Baby development at 31 weeks. All about the thirty-first week of pregnancy

Time has flown by unnoticed, and it's time for a young mother to go on maternity leave. Her interesting position is obvious to others. The abdomen is already visible to the naked eye and under any clothing. How many months is it - 31-32 weeks of pregnancy? Based on obstetric calculations, this is seven and a half months of pregnancy. Normal pregnancy resolution occurs at 38-42 weeks, meaning you have a maximum of 10 weeks left. Have time to enjoy this state, because the little legs that are actively kicking you today will soon begin to run on their own, and mom will have nostalgia for these exciting, but such wonderful moments.

Estimated date of birth

Since the 31-32 week of pregnancy is already underway, every woman is interested in when to wait for her baby to be born. The baby has already become quite heavy and every mother wants to get rid of the burden as soon as possible. But do not rush, your child is already a fully formed organism, however, it is still very useful for him to be in the mother's womb, build up subcutaneous fat and get stronger properly. Although if the pregnancy proceeded with the threat of miscarriage, now you can breathe a sigh of relief. A child born on any subsequent day will be quite viable. However, 31-32 weeks of pregnancy is only the beginning of the third trimester. To calculate the day of birth, obstetricians use special tables, and, of course, take into account the day of the last menstruation. In this case, it is necessary to make a discount on the duration of the cycle, which is individual. If you have it up to 30 days, then most likely the baby will be born on time or a little earlier. If the cycle is more than 30 days, then it is likely that the baby will appear a little later.

Your baby's physical development

Today, he is actively growing and gaining weight, the accumulation of subcutaneous fat is the main task that the child faces when the 31-32 week of pregnancy is underway. Now his weight is still not very large, about 1.4 - 1.6 kg. Its growth reaches 30-45 cm, that is, the crumb is already large enough for your stomach and its every movement is very noticeable. Now, before the onset of childbirth, he needs to grow another 5-15 cm and gain one and a half kilograms of weight, and all this in less than two months. At this time, the doctor leading the pregnancy will definitely send you for an ultrasound scan to determine whether the 31-32 week of pregnancy is really going on. The weight of the fetus is also determined by the results of this examination. Too small, as well as too large an indicator, is an alarming symptom that should be analyzed by doctors. The reasons may be poor blood supply to the placenta or a violation of the diet by the mother, as well as various pathologies of intrauterine development.

mental development

Today, no one is surprised by the fact that the baby in the womb begins to explore the world. This is true, especially in the third trimester, when all the senses are fully formed. The end of their formation is precisely the 31-32 week of pregnancy. The weight of the fetus is now increasing every day, in proportion to it, the brain develops. Connections between nerve cells are formed with amazing speed, while the brain is already able to analyze the incoming information, although there is not so much of it in the child's living space. However, the baby from his shelter monitors everything that happens in the outside world. It successfully processes information signals from all five available sense organs.

Development of sensory channels

Let's look a little deeper into the world of the baby in order to understand what is significant about the 31-32 week of pregnancy, what happens at this time. So, the child is rapidly developing all the senses. This is due to the survival instinct. He is especially sensitive to light. If a light source is directed to the stomach, the baby will squint and turn away. The second source of information is sounds. He already distinguishes voices well, knows how to distinguish the voice of his mother, calms down at the sounds of classical music and, on the contrary, becomes excited when he hears a cheerful, rhythmic melody. When the 31-32 week of pregnancy comes, the movements become very noticeable, but do not cause much discomfort to the mother, therefore this particular period is considered the most favorable for playing with your unborn baby.

Good time

Games of mother and child, and even better, if dad and older children are connected to this, this is a great way to unite the family and let the baby know that he is loved and expected. The simplest games are stroking and patting on the stomach, in response to which the baby also begins to push from the inside. Some mothers try at these moments to try on a bootie on a leg that protrudes from the stomach. You can go even further and play soldiers who will march on the stomach. And another wonderful activity will be the drawing of the future baby on the mother's stomach, made with the help of fingers and paints by the rest of the family. Such games guarantee a lot of new experiences for the future baby and a great mood for everyone else, which is of considerable importance.

What is your child doing now?

How do you think he spends his leisure time? Now he's big enough to stay awake long enough. This is well noticed by all women who are 31-32 weeks pregnant. Moves often, for a long time, which is the norm. But if the baby calms down for more than 3 hours, it is worth considering. Try to challenge him to a game by lightly patting his stomach. If you felt tremors - everything is fine, he just fell asleep. However, if the lull continues, consult a doctor, this may be a sign of oxygen starvation.

If the child is overly active, pushes for many hours in a row, does not calm down to the sound of music or even on a walk (during the mother's walk, all children usually sleep), then this is a cause for serious concern. Immediately see a doctor for a referral for an examination.

During periods of wakefulness, the baby usually makes faces and pushes, hiccups and swallows water, breathes and pushes the walls of the uterus with arms and legs. Favorite activity is sucking your fist or thumb and dangling your legs. These skills are honed during the 31-32 weeks of pregnancy. Photo 3D will allow you to see your unborn child in one of the interesting poses to leave as a keepsake for the family album.

