How Big Is My Baby At 31 Weeks Pregnant?

Your baby is starting to use all five senses and is about the size of a coconut. The baby is about 16.18 inches long and weighs about 3.31 pounds.

Baby Development

• Lungs are now more developed but are not fully mature.
• Your baby is urinating more urine into the amniotic fluid.
• Millions of brain connections or synapses are forming.
• Your baby’s eyes are developed and can focus now.
• Your baby is getting plumber and looks less wrinkled now.
• Your baby can turn the head from side to side.

31 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Headaches:  Headaches are common during pregnancy. Headaches are caused by surge of pregnancy hormones. Hunger, dehydration, lack of sleep, and stress can also cause headaches. Practicing some relaxing techniques will help you deal with common headaches. Headaches can be a sign of preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy). Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) and take rest to get relief. If your headache doesn’t go away or gets worse even after taking the medicine and rest, call your doctor.

Dry, Brittle Nails:  Your may notice your nails are growing fast and they are dry and brittle. Pregnancy hormones cause these changes. Try moisturizing cuticle oil to soften them.

Backache:  Backache is a chronic symptom of pregnancy. This happens because your growing baby puts a lot of pressure on your inner muscles.

Trouble Breathing:  You may have trouble breathing freely. This happens as your baby grows and your uterus expands, other organs will get compressed to make room for her.

Braxton Hicks Contractions:  You may feel irregular and less painful contractions as your uterus becomes tight and prepares for labor. These miniature contractions are perfectly normal at this point of your pregnancy. They normally disappear when you change positions. Call your doctor if contractions persist.

Frequent Urination:  Needing to pee frequently will continue and is a common and constant problem during the entire pregnancy. Pregnant women commonly experience temporary bladder control problems in pregnancy. Baby in your womb baby pushes down on the bladder, urethra, and pelvic floor muscles. This pressure can lead to more frequent need to urinate, as well as leaking of urine when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.

Leaking Breasts:  By this time, your milk ducts are fully developed in preparation for birth. Your breasts may have produced a yellowish substance called colostrum, which will be first food of your baby. At this stage, some colostrum can leak from the breasts. This is normal.

Clumsiness:  You may find yourself off-balance and prone to slipping or falling. This happens due to your loosened joints, extra weight and your shifted centre of gravity. Although clumsiness is a temporary side effect of pregnancy, you need to be extra careful to prevent falling or slipping.

Edema:  You may notice swelling of your feet and ankles. This happens because of poor blood circulation in your legs. This can also happen due to excess fluid retention in your body. This is normal and there is no cause for worry. Avoiding standing or sitting for long periods of time and popping your feet up high will help.

Forgetfulness:  You may have trouble concentrating and may become forgetful. This is known as “pregnancy brain”. What causes pregnancy brain is not known to experts, but it is thought to be caused by biological factors or having too many thoughts in the mind.

Trouble Sleeping:  Your sleep may be disrupted by body aches, leg cramps, anxiety, and frequent urination.

Hemorrhoids:  Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy and almost half of the pregnant women get hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed, and bulging veins in the rectum and anus. They can cause discomfort, itching, pain, and bleeding. Increased volume of the blood during pregnancy can cause veins to swell and enlarge. The expanding uterus also puts pressure on the veins in the rectum. Constipation can worsen hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids usually improve after giving birth.

Varicose Veins:  You might notice visible veins crisscrossing your breasts, abdominal area, and legs. This is a symptom of varicose veins and is common during pregnancy. Varicose veins are swelling and enlarged veins mostly in the lower legs and feet.  Increased blood volume during pregnancy causes veins to swell and enlarge. Pressure exerted by the uterus on the large veins behind it causes the blood to slow in its return to the heart. These things cause varicose veins. Changing positions often, propping your legs, getting plenty of exercise, and avoiding tight clothes and shoes can help.

31 Weeks Pregnant: Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy

• Try some relaxation techniques to deal with anxiousness, restlessness, and insomnia.
• Prepare your other children and pets for the baby.
• Think about the birth plan.
• Wear breathable loose clothes and a supportive bra to feel comfortable.
• Eat healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, lean meat, cereals, and dairy products.
• Eat small meals or snacks at regular intervals for better digestion and to prevent heartburn.
• Keep yourself adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Take plenty of rest and sleep at least 8 hours a day.
• Avoid long and strenuous physical activity, exercises involving jerky or sudden movements.
• Don’t take any medication or herb without your doctor’s clearance.
• Spend time or keep in touch with family, friends, and other loved ones and share your feelings. This will help you to cope with stress and anxiety and stay calm and relaxed.