31 obstetric weeks. All about the thirty-first week of pregnancy. Possible complications and reasons to see a doctor

pain

Hormonal changes, an increase in the uterus and a load on the musculoskeletal system provoke pain in different parts of the body. The intensity and frequency of these sensations depend on the individual characteristics of the body of the expectant mother. It is very important not to endure the pain, it is better to immediately tell the doctor about it, even if it was minor. Only a gynecologist can tell if there is a threat of pregnancy.

Lower back pain occurs due to the increase in the weight of the pregnant woman and the load on the back. To minimize discomfort, doctors advise using a bandage that fixes the stomach and relieves the lumbar region.
Pain in the intestines and in the anus is a common ailment when the 31st week of pregnancy comes. Occur due to the pressure of the uterus on the digestive organs, food processing slows down, which leads to constipation and hemorrhoids.
Pain in the calf muscles appear due to the increased load on the legs and swelling. Sometimes the cause of cramps is a lack of calcium.

Childbirth at 31 weeks

31 obstetric weeks of pregnancy are fraught with various dangers, one of which is premature birth. The early birth of a child threatens his life, because the body is not yet ready for independent functioning. However, with the provision of quality medical care and the availability of the necessary equipment, the baby will be able to survive and develop normally. The causes of premature birth can be various pathologies in the development of the fetus, bad habits, the age of the pregnant woman, miscarriages in the past, stress and physical overstrain.

Symptoms of preterm labor include lower abdominal pain, spotting, amniotic fluid leakage, and frequent urination. A sure sign that the baby is preparing to come out into the world is strong and frequent contractions. You need to urgently call an ambulance or go to the hospital on your own.

Allocations at the 31st obstetric week of pregnancy

With a successful pregnancy, the expectant mother daily finds odorless light milky discharge and various inclusions on her underwear.

A sharp change in the color of the vaginal secretion, the appearance of an unpleasant odor, itching or pain is a reason to go for a gynecological examination.

Quite often, at 31 weeks, pregnant women suffer from thrush, an infection that affects the vaginal mucosa. This disease can be effectively treated. It is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner to prevent intrauterine infection of the fetus.

Pressure and swelling

After the 30th week of pregnancy, you need to carefully monitor blood pressure and swelling. The fact is that in the last few months before giving birth, some women are at risk of developing late toxicosis - preeclampsia. This is a very serious disease, in which the life of not only the child, but also the mother is at risk. Need urgent medical attention, any delay can be fatal.

What are the symptoms of gestosis? These include nausea, vomiting, fainting, weakness, high blood pressure, fluid buildup in the body. If a woman is constantly sick and at the same time she has severe swelling at the 31st week of pregnancy, this may be late toxicosis. When the diagnosis is confirmed, doctors perform a caesarean section to save the life of the mother and child.

intimate life

In the absence of ailments in the expectant mother, it is possible to continue intimate relationships. However, it is worth remembering that the 31st week of pregnancy is on the calendar and any negligence in this matter can lead to undesirable consequences. In order not to harm the health of the child, the expectant mother should carefully monitor her well-being.

Doctors may prescribe sexual rest if it is a twin pregnancy or there is a risk of premature birth of a child.

Required Research

Twice a week, the gynecologist conducts an appointment at which he assesses the well-being of the mother and baby. Before going to the doctor, a woman must pass the necessary tests:

general clinical blood test;
general urine analysis;
smear on the microflora of the vagina;
antibody titer (only if there is a Rh conflict).