Development of internal organs

Despite the fact that the foundations of all organs have already been formed, the future baby continues to grow actively. This is understandable, because only the 31-32 week of the fetus is in full swing, since in a short month and a half he needs to prepare for an independent life. Now all organs and systems are fully functional. The head of the baby becomes proportional to the body. Now it is 60% of an adult. The wrinkles on his skin are gradually smoothed out. This is due to the accumulation of subcutaneous fat. Hair grows on the head. Every day the nervous system improves more and more, now the pupils can already narrow, the baby is no longer afraid of bright light. The fetus at 31-32 weeks of gestation trains the lungs and tries to inhale. At the same time, some amniotic fluid gets inside him. This is how the lungs prepare for their first breath after birth.

We grow by leaps and bounds

A child at 31-32 weeks of gestation is changing just before our eyes. Every week he adds about 200-300 grams. That is, by the end of 32 weeks, he will most likely reach a weight of 1700 - 1900. Such significant gains cannot be ignored by the mother. It's getting harder for her. It is this period that is transitional, a little time will pass and, therefore, it will become a little easier. In the meantime, a large uterus presses on the diaphragm, making it difficult to breathe. The uterus is now 10 cm above the navel, which means that all the organs are shifting to give the child more room to develop. It affects everyone. Pressure on the stomach leads to severe heartburn, digestive problems and constipation. The bladder, also experiencing a certain amount of pressure, requires frequent emptying. However, if it reassures you, then all these moments are temporary, they can be compensated for by longer walks in the fresh air and rational nutrition.

What's new

What changes does pregnancy 31-32 weeks give us? increases, changes are waiting for you in the near future. As we have already said, in a child, all organs are fully formed. Now one of his main tasks is to roll over and take a position upside down, which will ensure a normal delivery. In this position, he will have to remain until birth. Now the child's immune system is being laid. Mom during this period is very worried about heartburn and shortness of breath, constipation. In case of toxicosis, nausea and increased pressure are possible, sometimes swelling or even protein in the urine. If all these signs are collected, then the mother can be hospitalized, since such a complication as preeclampsia is possible.

ultrasound

This is a diagnostic method that allows the doctor to assess the condition of the child, and the mother to see her baby for the first time. Recently, technology has made a huge leap, now going to an ultrasound is like visiting an auditorium. Usually, the expectant mother comes along with her father, and sometimes the grandmother of the child, and everyone can watch the movements of the crumbs in the stomach.

We would like to take a closer look at what an ultrasound procedure is at 31-32 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound at this time is designed to determine whether the size of the fetus is appropriate for development. The second point is to find out if the baby has turned head down. Usually, he will not be able to roll back, as he continues to gain weight. In parallel, the doctor will evaluate the amniotic fluid index. It should be in the region of 80-250 mm. If less, then oligohydramnios is diagnosed, and if more, then polyhydramnios.

Sometimes the doctor performing the ultrasound procedure may note signs of inflammation of the placenta. It can be caused by fungi or viruses, as well as pathogens. In this case, the specialist transmits information to the attending physician, and he, in turn, decides how to treat this pathology. But the entanglement of the umbilical cord, which doctors sometimes scare mothers with, at this stage is not a big deal. In the next few hours, the baby can be freed from the entanglement, and in childbirth it will no longer be found. It may be vice versa, there was no entanglement on ultrasound, but it was in childbirth.

Feelings of the expectant mother

Every day she has more and more worries. How will the birth go, will the baby sleep peacefully, is everything in order with his health. These and other questions sometimes give a woman a lot of excitement. But now the main thing is to calm down. Listen to pleasant music, go for a walk, sleep. Now it is extremely important to gain strength, soon they will be needed.

Now the baby turns over with its legs up and all of it falls on the mother's chest area. This causes pain. Therefore, doctors recommend expectant mothers to monitor their posture and keep their back straight, so you can slightly reduce discomfort.

Edema

Very soon, you may encounter such a problem as excess water retention in the body. During pregnancy, this is almost inevitable, leading to swelling of the limbs and swelling of the veins. The best prevention is getting rid of tight clothing and jewelry, normal physical activity and a water-salt diet. First of all, you need to minimize salt intake, and if this does not help, then the doctor will determine the maximum dosage of liquid (including soups) per day.

Uterine contractions

For the first time, they can appear precisely during the 31-32 weeks of pregnancy. This is how many months, you already know. Based on the usual calculations, then seven and a half, and by obstetric standards a little less. Be that as it may, it is this week that frequent uterine contractions appear, which are training and do not pose a threat to the life of the child. The pressure of the uterus on the bladder can cause uncontrolled urination. From this there may be minor pains, which are stopped with the help of valerian and other sedatives.

What you need to pay special attention to

The training contractions of the uterus will get stronger as the day of delivery approaches. This is normal, however, you need to know how to distinguish them from real contractions. Harbingers are usually not intense and pass if you move a little. Real contractions from physical activity will only intensify.

The greatest danger for mom at this time is various diseases. One of the most dangerous is late preeclampsia, or placental abruption. A large load can cause back pain, for the correction of which doctors may recommend wearing a special corset and doing a set of exercises. It's time to sign up for gymnastics for pregnant women, where, under the guidance of a trainer, you will not only do useful stretching and breathing exercises, but also share experience and gain new knowledge.

