What To Expect At Week 31

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3 1/3 pounds (about the size of a coconut) and is heading into a growth spurt. The baby is able to turn its head from side-to-side, and its arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump, which is required for fat accumulation under its skin. The baby probably moving a lot, too, so you may have a hard time sleeping because your baby’s kicks and somersaults keep you up. All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy. You may have noticed some leaking of colostrum, or “premilk,” from your breasts lately. Some of the mothers are dealing with this leak and others don’t. Either way, you can be sure that your breasts are doing what they need to do in order to prepare themselves for feeding your baby. You will have noticed the muscles in your uterus tightening now and then. A lot of women feel these random contractions, known as Braxton Hicks contractions, in the second half of the pregnancy. Call your doctor at once if you have more than four contractions in an hour, or any other signs of preterm labor such as an increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge (if it becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody) abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping.