Pregnancy week thirty-one is an exciting one. You might see your growing baby again on an ultrasound, feel their movements more and more, and start planning your future with your new arrival. There might be some uncomfortable symptoms like false contractions and tiredness, but the end is near.
What else happens this week? That is what we are here to tell you! Keep reading to find out what happens at thirty-one weeks pregnant, including any common symptoms, if your pregnancy is viable, and more.
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 31 Weeks Pregnant?
- Will You Get A Positive Pregnancy Test At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 31 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 31 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- Your baby is about the size and weight of a asparagus
- Your baby’s brain is continuing to develop this week, making connections between billions of nerve endings
- Your baby might start getting into position ready for birth
- You might start your maternity leave
- Your common symptoms could include tiredness, headaches, and weight gain
- You might experience Braxton Hicks contractions, which can be uncomfortable for many pregnant people
What Does It Mean To Be 31 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty-one weeks pregnant, you are well into your third and final trimester. Your baby is continuing to gain fat as it prepares for life outside of the uterus. This will plump out the skin and make them less wrinkled. You might put on some weight this week, too. You might also notice that your baby is moving more than usual; they are starting to get in the head down position, ready to be born. This means the end is near!
You might also start your maternity this week or in the coming weeks as your due date looms. You should speak to your company’s HR team or check your employee handbook to see what your maternity pay entitlement is if you still need to do so. You can also check the government website to see if you are entitled to child tax benefits. Knowing this will help you plan your budget once your baby is born.
Will You Get A Positive Pregnancy Test At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
You might not get a positive pregnancy test result at thirty-one weeks pregnant, especially if you use a home pregnancy test. These tests measure the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in your urine to confirm a pregnancy. While these levels are high during your first few months of pregnancy, they are now dropping in your third trimester and could generate a false negative result.
You might get a positive result with a blood test, but the best way to confirm a pregnancy now is an ultrasound scan. Your doctor will date your pregnancy based on the size of your baby and check for any abnormalities if this is your first ultrasound.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
You might be offered your third-trimester ultrasound this week. You might also be offered an ultrasound this week if your doctor monitors your baby closely. An ultrasound at this stage will show your growing baby and its development. Your baby might be moving during this ultrasound, which can make it harder for your doctor to check all the measurements and their development.
You can choose to pay for a 4D scan this week, too. These show your baby up close, allowing you to see their facial features in incredible detail. Not all parents choose to have a 4D scan, but they are a nice option for those who want one.
Alongside an ultrasound, your midwife or doctor will check the size of your uterus. This is typically done for your first baby, where your stomach is measured from the top of your bump to your pubic bone. They might also feel your belly to work out your baby’s position.
Your baby needs to be head down, ready for birth, but not all babies do this straight away. Should your baby stay with their head up in a breech position, it can impact the birth you have. A cesarian might be recommended to deliver your baby safely, but don’t panic; your doctor will explain all the risks and benefits to help you make the right decision.
Are There Any Other Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty-one weeks pregnant, your doctor might perform urine and blood tests. These will check for any infections, anemia, and pre-eclampsia, a dangerous condition during pregnancy. You might also have another glucose screening test for gestational diabetes. This test might be repeated throughout your third trimester if you are classed as a high risk for gestational diabetes.
Your doctor might also offer screening tests for genetic conditions if they have not already. These tests are optional; you do not need to have them. However, your doctor might encourage you to have these tests if your family history suggests you are at higher risk of a genetic condition.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
You can detect a heartbeat at thirty-one weeks pregnant and will have likely had your baby’s heartbeat monitored since your second trimester. An ultrasound will detect your baby’s heartbeat, along with a stethoscope and Doppler machine. Your midwife will likely use a stethoscope and Doppler machine in between ultrasounds to monitor your baby’s heartbeat.
You can also use these devices at home, but be mindful that they can take a while to position correctly to detect a heartbeat, especially if your baby is wriggling a lot. Don’t panic if you don’t hear a heartbeat straight away.
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty-one weeks pregnant, the common pregnancy symptoms include headaches, weight gain, and false contractions. These false contractions are known as Braxton Hicks contractions. They are not considered a sign of labour but practice contractions for your body. They can be uncomfortable but should only last a minute or so.
Many women also report frequent urination this week. The severity of this depends on how much pressure your baby is adding to your bladder. While this is annoying, don’t restrict your water intake and empty your bladder when the urge to pee arises. Holding for too long can increase your risk of a urine or bladder infection.
The symptoms you experience at thirty-one weeks pregnant can vary daily, so don’t panic if you notice changes overnight.