Especially now one should be wary of colds and infectious diseases. The course of the disease, as well as the medicines that are used to treat it, one way or another, will affect the health of the baby. Therefore, even with the most minor illness, such as a runny nose, you should consult a doctor so that he examines you and prescribes adequate treatment. Most often, expectant mothers are prescribed herbal remedies or homeopathic treatment. Such drugs are more gentle and do not harm, but at the same time they give a good effect. In addition, doctors recommend various herbal preparations. But, of course, prevention is the main task of every expectant mother. Rational nutrition and optimal physical activity, avoidance of crowded places, ventilation and wet cleaning of the room are simple actions that help to avoid unpleasant consequences and live without diseases until the very birth.

the child is already fully formed and visually similar to a small person. The final stage of development of vital organs begins. The organism is actively preparing for existence outside the mother's body;
the body weight of the child reaches one and a half kilograms. His height increases daily by several mm. Now it is about 40 cm;
the active stage of the development of mental activity begins due to the daily increase in brain cells. The child learns to respond to light, voice, touch to the stomach. From these actions, he learns to experience positive or negative emotions;
at the beginning of the seventh month, the color of the eyes is determined. In the iris, the accumulation of pigment begins. The baby blinks and reacts to bright light sources;
surfactant begins to be produced - a substance that is required for the proper opening and functioning of the lungs of a newborn. In the respiratory system, the stage of maturation of the alveoli is completed;
the pancreas and liver are actively testing their functions. Insulin production and bile secretion have not yet been established, but will soon be actively performed;
the baby's day regimen is set for a period of 31 weeks. The routine may differ from the mother's, some women during the period of calm note increased motor activity of the embryo, which is normal.

What happens to the expectant mother: sensations

At 31 weeks pregnant, most women are already on maternity leave. The time begins when you can devote yourself to a new state. The final period of development of the baby requires special attention, because now the child is learning to contact with his mother. Given that the baby is already fully formed, constantly gaining weight and size, a pregnant woman is waiting for changes.

Training or preparatory bouts. One of the main new sensations is periodic uterine contractions that occur several times a day. With their help, the body prepares for childbirth. During the contraction of the walls, the woman feels that her stomach has changed shape, as if compressed and became very hard. The child is silent at this moment. Training fights have no time dependence. They are repeated at different intervals and do not cause serious discomfort.

Breast changes. A woman's breasts at 31 weeks have already increased significantly in size. At this time, the nipple becomes pigmented. The halo darkens, and Montgomery's glands become clearly visible on it. Also, many expectant mothers in the seventh month note that fluid is secreted from their breasts - colostrum, which will become the first food for the child. Often this causes discomfort, as it impregnates clothing and leaves stains. To get rid of this trouble and make you feel comfortable, it is recommended to use disposable breast pads.

Body changes. The volume of the abdomen continues to increase. The position of a woman is visible to everyone around. The average volume of the abdomen for a period of 31 weeks is 85-90 cm. The bottom of the uterus rises above the pelvic cavity at a height of 30-31 cm. For many mothers, the navel begins to protrude during this period. In some cases, this is accompanied by painful sensations. It is imperative to see a surgeon to rule out an umbilical hernia. The pelvic bones begin to gradually diverge. This causes discomfort and makes the gait even more clumsy.

Appearance changes. This period is accompanied by the accumulation of fluid in the soft tissues. This is especially noticeable when a healthy diet is not observed and a large amount of salt is consumed. The nose becomes swollen and may be associated with potatoes. Lips become plumper and more sensual. In the morning, the expectant mother can observe swelling under the eyes, which indicate a violation in the work of the kidneys. At 31 weeks, the hair is shiny and healthy looking. Few of the pregnant women at 7 months are already facing prolapse. Usually this process begins after childbirth under the influence of a changed hormonal background.

What feelings does the woman experience? Pregnancy 31 weeks is the 3rd trimester.

31 OB WEEK OF PREGNANCY = 29 WEEK OF PREGNANCY FROM CONCEPTION

Pregnancy 31 weeks fetal development and woman's sensations

31 weeks pregnant what happens to mom

The woman is gaining weight this week up to 300 g.
The uterus continues to grow rapidly, its bottom rises 32 cm above the pubic articulation of the bones. The body is already intensively preparing for the upcoming birth: the uterus comes in for a short time, these are training contractions.
During this period, some pregnant women may develop. There are several reasons for this negative complication: high blood pressure, liver disease, problems with the cardiovascular system, as well as excess weight.
The baby already confidently takes a position upside down or buttocks. Usually it does not change until childbirth.

For a woman on maternity leave, time begins to flow slowly. She lives in anticipation of childbirth and meeting with the baby. The body of a pregnant woman has changed so much that it is difficult for her to imagine herself after the birth of a child.

A woman has gained from 7 to 12 since the beginning of pregnancy, depending on the size of the fetus and the volume of amniotic fluid. The uterus has significantly squeezed the internal organs, so at times a woman feels uncomfortable, especially when the child is actively pushing.

Kicks in the stomach provoke the reflux of food from it into the esophagus, causing heartburn. You can avoid this by eating fractionally - often and in very small portions, up to 200 g. Water should be limited if there is a tendency to edema.