Regular examination by a doctor is an opportunity to maintain your well-being in the norm and prevent the development of diseases. The doctor monitors the condition of the fetus by listening to its heartbeat, and also monitors the mother, measuring pressure, weight, and abdominal circumference. All data is recorded on an exchange card, which a woman must carry with her. In the later stages, childbirth can begin at any time, and when the pregnant woman enters the maternity hospital, the obstetrician-gynecologist will be able to understand from the medical record which method of delivery to choose - natural or artificial.

baby ultrasound

For many expectant mothers, the thirty-first week of pregnancy is the time for the third planned ultrasound. This research method, along with a triple test (blood test for hCG hormones and free estriol, alpha-fetoprotein protein), gives a complete picture of the child's health status. With its help, the doctor can identify developmental abnormalities, as well as analyze the state of the child's place: placenta previa and the degree of maturity of the placenta, the amount of amniotic fluid.

Sometimes it happens that at the first scheduled ultrasound, the doctor cannot name the sex of the child due to the “closed” position of the fetus or outdated equipment. For parents expecting girls and expecting boys, the third ultrasound examination is an opportunity to find out who will soon join the family.

At the 31st week of pregnancy, the expectant mother enjoys her vacation. She began maternity leave and now you can not jump up on the alarm clock and not rush to work. But with her and with the baby there were other changes that mark the approach of childbirth and the birth of a child.

The well-being of the expectant mother at the 31st week

Maternity leave is not just given after 30 weeks of pregnancy. After this period, it becomes difficult for the expectant mother to perform household chores, not to mention going to work every day. Well-being can present some surprises that are updated with unpleasant regularity.
Increasing back pain. The 31st week of pregnancy no longer surprises with heaviness and pulling pain in the lower back and sacrum, which most often occur after walking and doing housework. But now the pain can spread to the area of the womb. This is due to the fact that the pubic and pelvic ligaments are under high load - the uterus exerts pressure on them. In addition, the joints in the pubic and pelvic bones prepare for childbirth - they loosen a little to allow a wider lumen of the birth canal.
Digestive disorders. In the 31st week of pregnancy, problems with stools and heartburn continue. The uterus is getting bigger, and there is less and less room for the abdominal organs. If the correction of the diet did not help to cope with the problem, you do not need to endure discomfort. Talk to your doctor - he can recommend drugs for heartburn and laxatives that are approved for use in pregnant women.

What happens to the fetus

For a baby, the 31st week is another stage of development at which he acquires new skills, the formation of internal organs is completed, and all processes in the body gradually adjust to the future independent life outside the mother's body.
What does the fetus look like? Outwardly, the most obvious changes occur with the skin. If you do an ultrasound in 3D, you can clearly see that now it has become more dense. The blood vessels that used to "shine through" through it are almost invisible. The formation of a healthy pink skin color is also associated with this. Subcutaneous fat continues to accumulate - energy reserves are formed that the baby will need during childbirth and during the entire period of adaptation after birth. Thanks to this, the child in the 31st week loses its “angularity” - its body becomes more rounded, and the first folds appear on the wrists and ankles, which are characteristic of babies. In the iris of the child's eyes, pigment begins to accumulate, which will later determine the color of his eyes.
The weight and size of the fetus. In a singleton pregnancy, the baby weighs approximately 1400 to 1600 grams. Body weight within this range is normal. With multiple pregnancies, babies are noticeably inferior in weight, but this is a natural phenomenon that should not bother the mother. The length of the baby's body at the 31st week is about 39–40 cm.
Fetal position. Until the 31st week of pregnancy, the position of the baby in the uterus could be anything. But at about this time, most children take the correct position (lie head down) and no longer change it until the very birth. Some babies remain in a transverse position or legs down, but at 31 weeks of pregnancy, the situation can still be corrected with special exercises.
Fetal activity. The expectant mother very often notices that instead of the usual pushes, she mostly feels the baby's movements. This should not be frightening if the decoding of ultrasound and tests, as well as the development of the fetus, is normal. The fact that the baby began to push less actively is due to the fact that he has very little space left for energetic movements, and in such conditions the child’s motor abilities are quite limited.
What can the fetus do? At 31 weeks' gestation, the baby has achieved perfection in suckling. He regularly trains using his own finger. This not only prepares him to suckle the breast, but also helps to alert the digestive system, as he swallows amniotic fluid during sucking movements.
What is the child doing. The baby has already developed its own regimen. Most of the time he sleeps, and when he wakes up, he makes himself known by stirring and jerking, sometimes hiccups. In the course of research, it was found that babies at this stage of pregnancy see dreams. Dreams are believed to be predominantly sounds and tactile sensations: the child dreams of touches and voices that he has already heard, such as the voices of his mother and father.

