Fact About Being 31 Weeks Pregnant

How big is your baby?
Your baby will be weighing in at around 1.6kg's and measuring 28cm from crown-to-rump and about 40cm from head-to-toe.

This week, your baby measures about 16 inches long. He weighs a little over 3 pounds and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

How is your baby developing and growing
Should you go into labor and your baby is born today he/she will be able to:

-Breath
-See
-Listen
-Remember and learn

Your baby's growth weight may begin to slow down a little now, but although it is slowing down the internal organs will continue to grow and develop.

How big are you?
Your uterus now sits about 11 cm above your bellybutton and about 31cm above your pubic symphysis. Your weight gain at this stage of your pregnancy should be at around 9.45 - 12.15 kg already.

How is your life's changing?
Have you noticed the muscles in your uterus tightening now and then? Many women feel these random contractions — called Braxton Hicks contractions — in the second half of pregnancy. Often lasting about 30 seconds, they're irregular, and at this point, they should be infrequent and painless. Frequent contractions, on the other hand — even those that don't hurt — may be a sign of preterm labor. Call your practitioner immediately if you have more than four contractions in an hour or any other signs of preterm labor: an increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge (if it becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody — even if it's pink or just tinged with blood); abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping; an increase in pressure in the pelvic area; or low back pain, especially if you didn't have it before.

You may have noticed some leaking of colostrum, or "premilk," from your breasts lately. If so, try tucking some nursing pads into your bra to protect your clothes. (And if not, it's certainly nothing to worry about; your breasts are making colostrum all the same, even if you don't see any.) If your current bra is too snug, you might also want to pick up a nursing bra. Choose a nursing bra at least one cup size bigger than you need now. When your milk comes in you'll be grateful for that extra room!

If you're having a boy, you and your partner will want to take some time to think about whether or not to have your baby circumcised. Find out the pros and cons, and what the procedure involves.

Pregnancy and Sleep
At this late stage of your pregnancy and with your stomach being the size it is, you may find yourself spending many hours awake at night as you battle to find a comfortable position for you to sleep in.

Here are a few quick pointers to help you sleep:

-Go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday.
-Don't drink to much fluid at night, or you will be up for toilet breaks all night.
-Avoid any caffeine from the afternoon onwards.
-Exercise on a regular basis.
-Sleep in a cool bedroom, around 70F.
-If you do experience heartburn at night, try sleeping propped up.


(Information taken from Pregnancy Calendars)