Increased pressure on the bladder

The uterus puts more and more pressure on the bladder and the woman increasingly has to go to the toilet, sometimes portions of urine are negligible, but the pressure is the same as that of a full bladder. You can’t stand it, you need to go to the toilet at the first urge, otherwise inflammation of the urinary tract will develop.

Possible leakage of urine. You need to use pads and monitor the color and smell of the discharge so as not to miss the leakage of amniotic fluid.

The excretory system is active, so urine from the child's body is excreted into the amniotic fluid.
The baby increased its mass to 1600 g and grew to 42 cm.
The liver grows rapidly and produces bile. The lobules of the liver responsible for filtering the blood are almost completely formed.
The baby's fingers already have full-fledged nail plates.
The unborn child has accumulated both white and brown fat deposits. The latter is located near the kidneys and spine, behind the sternum and between the shoulder blades. Brown adipose tissue is necessary for the baby to maintain the desired (normal) body temperature, which is a good prevention of hypothermia for the baby.

31 weeks pregnant what happens to the fetus

The child grew to 21 centimeters and gained one and a half kilograms. Short hairs, resembling villi (lanugo), which perform a protective function, disappear from his body. By the time of birth, lanugo almost completely disappears from the skin.

In addition, the original feces - meconium - are formed in the intestines of the fetus. It also differs in composition from the feces of born children and consists of lanugo villi swallowed by the child, intestinal epithelium, mucus and bile produced by the body of the fetus. Feces come out after birth.

31 weeks of pregnancy fetal development

Nails and hair on the head are actively growing. Therefore, the first time the child's nails are cut a few days after birth, so that he does not scratch himself. The hair on the head looks like down and will stay that way for the first year of a baby's life.

The child has already grown eyebrows and eyelashes, he distinguishes light and shadow through the thin skin of the abdominal wall of the abdomen that has become thin. Hearing is sufficiently developed to distinguish sounds. Perinatologists believe that children like music and singing, therefore, expectant mothers are recommended to sing songs to their baby, listen to soothing, better classical, music and the sounds of nature.

The child continues to practice thumb sucking. This skill will be useful to him immediately after birth, when he is attached to the breast or fed from a bottle. The kid has learned to turn his head, his limbs are proportional to the body and head. Outwardly, this is a well-formed little person.

All his internal organs are ready to go. The bladder secretes urine, which enters the amniotic fluid. Since fetal urine does not contain bacteria and acids, it is completely harmless to the baby. Urine is formed because the baby swallows some of the amniotic fluid, which, after passing through the gastrointestinal tract, is excreted naturally.

at 31 weeks pregnant

Pregnancy is an amazing state, it is worth capturing it at a photo shoot. But one should not overdo it and apply drawings on the stomach that have not gone out of fashion lately. The paints used are absorbed into the skin, and their composition can harm the fetus. The father of the child will certainly take part in the photo shoot with pleasure.

A pregnant woman must perform Kegel exercises. Their essence lies in the alternate tension and relaxation of the pelvic muscles. Regular exercise greatly facilitates childbirth and contributes to their faster and more successful course, and also prevents urine leakage due to pressure on the bladder. Permission to exercise must be given by a gynecologist.

Pelvic pain at 31 weeks pregnant

When walking, standing up, sitting, a woman may experience pain. This is caused by the relaxation of the ligaments and muscles, which gradually occurs during the period of preparation of the body for childbirth. The ligaments become elastic so that the pelvic bones move apart and the baby passes through the birth canal. A woman's gait may change, become as if a pregnant woman is walking along the deck of a ship.

Pain in the spine is caused by the pressure on it of the uterus and internal organs, which are now in an unnatural position. Lumbar pain is also provoked by constantly growing weight. To reduce the load on the spine, you need to stand still less. When standing, transfer weight alternately from one foot to the other. You need to sit on chairs and sofas with backs to lean on them and reduce the load.

You can’t walk in heels, because it’s easy to get stretched, dislocated, twist your leg, fall, losing balance. The fall is dangerous for both the fetus and the expectant mother. Comfortable shoes should be worn, in which the foot does not slip, is not pinched by the straps. Violation of blood flow in the legs causes additional pain.

How to avoid pain?

You need to rest more in a comfortable position. The body spends a lot of energy on maintaining the life of the fetus, so a woman should not waste it on unnecessary activities. All forces must be directed to the bearing of the fetus.

So that the joints of the back and limbs do not hurt

Don't lift heavy
Don't bend over
Delegate the housework of cleaning to someone else,
Do not make sudden movements and do not overwork.

You need to see a doctor if

Pain when urinating (possibly an infection)
Pain occurs during bowel movements (possible hemorrhoids),
Pain in the lower back, pelvic region and legs do not subside (suspicion of sciatica).

If there are pulling, girdle pains in the abdomen that occur at regular intervals, you need to call an ambulance. Pain may indicate the onset of labor.

No pain during pregnancy should be ignored. Even if it is not intense, you need to tell the gynecologist about it at your next visit.