How does the appearance of the expectant mother change?

The second trimester, in which the expectant mother admired the “new” figure and tummy, was left behind. And pregnancy at the 31st week may leave not so pleasant marks on the exterior.
Edema. Even in a healthy woman, edema appears in the third trimester, most noticeable on the legs in the afternoon. But the accumulation of excess fluid can be noticeable on the face. These are not only bags under the eyes in the morning, but also blurry features in general. Due to swelling, the oval of the face becomes fuzzy, the nose seems larger than usual, and the expectant mother may be upset when looking at herself in the mirror. But this phenomenon will pass in the first days after childbirth. And if you exclude pickles and marinades from your diet and minimize salt intake, swelling will become barely noticeable or even stop bothering you.
Excess hair growth. When a woman is pregnant, they can appear in completely unexpected places: on the stomach and on the chest. This is a temporary phenomenon that will pass without a trace after childbirth. It is associated with hormonal changes, which began immediately after conception. The hormones responsible for the maintenance and proper course of pregnancy turn the vellus hairs that grow all over the body (except the palms and soles) into darker and coarser ones. But unwanted hair will disappear as soon as the need for so many hormones disappears (and this will happen a few weeks after birth, when the mother’s body recovers).
Hyperpigmentation. The 31st week of pregnancy can upset the appearance of age spots on the face and body. They begin to form much earlier, but only in the third trimester they become especially noticeable when a lot of pigment accumulates in certain areas of the skin. This problem can resolve itself, but it will take time and proper facial skin care. In the meantime, the expectant mother should get used to using sunscreen if she has not done so before.
Overweight. A slowdown in metabolism, a decrease in activity, the accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues - all this can round the figure more than we would like. Normally, the 31st week of pregnancy should add no more than 8–10 kg to a woman's weight, most of which falls on the fetus, placenta and amniotic fluid. If the weight gain is much greater, you should review your diet and carefully follow the doctor's recommendations regarding gymnastics for pregnant women, hiking, yoga and other active activities. Also, a gynecologist can advise swimming - it helps to use various muscle groups, strengthens them and helps to normalize weight.

Feelings of the expectant mother at the 31st week

The movements of the fetus, its tremors and periods of rest when the baby is sleeping - these sensations have become familiar and cause only pleasure from communicating with the child. The expectant mother has already unmistakably learned to understand the mood of the baby by the movements of the baby, and it often coincides with her own. When the mother is upset, the baby also becomes restless, and this makes you feel a special connection with the baby. But some sensations may be unfamiliar.
Emotional swings. The mood can change several times over a short period of time. The expectant mother may be worried about the upcoming birth and the health of the child, even if there is no reason for anxiety. But if earlier emotional instability was due to hormonal changes, now it is a common fatigue, natural at the thirty-first week of pregnancy. You can cope with nervousness by giving yourself as much rest as your body needs and doing your favorite things (knitting, reading, listening to music, etc.).
Heaviness in the chest. This is another new sensation that may appear in the 31st week of pregnancy. It is due to the fact that the mammary glands are already preparing for breastfeeding, and the expectant mother can notice this not only by the increase in breast size, but also by the appearance of the first drops of colostrum.

