Week 31 Pregnancy
You are 31 weeks pregnant and in your third trimester. Your baby is about the size of a coconut. This week's key development: Brain Connections Blooming. NHS note: Midwife appointment (31 or 32 weeks) to check growth and position.
Baby's Development
Your baby is about the size of a coconut.
Brain Connections Blooming — Billions of neural connections are being made in your baby's brain this week. They can process information, feel pain, and experience something like dreaming during REM sleep. Their immune system is developing with the help of antibodies passed from you.
Your Symptoms
- Leaking breasts (colostrum)
- Shortness of breath
- Backache
Every pregnancy is different. You may experience all, some, or none of these symptoms — and that's completely normal. If anything concerns you, speak to your midwife.
NHS Appointments
Midwife appointment (31 or 32 weeks) to check growth and position.
Practical Advice for Week 31
Nutrition
- Continue vitamin D daily.
- Eat protein-rich meals — your baby's brain is forming billions of neural connections.
- Include foods rich in zinc (meat, seeds, chickpeas) to support your immune system.
- Stay well hydrated to help with breast milk production later.
Exercise
- Gentle walking and stretching are ideal now.
- If you're experiencing Braxton Hicks during exercise, slow down and hydrate.
- Birth ball exercises help open the pelvis and ease back pain.
- Pelvic floor exercises — keep them up right through to birth and beyond.
Wellbeing
- Leaking breasts (colostrum) are normal — breast pads help.
- Shortness of breath is caused by your growing uterus — it improves when baby drops.
- Backache can be eased with a warm wheat bag and good posture.
- If you're anxious about labour, your midwife can refer you for birth anxiety support.
Preparation
- Midwife appointment (31 or 32 weeks) to check growth and position.
- Start reading about infant feeding — whether breast, formula, or combination.
- Ensure you have a going-home outfit for baby (newborn size and 0–3 months as backup).
- If you have other children, prepare them for the new arrival with age-appropriate books.
Tip of the Week
Breast pads can help if you're experiencing leaking colostrum.
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