31 weeks pregnant what happens to the baby and mom- video

31 weeks pregnant what happens to the baby and mom

At 31 weeks, amazing things happen to mom and baby. The woman has already got used to her new position. For the sake of meeting her child, she is ready to endure a big belly, back pain and other delights of pregnancy. The baby is gaining weight every day and is preparing to meet the outside world. In the article you will find a lot of useful information, you will see what the baby looks like in the photo and get valuable tips for a successful pregnancy.

31 weeks pregnant - how many calendar months does it get?

Thirty-one weeks is 7 obstetric months and 3 weeks. In 7 days, mommy will be exactly 8 months old. The obstetric period is counted from the first day of the last menstruation. Embryonic is less than obstetric, as a rule, by 10-14 days, which depends on the duration of the woman's menstrual cycle. It is considered directly from conception.

Baby development

You can find out in what mood your child is now by his movements. If the little one wants to eat, he will move more actively, thereby expressing his displeasure. With mother's singing, children often calm down, calm down. A baby will also like the smooth dances of a woman. Sometimes it happens that some children stay awake at night, preventing the pregnant woman from sleeping. Singing or walking slowly can help soothe the baby. This will help the baby sleep.

External changes:

The weight of the baby at 31 weeks of gestation is about 1500-1600 grams, and its height reaches approximately 40-42 centimeters.
Heart rate on CTG - 140-160 beats per minute.
The baby's legs can already reach your ribs. At the same time, his tremors can be quite painful. Don't worry. Soon the tummy will drop and the tremors will not be so painful.
Now there is an intensive deposition of the fat layer in the baby. His skin becomes lighter, and the capillaries are no longer translucent.
There are already hairs on the head, and eyebrows and cilia are visible on the face. On the fingers and toes, the nails reach almost to the edge of the finger.

By 31 weeks, the baby opens and closes its eyes, squints at bright lights and shudders at harsh sounds. His mother's voice calms him, and other people's voices are alarming.

Now the baby has developed a new corneal reflex. If he accidentally touches the eye with a pen, he will involuntarily close it.

The development of the internal organs of the baby at 31 weeks

Every day the child's respiratory system improves. Now there is a gradual filling of the alveoli with surfactant. This substance is necessary to prevent the lungs from sticking together during the first breath of the baby. Due to a deficiency of surfactant, even children born at term may develop severe, incompatible with life, respiratory failure.

The digestive system is now fully functioning. The intestine performs movements resembling peristalsis. In the pancreas, insulin is produced, and the liver is able to produce bile and filter the baby's blood from toxins.

The brain develops very actively at the 31st week of pregnancy. Now a huge number of neural connections are being synthesized, and nerve fibers are wrapped in a special protective sheath. Every day, the little one masters and improves new reflexes. His movements are not so chaotic. Some experts even call them conscious.

How is the baby in the womb

At the 31st week of pregnancy, there is less and less space in the mother's tummy. The special position of the body helps to facilitate the presence in the womb of the baby. At the same time, his legs are bent with his knees to the tummy, and the arms are located at the chest. Most babies now turn their heads down. This position is considered the most favorable for the normal birth process.

If the peanut is turned with its buttocks down, then here we are talking about a breech presentation. This condition in a woman is a reason for careful medical monitoring. Sometimes mom is prescribed a special gymnastics that helps the baby turn over head down. If, by the time of childbirth, the baby is still located with its legs and buttocks down, the birth process is somewhat complicated and a decision can even be made about a caesarean section.

perturbations

By the 31st week of pregnancy, most babies already have their own daily routine. As before, most of the time the baby sleeps, but during periods of wakefulness, he actively improves his skills. The baby moves his arms and legs, sucks his finger, hiccups, turns his head, explores his body.

At this stage, mom should carefully listen to the movements of the fetus. Normally, in the thirty-first week, about 10 movements of the child should be observed for 12 hours. If there are too few movements, or, conversely, the baby began to behave extremely actively, this may indicate a particular pathology. In order to prevent complications, mom is recommended to inform the doctor about the change in the behavior of the little man.

What to prepare for mommy at 31 weeks

The feelings of a woman at this stage of pregnancy can hardly be called the most pleasant, but the girls are ready for anything, just to meet their long-awaited little one.

Let's look at what conditions a representative of the fair half may encounter.

Allocations

The secret secreted from the vagina can tell a lot about the health of the female reproductive system. Normally, the discharge should not have an unpleasant odor. Their color in the absence of certain diseases ranges from transparent to whitish. The consistency is slimy. If the nature of the secret has changed, especially during pregnancy, mom is recommended to immediately consult a doctor.

Especially dangerous at 31 weeks of gestation are brown or spotting. They may indicate the presence of bleeding due to placental abruption or other dangerous conditions. If you find red or rusty spots on your underwear, you should not delay going to the gynecologist. Even with the onset of premature birth, this process can be stopped with timely admission to the hospital.

pain

It hurts and pulls the lower abdomen, as well as discomfort in the lumbar region in most mothers in the third trimester of pregnancy. The girls' testimonies indicate that they often have pain in the pubic bone, perineum, and lower abdomen. Unpleasant feelings and spasms spread to the back area. At the same time, the tummy becomes hard, as if turning to stone.

Causes of pain:

growth and stretching of the muscles of the uterus;
increased load on the muscles and motor apparatus;
shift in the center of gravity due to an enlarged tummy;
false or training contractions;
increased tone of the uterus at 31 weeks.