What to change in the 31st week

Pregnancy at 31 weeks is almost the “finish line” before childbirth. It's time to make sure that they are favorable for both mom and baby.
Wearing a bandage. If you have not yet worn a bandage, your doctor may recommend one. Properly chosen "support" for the abdomen will remove the bulk of the load from the lower back and improve overall well-being. In addition, the bandage can help the child to take the correct position upside down, and if the fetus has already turned into the desired position, prevent it from turning over.
Breast care. Very soon, a woman will be breastfeeding, and it is time to take measures to facilitate this process. The list of such activities includes regular breast contrast showers (alternating pleasantly warm and pleasantly cool water), the use of moisturizing and nourishing creams approved for use in pregnant women. And if you have inverted nipples, your doctor can recommend a special technique that creates a more “comfortable” nipple shape and tells you in detail how and when to use it. Strictly follow the recommendations of a specialist, but do not overdo it: the nipples are reflexively connected with the uterus, and such gymnastics can stimulate organ contractions that are not needed at this time.
Wearing compression underwear. The vessels of the legs are subjected to serious stress due to the increase in the body weight of the expectant mother and with an increase in the total volume of blood in the bloodstream. In the morning, without getting out of bed, you can put on compression socks or stockings and wear them throughout the day. This can reduce the load on the veins of the lower extremities and prevent varicose veins.

the child is already fully formed and visually similar to a small person. The final stage of development of vital organs begins. The organism is actively preparing for existence outside the mother's body;
the body weight of the child reaches one and a half kilograms. His height increases daily by several mm. Now it is about 40 cm;
the active stage of the development of mental activity begins due to the daily increase in brain cells. The child learns to respond to light, voice, touch to the stomach. From these actions, he learns to experience positive or negative emotions;
at the beginning of the seventh month, the color of the eyes is determined. In the iris, the accumulation of pigment begins. The baby blinks and reacts to bright light sources;
surfactant begins to be produced - a substance that is required for the proper opening and functioning of the lungs of a newborn. In the respiratory system, the stage of maturation of the alveoli is completed;
the pancreas and liver are actively testing their functions. Insulin production and bile secretion have not yet been established, but will soon be actively performed;
the baby's day regimen is set for a period of 31 weeks. The routine may differ from the mother's, some women during the period of calm note increased motor activity of the embryo, which is normal.

What happens to the expectant mother: sensations

At 31 weeks pregnant, most women are already on maternity leave. The time begins when you can devote yourself to a new state. The final period of development of the baby requires special attention, because now the child is learning to contact with his mother. Given that the baby is already fully formed, constantly gaining weight and size, a pregnant woman is waiting for changes.

Training or preparatory bouts. One of the main new sensations is periodic uterine contractions that occur several times a day. With their help, the body prepares for childbirth. During the contraction of the walls, the woman feels that her stomach has changed shape, as if compressed and became very hard. The child is silent at this moment. Training fights have no time dependence. They are repeated at different intervals and do not cause serious discomfort.

Breast changes. A woman's breasts at 31 weeks have already increased significantly in size. At this time, the nipple becomes pigmented. The halo darkens, and Montgomery's glands become clearly visible on it. Also, many expectant mothers in the seventh month note that fluid is secreted from their breasts - colostrum, which will become the first food for the child. Often this causes discomfort, as it impregnates clothing and leaves stains. To get rid of this trouble and make you feel comfortable, it is recommended to use disposable sanitary pads for the breast.

Body changes. The volume of the abdomen continues to increase. The position of a woman is visible to everyone around. The average volume of the abdomen for a period of 31 weeks is 85-90 cm. The bottom of the uterus rises above the pelvic cavity at a height of 30-31 cm. For many mothers, the navel begins to protrude during this period. In some cases, this is accompanied by painful sensations. It is imperative to see a surgeon to rule out an umbilical hernia. The pelvic bones begin to gradually diverge. This causes discomfort and makes the gait even more clumsy.

Appearance changes. This period is accompanied by the accumulation of fluid in the soft tissues. This is especially noticeable when a healthy diet is not observed and a large amount of salt is consumed. The nose becomes swollen and may be associated with potatoes. Lips become plumper and more sensual. In the morning, the expectant mother can observe swelling under the eyes, which indicate a violation in the work of the kidneys. At 31 weeks, the hair is shiny and healthy looking. Few of the pregnant women at 7 months are already facing prolapse. Usually this process begins after childbirth under the influence of a changed hormonal background.