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels will drop this week, averaging between 940 and 60,000 u/L.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping might happen this week. You might notice Braxton Hicks contractions which are false contractions that are harmless. They can be uncomfortable but should only last a minute or so.
You might also experience pain on the side of your bump, known as round ligament pain, and leg cramps.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness usually happens in the first sixteen weeks of pregnancy, but some women will experience it at thirty-one weeks pregnant.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts might feel tender this week. They might also feel full, sore, ache, or leak milk as your breast milk develops. Adding a breast pad to your bras will help keep you dry and stain-free.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen throughout your pregnancy, including week thirty-one. You might crave foods that you don’t usually like or unusual combinations.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
You might pass urine more frequently at thirty-one weeks pregnant. This might worsen as your pregnancy progresses and your baby adds pressure to your bladder.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue is common this week. Many women struggle to find a comfortable position to sleep in. Adding extra pillows can help to relieve sore muscles and keep you comfortable through the night.
Some pregnant women find napping during the day helpful to ensure they get plenty of rest, too.
Will I Feel Bloated At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
You might feel bloated at thirty-one weeks pregnant. You can eat smaller meals throughout the day and avoid eating late at night to help with bloating.
Will I Get A Headache At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are a common symptom throughout your pregnancy, including at thirty-one weeks. Women who typically suffer from headaches before pregnancy will experience more headaches during pregnancy.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth usually happens during the first trimester of pregnancy but can happen at thirty-one weeks pregnant, too.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell usually happens during the earlier months of pregnancy, but some women experience it at thirty-one weeks pregnant, too.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath or feeling breathless can happen this week. Your growing baby can restrict your lung space, making climbing stairs and lying on your back uncomfortable.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea can happen throughout pregnancy, including at thirty-one weeks pregnant. While it is normal, it might not be related to your pregnancy and could be a stomach bug, food poisoning, or an allergy.
Speak to your doctor if your diarrhea lasts more than forty-eight hours.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge is normal throughout your pregnancy. It is typically milky or white with minimal odour. Report any changes in your discharge to your doctor or midwife, as it could be a sign of an infection.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain can happen at thirty-one weeks pregnant. Your ligaments and joints become looser to allow room for your growing baby, which can add pressure to your back, causing pain. Hot and cold compresses can help relieve the pain.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings usually happen in the first trimester of pregnancy, but you might experience them at thirty-one weeks pregnant. Fluctuating hormone levels are usually to blame for mood swings during pregnancy.
Is Spotting Normal At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
Light spotting should be reported to your doctor or midwife at thirty-one weeks pregnant. While it might be harmless, it could also be a sign of a serious problem, so get it checked out immediately.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 31 Weeks Pregnant?
The following pregnancy symptoms are also common at thirty-one weeks pregnant.
- Shinier and thicker hair
- Spotty and oily skin
- Vaginal infections
- Urine infections
- Brown patches or darkened skin on your face
- Swollen feet and hands
- Dizziness
- Raised basal temperature (feeling hot)
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Piles
- Stretch marks
- Bleeding and swollen gums
How Big Is A Baby At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby is about the size of a coconut this week! They will be around 41.1cm from head to heel and weigh the same as a coconut. Your baby’s movements are increasing this week; you might feel the odd somersault! They will be moving around a lot and even sucking on their fingers.
Your baby is continuing to gain weight his week; they look less wrinkled every day. There is also more amniotic fluid surrounding them now, as they can pee in your womb. The increased amniotic fluid can increase your belly size and add to weight gain.
Your baby’s development is moving quickly. They can now recognise voices outside of the womb. It is the perfect opportunity for you, your partner, and any other children you have to talk to your bump. This can help to create a strong bond between your unborn baby and their family.
Can You Feel The Baby At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you can feel your baby at thirty-one weeks pregnant. Your baby’s movements are becoming more frequent now and stronger. You will feel them somersault., kick, and stretch their arms in your belly. As the movements get stronger, you might experience some discomfort, but it won’t last for long.
Your baby’s movements should now be monitored. Many doctors will ask you to count the kicks, which means recording how often your baby moves over a period of time. On average, a baby kicks ten times every two hours; use this as your guideline.
Report any changes to your baby’s movements to your doctor immediately. A decrease in movements or not feeling your baby move for a few hours can be a cause for concern, so be sure to have it checked out.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty-one weeks pregnant, a miscarriage is classed as a stillbirth. The common symptoms include a decrease in your baby’s movements, bleeding, abdominal pain, and other pregnancy symptoms disappearing. The severity of these symptoms can vary from woman to woman, with some women having no symptoms. They might not know they have lost their baby until they attend an ultrasound or midwife appointment and the heartbeat cannot be found.