In case of severe pain, a woman should definitely consult a doctor. Physiological pain that occurs in mothers during pregnancy should go away on their own at rest. If the discomfort persists, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor. To cope with pain at home, experts recommend that a woman take a horizontal position, relax, breathe calmly. This helps relieve muscle spasm, saturate the body with oxygen.

Increased tone of the uterus

Hypertonicity or increased tone of the uterus poses a rather serious threat to the baby. The gynecologist makes a diagnosis, and it is confirmed by ultrasound. In severe cases, mom is recommended to lie down for preservation. This helps to avoid unexpected situations.

The causes of increased uterine tone include physiological and psychological factors. Among the physiological ones, there are infectious diseases in a pregnant woman, hormonal disorders, intense physical activity, weight lifting. Emotional experiences are referred to as psychological. They can occur due to fears of childbirth, with unwanted conception, and for other reasons.

The danger of hypertonicity lies in the fact that against its background, the blood flow in the pelvic organs is greatly deteriorating. Oxygen starvation is very dangerous for a child and can lead to hypoxia. In addition, increased tone can provoke premature birth, and the baby at 31 weeks is not yet ready for birth.

Pathology treatment:

exclusion of emotional and physical stress;
taking sedatives (Papaverine, Motherwort, Magne B6);
careful medical supervision;
proper nutrition;
if necessary, mom is recommended to stay in the hospital.

The stories of pregnant women indicate that when all medical recommendations are followed for hypertonicity, it is quite possible to bear the baby until the end of the term.

indigestion

At the 31st week of pregnancy, the baby already reaches a fairly large size and occupies the entire mother's tummy. It is not surprising that all internal organs are displaced. In this regard, the woman has frequent urination, shortness of breath and some digestive disorders.

Dyspeptic disorders at this time include such phenomena as diarrhea or, conversely, constipation, flatulence, heartburn, and sometimes nausea. Often, girls have a stomach ache and intestines. This sign should not be ignored. If you experience pain, a pregnant woman should consult a doctor. This will help eliminate unwanted consequences in the future.

Fetal ultrasound at 31 weeks

Ultrasound examination at this time is not performed in all cases. The procedure is prescribed by the doctor when the mother has certain problems or if the previous ultrasound results are in doubt.

Normal size of a baby on ultrasound at 31 weeks

Often the parameters of the fetus differ from the norm, which depends on the individual characteristics of the baby. Decoding is carried out by a qualified doctor. In this case, the overall picture is evaluated, and not each parameter separately.

In addition, the following indicators are taken into account:

mommy is pregnant with twins, triplets or one baby in the womb;
how actively the fetus moves;
thickness of the placenta (normal at 31 weeks 30-30.5 mm).
the location of the baby in the womb (head, pelvic or transverse);
baby's heartbeat (normally 140-160 beats / min.);
maturation (aging) of the placenta (at 31 weeks, the first degree of maturity is normally diagnosed);
the presence of pathology of the amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios).

If any abnormalities are detected, the doctor decides on how to treat them. Often therapy consists solely of strengthening medical control.

In this photo you can see what a baby looks like at 31-32 weeks of pregnancy.

In most cases, the baby lies head down, but sometimes there is also a transverse (the fetus is located obliquely), or breech presentation (head up).

twin pregnancy

The female body is designed to carry one child, so pregnancy with twins or triplets, which often occurs after artificial insemination (IVF), is considered dangerous for both women and babies. The most common is twins. In medical practice, there are several types of such pregnancy. They depend on the number of placentas and fetal membranes.

The most common type of twins is diamniotic, which is divided into dichorionic and monochorionic. The dichorionic type of diamniotic twins is considered the most favorable for the health of babies. At the same time, each crumb has its own personal space, because the amniotic septum divides the amniotic septum in half. In addition, each baby has its own placenta.

With such a pregnancy, there is a risk of a developmental delay in one of the babies, but this does not always happen. A woman with this condition is advised to be under close medical supervision, regularly take tests and follow all the doctor's recommendations.

childbirth

At 31 weeks, many mothers are concerned about the question of who gave birth at this time and what the consequences may be for the child. We note right away that the birth of a baby prematurely is always considered dangerous for his life, since the internal organs and systems are not yet quite ready to meet the newborn with the outside world.

What can cause preterm labor:

developmental pathology in the fetus;
icn - isthmic-cervical insufficiency;
infectious and inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive system;
hormonal disorders in the mother's body;
strong physical activity;
severe emotional upheavals;
oligohydramnios - insufficient volume of amniotic fluid;
low placentation;
sex in the presence of contraindications to it;
abdominal trauma and more.

Despite the obvious risks, most babies born at 30-31 weeks survive. In the absence of pathologies, fry and girls have an active weight gain, and by the year they are catching up with their peers born at term.

Sometimes at 31 weeks, an artificial birth is performed. Such a procedure is necessary in situations where there is a threat to life for the mother or baby.

Features of caring for a premature baby

Children born prematurely require special care and attitude. As a rule, on such days, newborns are in special incubators - incubators. This provides optimal living conditions for them with a stable temperature and the provision of artificial respiration if necessary. When the baby begins to breathe on his own, he is transferred to a special heated bed.