The due date is getting closer and closer. The 31st week of pregnancy is the third trimester, that is, seven obstetric months and three weeks. The circumference of the abdomen at this time is approximately 85-89 cm, the height of the uterine fundus is 29-33 cm for a singleton pregnancy and 34-43 cm for a multiple pregnancy.

Analyzes and medical examinations

At this time, the expectant mother still continues to come for an examination to the obstetrician-gynecologist once every two weeks. The doctor carefully examines urine and blood tests (it is necessary to take them the day before) and, based on them, makes a conclusion about the course of pregnancy. It is important to exclude the presence of protein in the urine, take into account the indicators of hemoglobin, leukocytes and ESR in the blood.

Other important indicators that the doctor enters into the medical record are blood pressure, the weight of the woman, the height of the fundus of the uterus and the circumference of the abdomen.

ultrasound

If the pregnancy proceeds without complications, then this ultrasound examination may be final, another one will be done before the birth. At this stage, the doctor assesses the condition of the fetus and the amount of amniotic fluid. In addition, the size of the fetus (head, limbs, etc.), the motor activity of the fetus, its presentation, the presence of signs of hypoxia are examined, the timing of delivery is specified once again.

Screening

In the third trimester, it is important for the expectant mother to undergo another screening - a study that allows you to identify abnormalities in the development of the fetus, since some of them may be noticeable only in the later stages.

Screening of the third trimester is done from the 30th to the 36th week, and ideally on the 32nd-34th. The procedure includes ultrasound and CTG (cardiotocography). A biochemical blood test, unlike previous screenings of the 1st and 2nd trimesters, is done at this stage only if there is a risk of genetic abnormalities.

Quite often, during ultrasound, dopplerography is also performed - a study that allows you to listen to the fetal heart rate and eliminate the risk of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

What does a child look like

The child is gradually gaining weight, and at the 31st week of pregnancy, his body weight is already more than 1500 g. The length of the baby's body from crown to heel is 40-41 cm.

This week, the fetus continues to develop muscle mass, the nail plates on the fingers almost completely cover the upper phalanges.

A very important event this week is that the baby turned head down, in many cases he will remain in this position until the very birth. But it's not scary if this has not happened yet, perhaps he needs a little more time to take the right position.

The movements of the baby are very active, and sometimes strong shocks give the mother some discomfort.

The movements of the fetus should be especially monitored: normally, they should appear about 10 times in 12 hours.

Determination of the sex of the child

It is possible to determine with great certainty the sex of the child at the 25th week of pregnancy, and in rare cases it can be established even at the 16th week. Therefore, at a later date, after the 30th week, parents usually already know the sex of the baby.

What happens at the 31st week of pregnancy: sensations

This week, the expectant mother may experience even more discomfort. So, for example, she may experience discomfort in the pelvic area. This is due to the fact that the hormone relaxin is being increasingly produced, which relaxes the muscles and bones of the pelvis, so the body is preparing for the upcoming birth.

Stomach ache

Abdominal pain at this time may be associated with increased uterine tone. If the stomach has become “stony”, the woman feels pain for several hours, the stomach pulls and she can’t find a comfortable position in any way, then it’s better to immediately consult a doctor to eliminate the risk of premature birth.

Lower back pain

Due to the shift in the center of gravity, back pain is becoming a fairly common phenomenon. Carrying a lot of weight is quite difficult, and in this situation, a bandage helps many expectant mothers.

Only a doctor can recommend wearing it, it is important to take into account the position of the child in the uterus. To choose the right bandage, you need to measure the circumference of the abdomen and add another 3-5 cm to this indicator. It is this indicator that will mean the correct size.

Allocations

Normally, the discharge should be whitish and odorless.

