31 Weeks - Pregnancy

Baby

Baby is now measuring about 16 inches long and weighs 3.3 pounds. Although the rate of physical growth slows in length, he will begin to gain weight in fat deposits and muscle. In fact, he will begin to grow in weight at about a half pound per week.

The layers of fat will change his hue from red to a rosy pink. Calcium, phosphorus, and iron are being stored and his bones are hardening. The only major organ that has yet to fully develop is the lungs. With each day of the next few weeks, your baby’s lungs are growing stronger. He needs these next few weeks to be able to breathe on his own after his birth.

If you’re a first time mom, be prepared for the fact that he may even come a little later than 40 weeks. He will come when he’s ready, and if not, you can always be induced! Ask your doctor what his policy is for inducing. Some OBs will induce within a few days after your due date. Others will want to wait for up to 10-14 days after.

Mom

The end of the seventh month brings a lot of excitement, as you are no doubt in the planning stages. From baby showers to baby gear shopping to nursery planning, there is always something to do.

Now, what’s going on down there? Are you feeling some tightening in your uterus that may feel like little contractions? Don’t get too excited. These are probably Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions usually last from 30 to 60 seconds. They are irregular, with no rhythm or pattern to the timing and intensity at all. Normally, they are painless, but with the passing weeks, they may become stronger and more intense. Some Braxton Hicks contractions can become more regular and painful, which is why it’s hard to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and real labor, especially for first time moms.

One mom says, “I heard that when you are in labor, you will know it. You won’t have a doubt in your mind.” This can be true. When you are in real labor, the contractions will be much more intense and painful. If you think you may be in labor, call your OB and talk with the nurse. Tell her your symptoms and they will help you determine if you are experiencing labor. If it is after hours, your office should have a doctor on call. They will probably want you to go to the hospital and get checked out. If you do have false labor, don’t feel bad. It happens all the time, especially to first time moms.

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PLEASE NOTE

This should be used as a general guideline and is for general information and educational purposes only. Please remember that all pregnancies develop at different rates. If you have questions about your baby's development, please contact your doctor or midwife.