In the first days of life, a mother must find close physical and emotional contact with her child. A woman is encouraged to talk to the baby, sing songs to him, hug him. Physical contact is very important at this stage. The child should be laid out with a naked body on the mother's chest.

Doctors strongly recommend that you also continue breastfeeding. Breast milk will help the newborn gain weight faster and adapt to the world around him. In addition, the little one should be regularly shown to the local pediatrician, to take the necessary tests.

Weight gain

Normally, at 31 weeks, a woman should gain approximately 300 grams. In total, by this time, the minimum increase should be about 8 kg.

Alcoholic drinks in the third trimester

Physiological anemia is often observed in pregnant women. Hemoglobin in the blood decreases due to an increase in blood volume, since its formed elements do not have time to form. It is known that red wine increases hemoglobin, so many mothers indulge in a glass of grape drink.

Before doing this, the girl should think about the following:

By week 31, the permeability of the placenta increases, so the alcohol in the wine easily penetrates the baby.
Ethanol in wine leads to vasospasm, which negatively affects the blood circulation of the fetus.
A large amount of alcohol can even lead to premature birth.

Given all these negative consequences, doctors do not recommend drinking alcoholic beverages at 31 weeks of pregnancy.

intimacy

Sex during pregnancy is allowed only if the woman and the fetus do not have any pathologies. In such cases, intimate relationships between partners are allowed, and even welcome before the very birth. This is due to the fact that sex helps to stimulate labor.

Sometimes it happens that sexual contact is highly undesirable. It is prohibited under the following conditions:

the threat of termination of pregnancy;
short cervix;
low placentation;
leakage of amniotic fluid;
developmental pathology in the fetus;
anomalies in the structure of the female reproductive system;
partners with infectious diseases.

At the same time, intimacy is not allowed, as it can provoke some complications, which include premature birth.

To avoid many problems during this crucial period, mom at 31 weeks is advised to follow the following tips:

Any disease, whether acute or chronic, should only be treated under medical supervision.
With the development of any alarming symptoms, it is imperative to report them to the leading gynecologist.
It is important to visit the antenatal clinic in a timely manner and take all the necessary tests.
It is forbidden to engage in heavy and traumatic sports, to lift weights.
Clothing should not squeeze the tummy, and it is preferable to wear shoes without a heel.
It is forbidden to take any medications on your own, as many of them have contraindications.
Pregnant women are encouraged to walk more often in the fresh air. Swimming, yoga, fitball gymnastics are considered useful sports during this period.

In addition, mom should remember that at 31 weeks of pregnancy it is important to try to eliminate stress and anxiety. The negative emotional background of a woman has an extremely bad effect on the health of the baby and can even lead to premature birth.

mommy physical activity

Sports activities with a healthy course of pregnancy are recommended at all times until the very birth. During this period, it will be useful to do yoga, do exercises on a fitball, swim, walk in the park. Any movements, even ordinary housework, will be useful for mommy. The main thing in this matter is not to overwork, because the body is already under a lot of stress.

Video

This video will help you learn more about the well-being of mommy and baby at 31 weeks pregnant.

If one baby grows in your stomach, it means that at exactly thirty weeks you received a “release” from work for the next 140 days, it is for this period that a sick leave certificate is issued.

Now you will have more free time that you can spend on yourself and your future baby.

It is time to realize all our plans - to knit a dowry for the baby, go shopping, collect a first aid kit, buy a stroller and much, much more.

It doesn’t mean at all that you yourself have to do repairs in the apartment, or general cleaning - just enjoy, relax, it’s unlikely that you will succeed after giving birth.

Your baby is the size of...

1600 grams
380-390 mm
120-160 bpm

Fetal development

The baby in the mother's womb becomes crowded, his movements are constrained, rarer, but strong.

This is what your baby looks like at 31 weeks

The fetus continues to gain weight, because in the remaining time it needs to grow at least another 1000 g in order to be considered full-term and mature.

The baby reacts to light, which becomes clear by the increase in activity, when bright light hits the mother's stomach.

Subcutaneous tissue evens out skin color, making it less red, more natural.

The nervous system continues to mature and develop, convolutions and grooves are formed in the cerebral cortex, nerve fibers are covered with a protective sheath, which significantly increases the speed of impulses passing through them.

The production of surfactant in the lungs continues, but it is not yet enough for independent breathing - the baby is too early to be born.

The liver prepares to perform its functions, its structure becomes more perfect, liver lobules are formed. The number of cells in the pancreas increases significantly; immediately after birth, its secret will be involved in the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

The nails grow and already almost reach the tips of the fingers, the hair on the head becomes thicker. But the cannon on the body gradually fall out.

Ultrasound at 31 weeks pregnant

It is possible that this week you will be assigned a third and final scheduled ultrasound.

If during the last study the baby was shy and did not show you his gender, you can find out everything this time. The specialist, according to the protocol, will make all the necessary measurements, exclude organ malformations, measure the heart rate, the amount of amniotic fluid.

Already at this time it is possible to detect malformations of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system. It is mandatory to assess the condition of the placenta and blood flow in it. The condition of the uterus, wall thickness, muscle homogeneity are also assessed, the length of the neck is measured, the degree of opening of the cervical canal.

