Time to relax and take a deep breath … if you can. By now your baby is putting pressure on your internal organs making it harder to breathe.
31 weeks pregnant – development guide
Your body
You may find you suffer from leg cramps during pregnancy, and this is often attributed to dietary and electrolyte imbalances, general fatigue and from the pressure being placed on your nerves by your expanding uterus.
You may also find you need to wee more regularly, again due to the pressure of your baby but at this stage of your pregnancy the pressure is on your bladder as space continues to become limited.
Your baby
It is important to continue building the bond with your baby, and this goes for the father as well.
Singing, talking and reading nursery rhymes are all wonderful ways for your baby to get to know the voices of the most important people in its life … its parents.
3 things to do now you’re 31 weeks pregnant
Learn about the benefits of skin-to-skin contact
That first cuddle with your newborn is an incredible time, but did you know it’s also an important time for your health and the health of your newborn? Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth is said to impact positively on parent-baby bonding, breastfeeding and baby’s health. Check out our article on the benefits of skin-to-skin contact after birth for more information.
Read up on what you can expect if you have a caesarean
Even if you’re not expecting to have a caesarean you should still have a quick read of our article on what to expect from a caesarean. It will help dispel any fears you may have and may help guide your decision-making if the choice needs to be made closer to your due date (or during labour). The best thing about the article is the many tips from our forum members who have been there before – tips for preparation and recovery.
Read parents reviews of nursery and baby products
Still can’t decide on which cot, pram or car seat to buy? Perhaps reading some reviews from other parents will help make up your mind. Check out our review section for parents’ reviews of nursery and baby products.
This content is meant as a guide only. If you find anything worrying or unsettling, or experience any bleeding or spotting, contact your local GP, obstetrician or an emergency healthcare provider immediately.