Trimester 3
31 weeks pregnant: Baby practises breathing
Here is what to expect this week for you and your baby.
Baby Size Pineapple (ananas) 41.1 cm A coconut / nariyal (~41.1 cm). Diaphragm practice movements.
Baby Development
- All five senses are functional
- Baby is processing information and tracking light
- Fat layers filling out — getting chubbier
- Connections between nerve cells increasing rapidly
Common Symptoms
- Leaking colostrum (early breast milk)
- Shortness of breath as uterus presses diaphragm
- Increased Braxton Hicks contractions
- Clumsiness — shifted centre of gravity
Tips & Advice
- Breast pads can help with colostrum leaks
- Start finalizing hospital bag contents
- Take a hospital tour if offered
Nutrition Guide
- Protein: dal with rice (complete amino acids)
- Calcium: 1000mg/day — milk, paneer, ragi, sesame
- Vitamin C: for collagen and tissue repair — amla, guava
Medical Checklist
When to see your doctor at week 31
Some symptoms need attention right away. Contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital if you notice any of these:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking a pad within an hour)
- Severe or persistent abdominal or pelvic pain
- Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
- Sudden severe headache, blurred vision or upper-abdominal pain (possible preeclampsia)
- Decreased fetal movement after week 24 (fewer than 10 movements in 2 hours)
- Watery fluid leak from the vagina before 37 weeks (possible PPROM)
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks (possible preterm labour)
Frequently asked questions
Pelvis hurts when walking?
Symphysis pubis dysfunction — pelvic-support belts, side-stepping, physio help.
Leaking colostrum normal?
Yes — yellowish drops from week 20+. Nursing pads if needed.
How much weight in T3?
About 5–6 kg total for a normal BMI. Steady gain matters more than absolute number.
For partners
Investigate maternity belts together — real and manageable.
Prepare for your OB visit
- See a physio for pelvic-girdle pain?
- Baby’s growth on track?
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