Week 31. Pregnancy week by week

Changes in the pregnant woman: week 31 of pregnancy

Within the changes in the pregnant woman in week 31, in addition to the evident increase in volume, three things are fundamental:

1. On the one hand, calls are more frequent contractions of Braxton Hicks. They last between 30 and 60 seconds and are irregular. It is normal unless you exceed the five contractions per hour. If they are very frequent and painful or if you have more symptoms such as menstrual cramps or severe abdominal or lower back pain, call your gynecologist because they may be premature.

2. Second, the pH of the vaginal discharge changes, so there is a greater tendency to develop vaginal yeast infections such as candidiasis. To avoid itching and burning, try to keep the vulva always clean and dry, forget the panty liners (which do not transpire) and use cotton panties. In more extreme cases may appear swelling or even varicose veins that disappear after delivery.

3. Finally, you will notice that your breasts begin to produce milk, more specifically, you will see that they drip a yellowish substance, is colostrum, first food for your baby before the milk rises. You can use absorbent cotton disks to avoid stains on the bra or clothes.

Development of the baby in week 31 of pregnancy

Photo: THINKSTOCK Enlarge photo

The baby at week 31 of gestation continues to grow: It measures about 41 - 42 centimeters and can weigh up to 1,700 grams, although in the next weeks it will even double its weight.

Your baby will continue to move, but less and less because of its rapid growth and lack of space in the uterus. If you have not already done so, you will turn around until you are on your head, in the cephalic position, ideal for childbirth.

Throughout this week of pregnancy your brain continues to develop, as do the digestive and respiratory system and your skeleton in general. As a novelty, for the first time your baby's kidney already allows you to eliminate about a half liter of urine per day that expels the amniotic fluid).

Finally, your skin will acquire a pinkish tone due to the increase in subcutaneous fat and the so-called cheesy vermix (fatty texture material that lines your skin).

The health of the pregnant woman at week 31 of pregnancy

If in the previous weeks it was essential that you take care of the food, in this week and next, your uterus will gain space in the stomach, which will affect your digestion.

According to specialists, the most advisable thing for the 31-week pregnant woman is that you do 5 or 6 light meals and easy digestion instead of making few meals and more abundant. Chew food well, avoid fast absorbing sugars, increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables and, of course, dairy products rich in iron and calcium and, finally, do not forget drink 2 liters of water a day to be well hydrated. Remember that you do not have to eat for two, nor eat more, watch the quality and not so much the quantity.

Falling asleep can still be a problem due to the size of your belly. A trick is sleep on your side (better on the left side to facilitate blood circulation) and with a pillow between the legs.

Control of pregnancy in week 31 of pregnancy

It is normal for the pregnant woman in week 31 of pregnancy to feel more comfortable in her usual job. Procure alternate periods sitting and standing, without forgetting the exercise, which will help you control muscle stiffness and relieve possible leg and back pain.

In these weeks of pregnancy do not forget to go to your gynecologist to stop third-trimester ultrasound (And maybe also a urine and blood test). Your doctor will check that the baby is developing correctly and that the amount of amniotic fluid is adequate. Also, do not forget to tell her if you notice that the baby presses down or, on the contrary, moves less than in the previous weeks; Likewise, let her know if your vision is blurred or you see spots or if you lose blood or other fluid through the vagina.

Do not forget to follow our recommendations from pregnancy week to week, it will help you to know better your pregnancy and all that it entails, in addition to reassuring the nerves of a pregnant woman who already thinks and dreams about the moment of childbirth.