Pregnancy Week 31
Your baby is continuing to grow and become more coordinated this week. The brain is developing rapidly, the senses are becoming more refined, and your baby is gaining more body fat. The lungs are also continuing to mature as the third trimester progresses.
Your Baby This Week
Brain Connections
Your baby’s brain continues to develop rapidly during week 31. Connections between nerve cells are becoming more complex, helping the brain communicate with different parts of the body.
These developments support increasingly coordinated movements and responses to the environment.
Developing Senses
Your baby’s senses continue becoming more refined.
Your baby can detect sounds and may respond to familiar voices or other noises with changes in movement. The eyes are also continuing to develop, and your baby can open and close the eyelids.
Gaining Body Fat
Your baby continues accumulating fat beneath the skin. This gives the body a fuller appearance and provides an important energy reserve for after birth.
Lung Maturation
The lungs continue developing and producing more surfactant. This substance helps keep the tiny air sacs in the lungs open when breathing.
Although the lungs are becoming more mature, they still need additional development before birth.
Brain & Senses
Your baby is about the size of a coconut. The brain is developing rapidly while the senses become more refined and the body continues gaining fat.
Your Body This Week
The third trimester continues bringing physical changes as your baby grows.
Growing Belly
Your uterus continues expanding, which may make bending, walking, and finding comfortable positions more difficult.
More Noticeable Movements
Your baby's movements may feel strong and become easier to recognize. You may notice periods when your baby is particularly active.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
You may experience occasional Braxton Hicks contractions. These irregular tightenings can become more noticeable as pregnancy progresses.
Back & Pelvic Discomfort
The increasing weight of your uterus and changes in your posture may contribute to back, hip, or pelvic discomfort.
Tips for week 31
- Continue taking your prenatal vitamin every day.
- Eat a varied and balanced diet.
- Include protein-rich foods at every meal when possible.
- Choose iron-rich foods regularly.
- Include calcium-rich foods to support your baby's developing bones.
- Include healthy sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Eat smaller meals if heartburn or indigestion is bothering you.
- Continue pregnancy-safe physical activity if approved by your healthcare professional.
- Take regular breaks and avoid staying in one position for too long.
- Use pillows to support your abdomen, back, or legs while sleeping.
- Get enough rest.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs.
- Limit caffeine to 200 mg or less per day during pregnancy.
- Keep your prenatal appointments.
- Follow your healthcare professional's guidance regarding fetal movement and third-trimester monitoring.
Nutrition This Week
Your baby’s brain, eyes, lungs, bones, muscles, and growing body continue requiring a wide range of nutrients.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Iron Rich Foods
Calcium Sources
Protein Rich Foods
Folate Rich Foods
Healthy Fats
Fruits & Vegetables
Whole Grains
Stay Hydrated
Nutrition Tip
Combine foods from different food groups throughout the day. Pairing protein with whole grains, fruits or vegetables, and healthy fats can help you get a broad range of nutrients during the third trimester.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is my baby at Week 31?
Your baby is approximately the size of a coconut. Exact measurements vary depending on the timing of development.
What is developing during Week 31?
Your baby’s brain continues developing rapidly, the senses are becoming more refined, and the lungs continue maturing. Your baby is also gaining more body fat and weight.
Can my baby hear me at Week 31?
Yes. Your baby’s hearing is well developed compared with earlier pregnancy, and your baby can respond to sounds and familiar voices.
Can my baby open its eyes?
Yes. Your baby’s eyelids can open and close, and the eyes continue developing during the third trimester.
Why do my baby's movements feel stronger?
Your baby is larger and stronger, and the nervous system is becoming better at coordinating movement. As space becomes more limited, movements may feel different but should continue regularly.
Can my baby change position at Week 31?
Yes. Your baby can still change position at this stage. Some babies are already head-down, while others turn later in pregnancy.
Are Braxton Hicks contractions normal?
Occasional irregular Braxton Hicks contractions can occur during pregnancy. However, regular or increasingly painful contractions, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, should be discussed promptly with your healthcare professional.
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