A woman should be alerted by discharges of a brownish, green, brown color, as well as curdled in consistency with a sour unpleasant odor.

Blood stains on underwear are a reason for an immediate consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist.

The danger is also the leakage of amniotic fluid. If they pour out abruptly, then it is urgent to call an ambulance. But even if the water (they are yellowish in color) leaks regularly, even in a small amount, it is very important to inform the doctor about this. These conditions can lead to premature birth.

Nausea

The growing uterus presses on the diaphragm and thus prevents the normal absorption of food. Many women constantly suffer from heartburn. Only nutritional correction helps to cope with this condition, which is easy to do on your own. To do this, you need to eat often (6-7 times a day) in small portions.

Polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios

For the proper development of the baby, the quantity and quality of amniotic fluid (amniotic fluid) - the first environment of his habitat - is very important. At different stages of pregnancy, these indicators change, and ultrasound helps to determine the amniotic fluid index. At the 31st week, 79-163 mm are considered possible fluctuations, and 144 mm are considered the average norm.

Gradually, the amount of amniotic fluid will continue to decrease.

Do's and Don'ts at 31 weeks pregnant

At the 30-31st week, the expectant mother goes on maternity leave (70 days before the expected date of birth), so she can sleep more, relax and devote time to herself, but even in this situation, some rules must be followed:

refuse long trips and flights (many airlines will require a certificate indicating gestation and will not board a woman at a later date, according to the regulations established by the company);
shift household chores that require serious physical effort to other family members;
in no case take a physical part in the repair, if one is planned, for example, in a room for an unborn child;
organize a good sleep. A pregnant woman will have to learn to sleep on her left side: this is the most correct position that provides full blood circulation.

You can’t sleep on your back: the uterus compresses the vena cava, the expectant mother may even lose consciousness;

do not sit at the computer for a long time, especially cross-legged;
if there are no contraindications, it is very useful to have sex: it relaxes and gives both partners positive emotions, and the expectant mother needs them now;
enroll in courses for expectant mothers, where they will tell about all stages of childbirth;
finally choose a maternity hospital and prepare for the conclusion of a contract for childbirth (usually from the 36th week);
thoroughly approach the choice of strollers and clothes for the first time for the baby. It is important to consider the season in which the first months of a child's life will pass;
avoid visiting public places (with the exception of the antenatal clinic) so as not to pick up an infection, especially during the cold season.

What can you eat

The main rule is to eat often and a little bit. It is important to include in the diet lean meat, mostly boiled beef, as well as vegetables and fruits, drink enough plain water and give up salt.

Time flies quickly, just recently you entered the final trimester, and the 31st week of pregnancy has already begun, which means that the eighth obstetric month is coming to an end. There is less and less time left before the cherished date of childbirth, and many women during this period are happy to choose clothes and other things for their crumbs.

There are still about nine weeks before the planned delivery date, but it is already time to choose a maternity hospital where your long-awaited baby will be born. Moreover, anything can happen, in case the birth starts prematurely, it is better to always keep the necessary documents at hand. In addition, 31 weeks of pregnancy is not the best time for long trips, it is better to relax close to home.

well-being

Pregnancy at 31 weeks is a tough time. Surely, you have noticed that you have become much more tired, and when climbing stairs you have shortness of breath. These unpleasant phenomena are due to quite understandable reasons. The uterus by this period has grown so much that the rest of the internal organs are compressed. It is for this reason that there are:

difficulty breathing (dyspnea);
heartburn, nausea when overeating;
constipation;
frequent urge to urinate.

All these phenomena are temporary, you just need to endure this difficult period. To reduce discomfort, it is recommended:

avoid sudden movements;
walk slowly and carefully;
watch your posture;
rest more often.

31 obstetric weeks of pregnancy is the time when a woman's metabolic processes are accelerated. This is manifested by the fact that expectant mothers often get hot, although the air temperature is low. Increased sweating and appetite.

