Pregnancy Week 31: your baby is getting bigger, stronger, and preparing for life outside the womb! Now is a great time to start packing your hospital bag and getting ready for labor.

Mom’s Health Concerns
  • Weight gain: You may have gained 12-16 kg by now
  • Increased blood volume can lead to dizziness and varicose veins
  • Mild swelling is normal, but sudden swelling should be checked by a doctor
  • Hemorrhoids and constipation may increase due to pressure from the uterus
  • Increased body temperature – You may feel hotter than usual
Baby Activities
  • Your baby is about the size of a zucchini, measuring 41 cm (16 inches) long and weighing 1.5-1.7 kg (3.3-3.7 lbs)
  • Brain connections are forming rapidly, helping with memory and learning
  • Lungs continue to mature and are almost ready for breathing outside the womb
  • Baby can now regulate body temperature
  • Eyes are sensitive to light, and baby can open and close them
  • Baby sleeps for longer periods, developing a sleep cycle
  • Baby is gaining fat, making the skin smoother and less wrinkled
Symptoms
  • Stronger and more noticeable baby movements – Kicks and rolls may feel intense
  • Shortness of breath as baby presses against your diaphragm
  • Heartburn, indigestion, and bloating
  • Frequent urination as baby puts pressure on your bladder
  • Swelling in feet, ankles, and hands (mild swelling is normal)
  • Back pain and pelvic discomfort due to baby’s weight
  • Leg cramps and restless legs at night
  • Braxton Hicks contractions – Mild, irregular practice contractions
  • Fatigue and trouble sleeping
  • Colostrum leakage from breasts (preparing for breastfeeding)
emotional changes
  • Excitement mixed with nervousness about labor and delivery
  • Nesting instinct is strong – You might feel the urge to clean and prepare
  • Mood swings due to hormonal changes
  • Mild anxiety about childbirth and parenting – Consider relaxation techniques
When to Call the Doctor
  • Severe abdominal pain or intense cramps
  • Heavy vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge
  • Frequent, painful, or regular contractions (could indicate preterm labor)
  • Sudden swelling in hands, face, or legs (possible preeclampsia)
  • Severe headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision
  • Significant decrease in baby movements
safe-actions
The Good
green-signal
green-signal
green-signal
green-signal
The Bad
red-signal
red-signal
red-signal
red-signal
Food to Eat
  • Iron-rich foods – Spinach, lentils, lean meats, fortified cereals (prevents anemia)
  • Protein for muscle development – Eggs, dairy, nuts, tofu, beans
  • Calcium for strong bones – Milk, yogurt, cheese, sesame seeds, almonds
  • Fiber to ease constipation – Whole grains, fruits, vegetables
  • Healthy fats for brain development – Avocados, nuts, olive oil, fatty fish
Food To Avoid
  • Raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and seafood
  • Unpasteurized dairy products
  • High-mercury fish (shark, swordfish, king mackerel)
  • Excess caffeine (limit to 200 mg/day)
  • Too much salty or processed food (to prevent swelling and high BP)