Pregnancy Week 31 – Time To Start The Leakage Of Colostrum Or Pre-Milk

By pregnancy week 31, the only important body organ that remains less developed in your baby is the lungs.

Eyelashes and eyebrows are already developed. This week also there are various changes that can take place in you and your baby.

What are the physical changes that occur in your body during pregnancy week 31?

Squeezed stomach, swollen feet, contractions and tightened muscles are the most common conditions that you experience during this time. Colostrum or pre-milk can start leaking from your breasts.

For some pregnant women, it is thin and watery and for others it is thick and yellowish. If you won’t experience these conditions, don’t feel panic. This is completely normal.

Are you feeling anything that can be suspected as contractions? Braxton-hick contractions are the part of the second half of the pregnancy and they become more frequent during the third trimester of your pregnancy.

These are false labor contractions and don’t confuse with them as premature labor. These contractions are not painful, but you will feel little uncomfortable with them.

If you observe the contractions 4-6 times in an hour or you notice any changes in your vaginal discharge, then immediately call your health care provider.

Check your baby’s kick counts by using the fetal kick count monitor. If you observe any change, the movements become less frequent or stop completely, then immediately call your care provider.

At this time, you will experience aches and pains including the feelings of anxiety. Some of the pregnant women may become scared by their own lack of maternal feelings. This is completely the most common and natural feeling that most of the pregnant women experience.

You will experience burning and numbness in your hands, which are the most common signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a common condition in up to 25% of the pregnant women.

During the pregnancy, weight gain, swelling and hormonal effects can compress the nerves inside your wrists. These conditions cause the symptoms like tingling, numbness and pain. You will experience the worst symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome at night, but they can disappear after the delivery.

Your uterus is about 4½ inches above the belly button and with ten weeks to go. Get ready for the labor and delivery. Do maternity shopping and buy the necessary clothing and equipment that you need at the time of labor and delivery.

Care you need to take during pregnancy week 31:

• If you still experience heartburn, then try to eat small and frequent meals.
• To reduce the low back pain, get off your feet and elevate them above your heart.
• At this time, your baby’s bones become harden, so your calcium needs will increase. Make sure that your diet is rich in calcium, iron, folic acid supplement and protein.

What are the changes that occur in the fetus during pregnancy week 31?

• By this week, your baby is about the size of 17 inches long and weighs up to 4 pounds.
• Your baby’s skin begins to appear more and more like it will look after the delivery.
• Your baby gains half a pound of weight for every week until 2 weeks before the labor.
• The baby’s immune system become stronger and it can face the disease causing substances.
• The baby’s noggin’ still looks soft because the skull bones are not yet combined together. The softness of the skull allows for smoother passage through the birth canal at the time of labor.
• This is the most important period to your baby for the development of lungs.
• The baby’s nerve cells and connections start to function and the baby is able to feel the pain.

Fact for pregnancy week 31:

As your baby gains half a pound of weight per week, it is most important for you to consume healthy diet. Reduce the amount of sugar intake. Consume natural fruit juice pops as much as you can. Being hydrated is more essential during this time.

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3. Pre-Labor Pain: True Labor Or False?
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5. Premature Rupture Of Membranes: Leakage Of Water From The Amniotic Sac
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