Sweating should be dealt with exclusively by frequent visits to the shower. Doctors do not recommend using antiperspirants during this period that block the activity of the sweat glands. After all, together with sweat, toxins are removed from the body.

By 31 weeks, a woman's body weight should increase by 8-11 kg, if for comparison we take the weight before the pregnancy period began. You need to weigh yourself weekly, and for a week the weight gain should not be more than 500 grams.

If you notice that you have begun to weigh much more, then this is a reason to see a doctor. A sharp jump in weight may indicate the formation of internal edema. The abdomen at this time is already solid, the bottom of the uterus is located on the palm above the navel.

The shape of the abdomen is an individual indicator, it depends on the structure of the woman's body, as well as on how many pregnancies there were earlier. During the first pregnancy, most of the abdomen is "sharp" and sticks out forward. In subsequent pregnancies, due to stretching of the muscles, the abdomen may be more rounded.

Preparing for childbirth

The period of 31-32 weeks of pregnancy is still very early for childbirth, but meanwhile, the body is already beginning to actively prepare.

Special hormones begin to be produced, due to which the ligaments and pelvic bones soften. This is necessary for easier passage of the child through the birth canal.
Periodically there are training fights. This is manifested by a feeling of spasm, the stomach becomes "stone", mild pain may occur. These contractions occur sporadically and are never regular.

The breast is preparing for lactation. From the nipples, colostrum can periodically stand out - a thick yellow liquid. In no case do not try to express colostrum, stimulation of the nipples can provoke uterine tone and premature birth.

perturbations

The child has grown a lot, so it is already becoming cramped in the uterus. Most likely, the baby has already taken the position in which he will be until the very birth. Therefore, the movement at 31 weeks of gestation is limited to the fact that the child pushes the wall of the uterus with his hand or foot.

An attentive mother may notice that at the 31st week of pregnancy, fetal movements occur at a certain period. Most often, in the evenings, when mom goes to rest. The number of movements must be monitored. If the intensity of fetal movements has sharply increased or, on the contrary, the baby has stopped “giving signals”, then you need to see a doctor.

If there are two in the tummy

31 weeks pregnant with twins is a difficult period. The fact is that with multiple pregnancies, the risk of preterm birth is much higher, but the thirty-first week period is still too early for childbirth. If possible, the pregnancy should be maintained. And for this, you may have to resort to medical help.

Perhaps already at this time you will have to go to the maternity hospital for preservation. In this case, you will have to lie down almost all the time so as not to stimulate labor. By this time, doctors should have already decided whether the pregnant woman will give birth on her own or whether a caesarean section will be required.

The indication for surgery is the breech presentation of children, or the option when one twin is located across. Doctors can decide on the need for a caesarean section even if a woman has certain diseases.

How does a child develop?

Let's figure out what happens to the baby at 31 weeks of gestation. By this period, the formation of the body has long ended, but organs and systems continue to improve and develop.

The fetus at 31 weeks of gestation is not yet ready for independent life, but if a premature birth does occur, the chances of the child surviving are very high. He can already breathe on his own, although his respiratory system is still imperfect.

At 31 weeks pregnant, the weight of the fetus is about 1600 grams, but this is just an average figure. Your child may be slightly above or below average. At the 31st week of pregnancy, the weight of the child depends not only on developmental features, but also on hereditary factors.

So, if the parents are small in stature, then the weight of the child at 31 weeks may be slightly less than the average parameters. If you are pregnant with twins, then the total weight of the children can be about 3 kg. And one child, as a rule, weighs a little more than the other.