For other women, it is more apparent. Heavy bleeding will be accompanied by abdominal pain that feels like contractions. Your waters can break, and you can go into labour. At this stage in your pregnancy, you will have to deliver your baby. You can do this in a hospital with medication that speeds the process of labour up. Some women might have the option to wait at home for this to start naturally; your doctor can provide you with more information about this and offer long-term support.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
The chances of a stillbirth at thirty-one weeks pregnant are quite low. The Stillbirth Research Centre of Excellence found that in Australia, the rate of stillbirths from twenty-eight weeks onwards is 2.2 per 1,000. This gives you a very low chance of a stillbirth, especially if you are having an uncomplicated pregnancy.
Complications or factors like age, weight, and lifestyle can impact your chances of a stillbirth. Your doctor can discuss these and how they might impact your pregnancy.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
The following precautions can be taken to maintain your health at thirty-one weeks pregnant.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Continue taking your prenatal vitamins this week unless advised otherwise. These vitamins will give your body the nutrients it needs, which can help maintain a healthy pregnancy. These nutrients will also travel through your blood to your baby, helping them to stay healthy.
You can take a pregnancy multivitamin this week; make sure it has the right levels of the vitamins you need. You should look for a multivitamin with high levels of Vitamin D if you are pregnant through the winter.
Eat A Healthy Diet
Keep eating a healthy and balanced diet this week. Your doctor might advise increasing your calorie intake by 200 daily until labour. Make sure that these extra calories are still part of a healthy and balanced diet, especially if you are at a higher risk for gestational diabetes.
Try and eat a varied diet consisting of lean protein, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, and carbohydrates. Your doctor can help create a meal plan for you if needed.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water this week to stay hydrated. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) found that drinking water aids digestion, circulates nutrients around your body, and helps form the amniotic fluid around your bump.
They recommend drinking eight to twelve cups of water daily to remain hydrated.
Stop Smoking
Stop smoking if you have not already. Smoking during pregnancy is incredibly dangerous, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They found that smoking while pregnant doubles your risk of abnormal bleeding during labour or pregnancy. It can also cause congenital disabilities and increase your baby’s risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Speak to your doctor if you need help to quit smoking.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty-one weeks pregnant, the following foods should be avoided.
- Raw juices and smoothies
- Highly processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurised dairy and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw sprouts
- Organ meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Deli or processed meat
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Seafood with high mercury content
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all alcoholic drinks at thirty-one weeks pregnant. Consuming alcohol during pregnancy is incredibly dangerous; it can increase your risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and can cause a variety of intellectual, behavioural, physical, and emotional disabilities. Research by the CDC found that there is no safe alcohol amount to consume during pregnancy. Speak to your doctor if you need support to stop drinking alcohol.
You should also reduce your caffeine intake. The Royal College of Midwives found that consuming 350mg or more a day of caffeine during pregnancy can cause preterm labour, low birth weight, or miscarriage. They recommend reducing your caffeine intake to 200mg a day during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid any supplements that your doctor has not recommended you take. Most supplements are unsuitable for pregnant women to take, as they could harm your baby. The label on a supplement bottle will tell you if they are safe for pregnant women to take or not; be sure to check this or consult your doctor before using supplements during pregnancy.
Can I Exercise While 31 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise at thirty-one weeks pregnant, but you must take care. Swap high-impact exercises or combat sports for low-impact exercises like walking or swimming. Yoga can also be a great exercise, but make sure you follow pregnancy-friendly routines or let your instructor know you are pregnant before the class begins.
You might find that you can’t work out like you used to. Don’t push yourself. It is better to go for a shorter walk or swim than to push yourself too far or injure yourself.
Is It Safe To Travel When 31 Weeks Pregnant?
You can travel at thirty-one weeks pregnant, but you must take some precautions. Speak to your doctor before travelling if you have high blood pressure, deep vein thrombosis, or pregnancy complications. To fly, airlines require that you have a fit to fly letter from your doctor. This must be dated at most ten days before your flight and should include your due date, any complications, and how many babies you are carrying.
You should check before travelling to another country if there are any vaccinations you need or advisories in place for pregnant people.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at thirty-one weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 31 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to have sex at thirty-one weeks pregnant unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or midwife.
How Should I Sleep At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
You might struggle to sleep at thirty-one weeks pregnant. Many women find it difficult to get comfortable and sleep through the night. Try adding a pregnancy pillow or a pillow between your knees to make you more comfortable in the night.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 31 Weeks Pregnant?
