31 Weeks Pregnant: Key Takeaways & What To Expect

Moms-To-Be, you’re almost there! Seems like just yesterday you found out you were having a baby. And now you’re 31 weeks pregnant. Another few weeks and you’ll be ready to meet your baby for the first time. 

As exciting as that sounds, you must know what to expect at this time and how to be best prepared for this near-final lap! So read this blog to learn more about the 31st week of pregnancy.

Baby At Week 31

Your baby at 31 weeks is almost ready for this world! They’ve completed most of their development, but still need to gain more fat. A few more weeks and they’ll have a final growth spurt.

They’re super active by this time, moving around, doing somersaults and sucking their fingers. Don’t be surprised, they might even be peeing inside the womb, which increases the volume of your amniotic fluid.1

By this time, your baby is also able to recognise voices outside the womb. So it’s also advisable that you and your partner, and your kids (if any), try to talk to your bump. This will help them bond better after your baby is born.

While some babies will already be in a head-down position, ready for birth, others might be positioned head up. But don’t worry much, as they might turn downwards by the time delivery happens.

However, if they stay that way (head up or breech position), it could affect the nature of your birth. And if they are in any other unusual position, your doctor might recommend a C-section. That’s because the placenta (a temporary organ that connects the mother with her baby) might be blocking their way out of the birth canal.

Baby Size At 31 Weeks Pregnant

By the time you’re 31 weeks pregnant, your baby has grown to the size of a coconut. They now measure around 15.5 inches in length and weigh somewhere between 1.6 to 1.8 kg.

Pregnancy Symptoms At Week 31

You may experience the following signs in your 31st week of pregnancy:

Leakage Of Colostrum

Colostrum is the earliest form of breastmilk secreted by your mammary glands. At 31 weeks, you may notice this thick yellowish liquid leaking from your breasts. It’s nutrient-dense and is secreted in anticipation of your baby’s birth.

Braxton Hicks Contractions

These practice contractions become quite common as you enter your final trimester of pregnancy. Though not painful, these contractions can be uncomfortable and feel like a tightening sensation in your belly. Braxton Hicks contractions, unlike actual ones, are infrequent, unpredictable, and do not increase in intensity or frequency.

Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids or piles are swollen rectal veins which bleed under pressure. The growing uterus and the hormonal changes cause these veins to swell up and you might feel itching, burning or bleeding when you poop. Another contributing factor that worsens these veins is frequent constipation during pregnancy.

Anxiety

As childbirth approaches, it’s common for you to feel anxious about labour, parenting and other changes which your body might go through. And this can leave you feeling more stressed and probably worried about the future. So it’s important to practice relaxation techniques and seek support if you need it to ensure a stress-free pregnancy.

Fatigue

The increasing energy demand to support your growing baby can leave you feeling more exhausted in the 31st week of pregnancy. Sleep deprivation and the growing weight of your belly can further add to your tiredness.

Baby Movement

As your baby becomes bigger and stronger, they start to kick and move around actively in your belly at this time. This can be felt by the mother and is a sign of fetal well-being. You must be watchful of these movements and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any difference.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A tingling sensation, numbness and pain in your wrist and fingers are indicative of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a condition quite common in the third trimester of pregnancy. There’s a narrow space in your wrist, known as the Carpal Tunnel, through which the median nerve passes. And when this nerve compresses due to fluid retention and the narrowing of the passage, the painful sensations are felt.

Tips For When You Are 31 Weeks Pregnant

Consider the following tips to make your 31st week’s journey easier and smoother:

Prepare For Birth

Here are a few things you should be doing to prepare for the approaching childbirth:

Get The Right Newborn Gear

Set up your baby’s nursery. Buy enough clothes, blankets and diapers to keep your baby comfortable when they arrive. You can also consider buying a stroller to take your baby for walks after a go-ahead from your doctor.

Have A Birth Plan Ready

Having a birth plan in place allows you to be relaxed and well-prepared for what’s coming next during labour. You can also discuss with your midwife and doctor about the type of delivery options you have.

Take Birthing Classes

These classes will teach you the right breathing techniques, which will help you with a smooth labour experience and also alleviate the pain during labour.

Manage Potential Discomforts

It’s essential to manage the health concerns which arise during these last few weeks of pregnancy:

Manage Constipation

A high fibre diet will ensure timely and smooth bowel movements. So try to include plenty of vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains into your diet to keep constipation at bay.

Improve Sleep

Sleep is really important for a healthy pregnancy. But as you edge closer to the final weeks of this journey, sleep becomes more and more difficult. To make it more comfortable, try sleeping on your left side. Keep your knees slightly bent

and use a pillow between your knees or under your belly for support.

Address Anxiety

Managing anxiety is important for your emotional and physical well-being. Deep breathing, meditation, or light prenatal yoga can help calm your nerves. Journaling or talking to a supportive friend, partner, or therapist can also make a big difference. And remember, asking your doctor questions about what to expect can also help you feel more relaxed and at ease.

FAQs

Q1) How Many Months Is 31 Weeks Pregnant?

You are about 7 months and 3 weeks pregnant at 31 weeks.

Q2) Is 31 Weeks Considered 8 Months Pregnant?

Not quite. At 31 weeks pregnant, you are still in your seventh month of pregnancy. You will officially enter the eighth month at week 32. While pregnancy is tracked by weeks, the months don’t divide evenly—so it’s common for confusion. At 31 weeks, you're nearing the end of the seventh month and well into the third trimester.

Q3) What Is The Expected Position Of My Baby When I’m 31 Weeks Pregnant?

At 31 weeks pregnant, your baby is typically in a head-down position (also called the cephalic position) in preparation for birth. However, some babies may still be in a breech (bottom-down) or transverse (sideways) position at this stage, which is not uncommon.

There's still time for your baby to move into the ideal position, as most babies settle head-down between 32 and 36 weeks. Your doctor will monitor your baby’s position through regular checkups and may suggest exercises or other steps if the baby hasn’t turned closer to your due date.

Q4) Is Baby Fully Developed At 31 Weeks?

At 31 weeks pregnant, your baby is not fully developed yet, but is rapidly approaching maturity. Most of the major organs and systems are formed, but some—especially the lungs and brain—are still developing.

Q5) Is 31 weeks safe for delivery?

Giving birth at 31 weeks is considered very preterm, but with modern neonatal care, it is generally safe and manageable. Most babies born at this stage survive and thrive with the right medical support.