• Anxiety and worry: You may feel concern about your baby’s health, delivery, and parenting.
• Nesting instinct: This is the urge to organize and clean your home in preparation for your baby’s arrival.
• Maternal instinct: Your maternal instinct continues to develop, and your desire to bond with your baby increases. Feeling your baby’s movements helps strengthen this connection.

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy is crucial for both your health and your baby’s development.

Essential Nutrients:

• Protein: Adequate protein intake is important for your baby’s rapid growth. Sources include meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts.
• Calcium: Calcium supports your baby’s bone development. Sources include milk and dairy products, leafy green vegetables, almonds, and calcium-fortified foods.
• Iron: Your iron needs increase due to higher blood volume. Sources include red meat, legumes, leafy green vegetables, and dried fruits.
• Folic acid: Folic acid helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Sources include leafy green vegetables, legumes, grains, and folic acid supplements.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: These are essential for your baby’s brain development. Sources include salmon, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
• Fiber: Fiber helps prevent constipation. Sources include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption and strengthens the immune system. Sources include citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and tomatoes.

Foods to Avoid:

• Fish high in mercury: Avoid swordfish, shark, mackerel, and other mercury-rich fish.
• Raw or undercooked meat and eggs: These increase the risk of foodborne illness.
• Unpasteurized milk and cheese: May contain harmful bacteria.
• Alcohol: Can harm your baby’s development.
• Smoking: Increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and other pregnancy complications.
• Excessive caffeine: May lead to miscarriage.
• Processed foods: High in sugar, salt, and saturated fats and are unhealthy.

Your baby's gender should have been determined in earlier weeks during ultrasound scans.

At 31 weeks, routine ultrasound scans are generally not performed. However, your doctor may request an ultrasound to assess your baby's development, check the amount of amniotic fluid, evaluate the placenta's position, or detect any potential issues.

At 31 weeks of pregnancy, it is important to take certain precautions to protect your health and support your baby's development.

Signs of Preterm Labor:
At 31 weeks, the risk of preterm labor is still present. Be alert for the following signs and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any:

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Fluid leakage
• Regular contractions (every 10 minutes or more frequently)
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Back pain
• Pelvic pressure
• Changes in vaginal discharge

Braxton Hicks Contractions:
Braxton Hicks contractions are practice contractions of the uterus. They are usually irregular, painless, and short. They are not a sign of preterm labor, but if they become regular and painful, contact your doctor.

Gestational Diabetes:
If you have not undergone gestational diabetes screening between 24–28 weeks, you can do it at this stage. If diagnosed, diet, exercise, and medication (if needed) are used to control blood sugar levels.

Preeclampsia:
Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy. It is a serious condition for both mother and baby and requires immediate treatment. Symptoms include headaches, vision problems, swelling in the face and hands, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Other Recommendations:

• Avoid lying on your back: A growing uterus can press on major blood vessels, causing dizziness and fainting. Sleeping on your left side is recommended.
• Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothes can impair circulation and cause discomfort.
• Choose appropriate footwear: Prefer comfortable, flat shoes over high heels or pointed shoes.
• Moisturize your skin: Skin dryness and itching are common during pregnancy, so regular moisturizing is important.
• Maintain dental hygiene: Pregnancy hormones can make gums sensitive. Brush and floss regularly.
• Sexual activity: You can continue sexual activity unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Monitor fetal movements: Track your baby’s movements, and contact your doctor if you notice reduced or unusual activity.
• Participate in prenatal exercises: Prenatal exercises help prepare for labor and maintain fitness.
• Take childbirth education classes: These classes help you understand labor and prepare for delivery.
• Start acquiring baby items: Preparing baby essentials can be both exciting and practical.
• Prepare the nursery: Ensure a safe and comfortable environment for your baby.
• Make a birth plan: A birth plan helps communicate your preferences to the delivery team.
• Spend time with your partner: Sharing time together supports both of you as you prepare for the baby.
• Take time for yourself: Relaxation is important—read, listen to music, take a warm bath, or meditate.
• Pack your hospital bag: Include essentials like comfortable clothes, slippers, sanitary pads, nursing bras, and baby blankets.
• Plan for postpartum support: Consider help at home, lactation consultation, or finding a caregiver for your baby.
• Address shortness of breath: The growing uterus may press on your diaphragm; consult your doctor for advice.
• Sleep on your left side: This position improves blood flow to the baby and supports kidney function.
• Accept body changes: Pregnancy brings many physical changes—embracing and loving your body is important.

A Life Health Group has a team of experienced obstetricians and gynecologists specialized in pregnancy follow-up. We provide personalized pregnancy care services for expectant mothers and their babies using the latest technology and methods.

Our Services:

• Obstetric and gynecological examinations
• Ultrasonography (including detailed ultrasound scans)
• Prenatal tests (such as the double test, triple test, and glucose tolerance test)
• Pregnancy education and counseling
• Childbirth preparation courses
• Labor and postpartum care services
• Breastfeeding consultation
• Baby care education

Experience a healthy pregnancy with A Life Health Group!