At the 31st week of pregnancy, the development of the crumbs goes on as usual, at this time the following changes can be noted:

the fetal brain at week 31 still continues its active development, the central nervous system is improving;
the accumulation of adipose tissue is proceeding at a rapid pace, the baby at 31 weeks of gestation is no longer as red and wrinkled as before. But until the time of birth, he has yet to increase his weight by about two times;

Adipose tissue is needed not only to make the baby look prettier and chubby. Its main function is to protect the body from hypothermia and overheating. Therefore, babies born prematurely and not having a sufficient "reserve" of adipose tissue are placed in cuveuses, where a stable temperature is maintained.

the improvement of the organs of vision is carried out, the baby knows how to open his eyes and distinguishes light from darkness. A corneal reflex appears, that is, the child reflexively closes his eyes when he touches the eye;
the development of the fetus is also reflected in the change in its appearance. Facial features become clearer, this can be seen by looking at a photo from an ultrasound machine with a 3D effect;
the emotional development of the child continues, the baby may show displeasure with sharp and unpleasant sounds, react differently to the voices of the mother and strangers, worries if a bright light is directed to the woman’s stomach.

The emotional state of the fetus is associated with the mood of the mother. Therefore, a woman needs to avoid negative emotions, try to remain calm, listen to pleasant music and do what brings pleasure.

Surveys

The third scheduled ultrasound screening takes place at 31 or 32 weeks.

When undergoing an ultrasound scan at 31 weeks of gestation, the specialist will find out:

What position is the fetus in? At this time, the likelihood that the child will change his position is small. Therefore, if the examination shows that the child is in a transverse or foot presentation, the doctor may decide on the need for a caesarean section.
What is the condition of the placenta? It depends on how well the supply of nutrients to the fetus is carried out.
How well developed the internal organs of the child.
An assessment is made of how much amniotic fluid is in the uterus. Too little or too much amniotic fluid is considered a pregnancy complication.
The position of the umbilical cord. The presence of a double or triple entanglement of the umbilical cord is a factor that can complicate childbirth.
In addition, the state of the pelvic organs of a woman is assessed.

Analyzes at this stage are scheduled, that is, carried out:

urine test for the presence of protein;
blood test for glucose and hemoglobin.

Possible problems

A pregnant woman can be bothered by various ailments, so you need to know which of them are the norm, and when urgent medical care is required.

Allocations

Normally, the discharge at 31 weeks of gestation is transparent and moderate, although their number may increase slightly, since at this time blood circulation in the pelvic organs increases.

However, sometimes abundant discharge that does not have color and smell is a sign of amniotic fluid leakage. And this condition is dangerous for the fetus, since an infection can penetrate into the uterus.

At the pharmacy, you can purchase special tests to determine the admixture of amniotic fluid in the discharge. If the result is positive, you should immediately contact a gynecologist.

If at the 31st week of pregnancy the discharge has changed in nature, then this may indicate an infection. At this time, it is necessary to pass a smear, so that if an infection is detected, there is time for treatment.

If the infection is not cured, then there is a risk of infection of the child during childbirth. Especially dangerous is the appearance of bleeding. The appearance of blood may be a sign of the onset of placental abruption.

preterm birth

31 weeks is still very early for the birth of a child, but anything can happen, so you need to be prepared for any surprises. If a pregnant woman has a stomach ache and cramps occur periodically at ever-decreasing intervals, then perhaps this has begun childbirth. In this case, you need to call the ambulance.

However, at this time, the stomach can hurt for a variety of reasons, including those not related to pregnancy. For example, chronic diseases of the digestive system or kidneys may worsen. But, in any case, a sore stomach should not be ignored.

If the pain does not go away for a long time or periodically recurs, you should definitely contact a gynecologist. Signs that preterm labor begins, in addition to painful sensations, are:

heaviness from the lower abdomen and in the vaginal area;
the exit of the mucous plug with bloody patches;
leakage of amniotic fluid.

So, the 31st week of pregnancy is the time when you need to start mentally preparing for childbirth. Gather in advance the things you will need at the hospital. Of course, it’s still too early to give birth and you need to tune in to the pregnancy, but in the event of a critical situation, you won’t have to frantically rush about, adding up the necessary things. Let the folded things calmly “wait” for the due date to come.