Week 31 Of Your Pregnancy

Welcome to week 31! Your baby is about the size of a pineapple. There is some major nerve and brain development going on for your baby this week, and they can start to react to light! And you’re probably being kept awake by plenty of vigorous kicks – while it’s frustrating, it’s a good sign. Start taking note of your baby’s movement patterns. It’s good to be aware of this as too long without much movement should be reported to your healthcare provider.

Your baby’s eyes become sensitive and he or she may need to close them while sleeping. Your baby is developing regular sleep/wake cycles (probably the reverse of yours). It is very common for babies to give a sharp kick when they wake up from their nap. By this point your baby will probably be head down which means you will be feeling the kicks to your ribcage instead of your bladder. If they are head up, there’s still time for them to turn the other way so don’t worry.

CHANGES TO YOUR BODY:

You may be feeling sleep deprived by now. There are probably a few things getting in the way of a good night’s sleep including restless leg or leg cramps, heartburn, your baby moving around at night and difficulty getting comfortable. You might also be getting up several times a night to go to the toilet.

LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS:

You might find your partner is feeling a little left out with all the focus being on you and the bub. If you’re not sure how to tackle that, this article talks about how to include them in your pregnancy. And this article is about what it feels like to become a dad (stand-by with the tissues!)

GENERAL ADVICE:

If heartburn is a problem try eating dinner an hour earlier than you usually do and prop yourself up with pillows in bed.

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