The safest position to sleep in at thirty-one weeks pregnant is on your side. This sleeping position does not add any pressure to your stomach.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 31 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date is to use the date of your last menstrual period. This is the LMP method and is the most common way to calculate due dates. Take the first day of your last menstrual period and count forward forty weeks, or 280 days. This will provide you with an estimated due date to work towards.
Your doctor or midwife will also give you an estimated due date. This is usually provided during your dating scan ultrasound, where your baby’s development and size are used to determine how far into your pregnancy you are.
It is worth noting that these due dates are simply estimates. While you might be counting down the days right now, there is no guarantee your baby will arrive on its due date. It is quite common to give birth after your due date; do not panic if it passes without your baby arriving.
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 31 Weeks Pregnant?
Weight gain is a common body change at thirty-one weeks pregnant. Your baby is continuing to gain weight in preparation for life outside of the womb, which can cause you to gain a few pounds too. Your doctor might ask you to consume more calories this week, too, which can contribute to weight gain; make sure you are eating these extra calories as a part of a healthy and balanced diet.
You might notice some discomfort around your stomach this week, too, as your baby starts to move into position for birth. This doesn’t happen for everyone this week, so don’t panic if you don’t notice any changes. While your baby turns to be head down, they might restrict your lung space or add pressure to your organs, making it harder for you to breathe.
Like previous weeks, you can expect to feel tired this week, especially if you are struggling to sleep. Napping throughout the day can help, along with adding extra pillows or a pregnancy pillow to your bed. You can speak to your healthcare provider if you are struggling to sleep.
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your body is getting ready to give birth. You might feel pelvic pain as the joints and ligaments surrounding your pelvis start to loosen, ready for a baby to travel down your birth canal. Your body is also preparing for its new life as a mother; you might notice leaky breasts as your milk comes in. This doesn’t impact every woman, so don’t panic if you don’t notice any.
Your body is also making space for your growing baby. Your baby is still quite high in your body, and as it moves into position and continues to grow, it can restrict your lung space, making it harder for you to breathe. You might notice this more when you walk upstairs or lay on your back.
Your body continues to circulate more blood, too, providing a blood flow to both you and your baby. This increased blood flow means that your blood is moving through your body slower than before. This can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy when you stand up too quickly, so take care.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
The following tips will help you to prepare for the remainder of your pregnancy.
Consider Your Birth Plan
It is time to think about your birth plan if you haven’t already. You might also want to change your existing birth plan; there is still time to do this. Your midwife will ask you to consider your birth plan and decide what you would like to happen.
Remember, these are just plans. Things can change, might not be available to you, or complications might mean that your doctors need to do what is best for both you and your baby. But it is still good to have a plan in place as it gives you a clear idea of what could happen when your waters break. Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering your birth plan:
- Do you want a natural birth?
- Do you want a hospital or home birth?
- Do you want medical intervention?
- Do you want pain relief? What pain relief do you want?
- Do you want a birthing partner? Who do you want?
Start Gathering Baby Items
You should also start gathering items for your new arrival this week. Some women choose to hold off a few more weeks, but the choice is yours. Think about the essential items you will need: a cot, some clothes, a car seat, and a pushchair. It is helpful to set a budget for these and start shopping for some deals to ensure everything arrives before your baby does.
You can also purchase your baby’s items second-hand, but take care. You need to do thorough research to ensure that everything meets safety standards and is free from damage.
Make Lifestyle Changes
You might need to make some lifestyle changes if you have not already. You should stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking illegal drugs while pregnant, as these can have a detrimental impact on your and your baby’s health.
Your doctor can support you to do this if needed.
Join Parenting And Birthing Classes
You can also join parenting and birthing classes in your local area. These are a fantastic way to prepare for the birth of your baby, gather some tips, and access any support you might need. These are an excellent way for first-time parents to learn some tips and tricks, too, like the correct way to swaddle a baby. Your midwife can also provide you with this information if there are no classes in your local area.
These classes can also be a wonderful way to meet other expecting mothers in your area. They could quickly become friends who will offer you support, guidance, and a space to share your worries. It can make the final weeks of pregnancy easier if you have support and someone to share it with.
Final Thoughts
Both you and your baby are getting bigger this week, but there isn’t much longer to go! Week thirty-one of pregnancy can be a tiring and exciting one. Don’t forget, it is totally normal to feel tired, frustrated, excited, and nervous this week – a big change is coming your way!
Keep taking care of yourself, fuelling your body correctly and allowing yourself to rest. Soon, your new baby will be here, and all of the discomfort will seem worth it.