31 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and Baby Development

At 31 weeks pregnant, you’ve entered a dynamic phase where each day brings new and noticeable changes. Your baby is gaining weight, fine-tuning their senses, and getting ready for life outside the womb. Meanwhile, your body is working hard to support these rapid developments—bringing along some expected third-trimester symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and Braxton Hicks contractions. It’s a time of anticipation, growth, and preparation. Let’s explore what you and your baby can expect at this exciting stage. 

31 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development 

At 31 weeks pregnant, your baby is becoming more active and responsive to the world around them. With more defined sleep-wake cycles, you might even notice a pattern to their movements. A 31-week foetus size is comparable to a bunch of leeks, measuring roughly 41 centimetres from head to heel and weighing about 1.5 kilograms. 

Your baby’s brain is rapidly developing, forming more complex neural connections. Their senses are also sharpening—a 31-week foetus, typically, can turn its head towards light and respond to familiar sounds like your voice. The lungs are maturing, though not fully developed, and your little one is continuing to practise breathing motions by inhaling amniotic fluid. 

At 31 weeks pregnant, the development of your baby has reached an exciting stage which is the accumulation of fat beneath your baby’s skin. This will help them regulate their body temperature after birth. The digestive system is almost ready, and bone marrow has taken over the task of producing red blood cells. 

Your Body & Bump at 31 Weeks Pregnant 

At 31 weeks pregnant, your baby bump is more noticeable as your uterus expands to accommodate your growing baby. You might experience common symptoms such as back pain, swelling in your feet and ankles, and occasional breathlessness due to pressure on your diaphragm. 

It’s essential to focus on comfort by taking breaks, wearing supportive footwear, and staying hydrated. Maintaining a balanced diet and gentle exercise, like prenatal yoga or walking, can help ease discomfort and keep you and your baby healthy during this stage. 

31 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms 

At 31 weeks pregnant, which marks the seventh month of pregnancy, many women begin to feel the physical intensity of the third trimester. Common symptoms at 31 weeks pregnant include: 

• Shortness of breath: As your uterus expands upward, it pushes against your diaphragm, making it harder to take full breaths. 

• Braxton Hicks contractions: These “practice” contractions are typically painless and irregular but can become more noticeable as your body prepares for labour. 

• Fatigue and disrupted sleep: Discomfort, frequent urination, and vivid dreams may disturb your rest. 

• Itchy belly and stretch marks: Your skin is stretching significantly, often resulting in itching or visible streaks, especially on the abdomen and thighs. 

If you notice anything unusual or are unsure whether symptoms are normal, always reach out to your healthcare provider for reassurance and guidance. 

31 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider 

• Plan Your Birth: Start thinking about your labour and delivery preferences if you haven’t already. 

• Feeding Choices: Talk to your healthcare provider or lactation consultant about breastfeeding or formula feeding options. 

• Explore Natural Childbirth: Research natural childbirth methods and discuss them with your care team. 

• Communicate with Loved Ones: Share your needs and preferences for labour with your partner and family. 

• Prepare Older Children: Involve siblings in nursery preparations to help them adjust to the new arrival. 

• Gather Baby Essentials: Begin shopping for must-haves like baby clothes, a bassinet, and a diaper bag. 

• Boost Iron Intake: Include iron-rich foods in your diet to support your health. 

• Organise Travel Plans: Ensure any necessary travel arrangements are sorted well in advance. 

• Pack an Emergency Kit: Prepare a first-aid kit and have your hospital bag ready for delivery day. 

• Know Warning Signs: Stay alert for urgent symptoms and seek medical help immediately if they arise. 

31 Weeks Pregnant: Questions for Your Healthcare Provider  

At 31 weeks, you're nearing the final phase of pregnancy. Use this time to ask your doctor key questions to prepare for labour and ensure your and your baby’s well-being. 

1. Labour & Delivery: 

• What’s my expected due date? 

• Who can be with me during labour? 

• What are the available pain relief options? 

• What are signs of early labour?   

2. Baby’s Development: 

• How is my baby growing? 

• How do I monitor foetal movements? 

• Are any tests or scans needed now?   

3. Your Health: 

• Are any vaccines (like Tdap) recommended now? 

• Is it safe to travel? 

• What symptoms require urgent care (e.g., swelling, vision changes)? 

• What foods, medications, or activities should I avoid?   

4. Additional Prep: 

• What are my feeding options and available support? 

• What should I include in my hospital bag? 

• What to expect during postpartum recovery? 

These questions help you feel confident and ready for the weeks ahead. 

31 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist 

Labour & Delivery Preparations 

• Discuss and create your birth plan with your healthcare provider 

• Pack your hospital bag with essentials for you and baby 

• Decide on your support person(s) for labour and delivery 

• Consider attending antenatal classes 

Home & Baby Preparations 

• Set up a safe and comfortable nursery 

• Gather essential baby gear (crib, car seat, diapers) 

• Prepare a baby first-aid and emergency kit 

• Organise baby clothes and postpartum necessities 

• Create a baby registry if not done already 

Health & Comfort 

• Review maternity leave plans and inform colleagues 

• Add prenatal yoga or Pilates to ease discomfort 

• Maintain a healthy diet rich in iron and fibre 

• Practice pelvic floor exercises 

• Prioritise rest and comfort 

• Watch for warning signs (severe headaches, vision changes, swelling) 

Other Considerations 

• Prepare older children for the new arrival 

• Start looking for baby nurse or doula recommendations 

• Check insurance coverage for breastfeeding supplies like a breast pump 

Final Thoughts  

At 31 weeks pregnant, you are well into the third trimester, experiencing significant changes as your baby continues to grow and develop rapidly. Understanding the common symptoms and staying attentive to your body’s signals is essential for a healthy pregnancy. By following the recommended checklist and maintaining regular prenatal care, you can prepare confidently for the final weeks ahead. This period of anticipation and transformation brings you closer to welcoming your baby into the world.