31st Week of Pregnancy
By 31st week of pregnancy, your body gets almost ready for nursing your baby after birth. Some of you may notice milk like substance coming out of breasts. It is called pre milk or colostrums a yellowish fluid rich in antibodies and minerals that a mother’s breasts produce after giving birth and before the production of true milk. It provides newborns with immunity to infections. If you do not notice any colostrums leak, do not worry. Both the situations are normal during pregnancy.
This is the time to decide whether you are going to breast feed your baby or want your baby to take bottle feed. Discuss this issue with your health care provider. Search about advantages and disadvantages of breast feeding and bottle feeding. If you have decided to give bottle feed, then learn the methods to keep the bottles sterilized.
By 31st week of pregnancy, your baby has gained a lot of weight and she weighs about 3 ½ to 4 pounds. Your baby is now around 15 ½ inches tall. The procedure of fat storing under the skin is still going on. Your baby is preparing for her entry in this world.
If you deliver your baby during this week, baby has good chances of survival. However your baby will have to be kept in the care of doctors as your baby’s lungs are not strong enough though the immune system has developed properly.
Apart from colostrums leakage, you might experience Braxton Hicks contractions, practice contractions that generally start in 6th week but are generally felt during third trimester by many women. It means your body is preparing for the delivery day. It is your chance to practice breathing exercise you have learnt at the childbirth education classes.
Heartburn, headache, backache and cramps will give you uncomfortable feeling. Do not take any medicine for such conditions without taking your health care provider’s advice. Some of you may experience hemorrhoids that are painful varicose veins in the canal of the anus. This condition generally gets better after delivery. Consult your doctor who can decide the medication which is safe if taken during pregnancy.
Most of you may see noticeable increase in the appetite during this week as your baby needs nutritious food for the fat storage. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables and drink fresh juices instead of canned ones. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself well hydrated. Going for walk can help avoid stiffness and swelling of legs and feet. If your health care provider has advised you to take bed rest, then do not take that advice lightly. Make sure you get enough rest during daytime too.
Ask your health care provider about the signs of pre term labor. Keep your partner’s and health care provider’s phone numbers handy so that if there is any emergency, you will be able to reach them right away.
Though there are a few weeks for your delivery, keep the diaper bag ready with baby clothes, diapers and wipes so that you do not reach the hospital unprepared.
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