31 Weeks Pregnant: Week-by-Week Guide

• What trimester is 31 weeks? Third trimester
• How many weeks of pregnancy are left? Nine
• How many months is 31 weeks pregnant? You're in your seventh month.

With week 30 of your pregnancy complete, you’re on week 31. Enjoy it, as week 32 is on the horizon! 

One of the most exciting things about pregnancy is how many changes you’ll experience with your little one over the span of just 7 days! Here’s some tips and tricks to keep on top of all that’s happening.

What Happens During the 31st Week of Pregnancy?

• Take five: At week 31, there’s a zillion things going on in the mind of your inquiring young one, who is now capable of experiencing all five senses.
• Wake up, sleepyhead: Your baby is getting tons of shut-eye, but they can actually wake up when you have something to eat, especially if it’s sugary or caffeinated.
• Bathroom break: Thank goodness for amniotic fluid! For all that it gives your baby, it also takes away waste. At 31 weeks, your little one is urinating like a pro, and it all goes back into the amniotic fluid.

What Should I Be Feeling at 31 Weeks Pregnant?

• You may be feeling like your organs have all been displaced, and as a matter of fact, you’re right! With baby’s growth going into overdrive, it will be a relief to get some of that breathing room back as they begin the process of repositioning for birth. You may feel shortness of breath, which is nothing to worry about unless it gets severe (at which point, give your doctor a call). If you’re feeling winded, sit or rest until it subsides. By birth, the pressure on your lungs and organs will dissipate, so you can breathe a sigh of relief (if you’ll pardon the pun!)
• At this point, walking has become waddling, you’ll have swelling in your legs and feet (especially if you’re pregnant in warmer weather), and sleeping may become increasingly difficult. While it’s going to be a little uncomfortable for the next couple of months, in nine weeks you’ll have a new love in your life!
• With that in mind, if you experience sudden facial or hand swelling, call your healthcare provider immediately, as it could be an indicator of something more serious. Facial swelling, changes in vision, and headaches could be a sign of something called preeclampsia.

31 Weeks: Baby Movement

Tour de uterus. At 31 weeks, your little one is doing lots of moving around, and would you believe, is doing little pedaling motions with those tiny legs? Perhaps cycling stardom in their future.

31 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Position

Your little one may still be wiggling their way around the womb, but within the next couple of weeks, they should be settling into the ideal “birth-ready” position. Known as the cephalic presentation, this is when the baby faces your back with their little head positioned head down, and their chin is tucked to their chest. If your baby doesn't move to this position as you approach your due date, your healthcare provider has several options for turning or repositioning them before you go into labor.

How Big Is Your Baby at 31 Weeks Pregnant?

Week 31 Pregnancy Symptoms

During week 31 of pregnancy, your body is changing quickly. As your baby grows, you will too, and there are certain pregnancy symptoms you may experience at this time.

7 Common Week 31 Pregnancy Symptoms

1. The pressure on your bladder will make you feel like peeing constantly (and you’ll need to go!).
2. All the weight you’re carrying out front will be straining your back, causing muscle strains.
3. With the increased girth, you’re like a bull in a china shop in terms of clumsiness.
4. Somehow the pregnancy brain memory lapses and vagueness has doubled down, so you may want to take notes or keep a journal if you’re often left wondering what you wanted to say a minute ago.
5. It’s hard to sleep, and then when you’re awake, your head hurts. Stay hydrated and have frequent healthy snacks. Generally speaking, taking recommended doses of acetaminophen is permitted, unless your doc says otherwise.
6. You may notice a waxy, yellow substance leaking from your breasts. This is colostrum, sometimes called “first milk” or “pre-milk.” It’s the first milk produced by lactation and contains antibodies, proteins, salt, and more to help protect your newborn's vulnerable systems.
7. Itchiness is common. If it’s intense or you have a rash, contact your doctor.

31 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms of Labor

At 31 weeks, if you notice signs of labor, such as your water breaking or actual contractions (as opposed to Braxton Hicks contractions), you may be going into premature labor. Preterm labor is when your body goes into labor early, specifically before 37 weeks of pregnancy. If you suspect you may be going into labor early, notify your doctor.

4 Expert Tips for a Healthy And Safe Pregnancy

Being 31 weeks pregnant is an important time for you and your baby. Here’s some more expert-recommended advice on how to adjust to this new stage and keep you and your baby safe.

1. All my bags are packed: Review your packing checklist and get your bag ready with the essentials for your hospital stay. Be sure to keep it in a handy place and share the bag’s location with your partner or person that will be with you in the birthing room.
2. Soothe those aches: Do basic stretches to stop your neck and head from aching. Massages also help, and baths are safe during pregnancy. For an added muscle-soother, try Epsom salts, but don’t soak for more than 15 minutes. It’s also very important to keep your core body temperature below 101°F, so keep a thermometer on hand before getting in the tub. If that’s too much to keep track of, opt for a foot bath, which is also relaxing.
3. Making waves: Swimming is another safe option for healthy movement to help with those aches. Many women find that feeling weightless while floating is soothing for both body and mind.
4. Making gains: You should be gaining about a pound a week during your third trimester, but don’t be obsessed with the scale. While some women feel uncomfortable with size changes during pregnancy, try to remember that weight gain is completely natural and healthy for you and your baby. And follow trusted sources on what to eat, as there’s a slew of pregnancy nutrition myths out there. As long as you’re eating a healthy diet and practicing a pregnancy-safe exercise routine, you’re taking steps to set yourself up for success for you and your baby. Your doctor will let you know if they have any concerns.

Week 31 Checklist: How To Plan Your Pregnancy

Knowing what to do week-by-week can help you feel prepared and alleviate stress. Add these new items to your to-do list this week. You’ve got this, mama!

Learn more about your pregnancy, including pregnancy planning and pregnancy nutrition to feel prepared to continue this magical adventure. You’re armed with the facts, what to do, and now you can take time to connect with the little one growing inside you.

With week 30 in the rearview mirror and week 31 going strong, look to the future and what's coming up in week 32!