What happens in your body at 31 weeks?

Not only your baby is changing, but your whole body:

the stomach grows due to an increase in the uterus (its bottom is now located 11 cm above the navel), as well as due to the deposition of fat in the lateral parts;
the amount of amniotic fluid increases up to a liter, this is quite enough to protect the baby from compression by the uterus and injury - water plays the role of a protective buffer;
weight gain this week will average about 9.5 kg;
under the influence of the hormone relaxin, the pelvic bones expand - it is preparing to let your baby through itself into the light;
excessive weight gain and increased swelling may indicate that it is very difficult for the kidneys to cope with the load, and without support they can simply fail, so do not hide your true weight from the doctor, especially if the increase is significant;
a frequent companion of a pregnant woman is candidiasis, which occurs due to a decrease in immunity /

How do you feel at 31 weeks?

The pressure of the pregnant uterus on the gastrointestinal tract leads to heartburn, which is difficult to remove without special means, and constipation.

Shortness of breath, fatigue and back pain will certainly join heartburn and constipation. Get used to it, you will part with these "friends" only after giving birth.

Dieting, walking in the fresh air, limiting salt, wearing a bandage will help to dull these unpleasant sensations a little.

Discharge from the genital tract

Be sure to continue to monitor the discharge from the genital tract.

Insignificant spotting on the panties appears when the mucosa is injured, as well as with hemorrhoids. Blood in large quantities is an alarming symptom, and may indicate the onset of labor, placental abruption, especially if combined with painful sensations, or appears after a blow to the stomach, heavy loads or sudden movements.

The appearance of green, yellow, frothy or flaky discharge with an unpleasant odor indicates the development of an infection and requires the earliest possible start of treatment - the baby must pass through a clean birth canal, and there is not much left before delivery.

Abundant watery, odorless discharge with a yellowish tinge may be amniotic fluid and appear when the membranes are torn or completely ruptured. If a pregnant woman suspects such a condition, you can’t hesitate - a defect in the shell is a good entrance gate for infection. If the birth occurs in this period, it is possible to leave the baby, but it is much more difficult to nurse an infected child.

Any change in the nature of the discharge during this period should be a signal to seek medical help.

Photo of tummies at 31 weeks

Examinations at 31 weeks

On the eve of the visit to the antenatal clinic, you will need to pass a general urine test (to monitor kidney function), blood (to rule out anemia and inflammation in the body), blood for sugar (if gestational diabetes mellitus developed during pregnancy, or diabetes was present before pregnancy ). With an Rh-negative blood type in the mother and a positive in the father, it is regularly necessary to donate blood for antibody titer.

Upon arrival, the pregnant woman will be weighed, the pressure on both arms will be measured, the height of the fundus of the uterus and the circumference of the abdomen will be measured, and the heart of the fetus will be listened to with a stethoscope.

Risks at 31 weeks

The stomach at 31 weeks should not hurt, the appearance of any painful sensations should attract your attention. Drawing, aching pain that lasts for a long time may indicate uterine hypertonicity and the possible development of labor. Severe pain in the abdomen, not even accompanied by bloody discharge, can occur with placental abruption.

If any pain lasts more than 30 minutes, go for a consultation, or you can go straight to the ambulance to the hospital. If everything is fine, you will simply be sent home, but if something is wrong, the chance to save yourself and your baby life and health will increase significantly.

After the 30th week, preeclampsia often develops, which is manifested by the appearance of edema, protein in the urine and increased pressure. Without adequate therapy, it can progress to life-threatening preeclampsia and eclampsia. This is an extremely serious condition, which is treated only by eliminating the cause - i.e. only delivery, regardless of gestational age and fetal viability. Symptoms of preeclampsia - blurred consciousness, flickering "flies" before the eyes, headache. The main thing is to have time to call an ambulance.

Important at 31 weeks

Do not forget to prepare your breasts for feeding, for this, wash them daily with warm water and soap, wipe them with a hard towel. Use stiff fabric pads in your bra to help "harden" your nipples.

Be sure to wear a bandage that will prevent the baby from lowering ahead of time and help unload the spine.

If you haven't had time to attend childbirth preparation courses, it's time to sign up. You will receive information on them about the upcoming birth, learn how to breathe correctly, in what ways you can relieve pain.

Do not lie too long and do not sit too long in one position, this will not benefit the baby, but you should not go hiking and climbing mountain peaks - everything should be in moderation, extremes are never beneficial, especially during pregnancy.

Nutrition at 31 weeks

Nutrition recommendations remain the same - to ease the manifestations of heartburn, eat in small portions, in a reclining state. Vegetables, dried apricots, prunes, sour-milk products will help with constipation. To provide the baby with everything necessary, the menu should include meat and fish, eggs, vegetables and fruits, cereals, hard cheeses. You need to drink clean water, green tea, compotes, fruit drinks.

Alcohol, coffee, soda remain banned.

Mode

Daytime sleep should become an integral part of the regimen - due to disturbing thoughts and nightmares, the expectant mother cannot always get enough sleep at night. It is best to sleep on your side, with the use of special pillows. Walking in the fresh air before going to bed, sleeping in a well-ventilated area will help provide you and your baby with enough oxygen.