31 weeks of embarrassment: baby development and changes in women

gestation week: 31 weeks

equals a month: 3rd week of 7th month

Equivalent to the days: 211 to 217 days of gestation

In the 31st week of pregnancy, the baby’s development is marked by the most advanced development of the lungs, the ones with a greater capacity for the exchange of oxygen, despite the fact that its complete maturity occurs at the end of the embarrassment. The baby’s kidneys each time produce more urine that is eliminated in the amniotic fluid.

The baby’s skin is more pink and smooth due to the accumulation of grease under the skin, which is also covered with a caseous vermix that protects the baby’s skin from amniotic fluid and infections.

During this week, women may continue to experience the contractions of Braxton-Hicks, and frequent urges to urinate may arise, in addition to pain in the back.

baby development

In the 31st week of pregnancy, the baby’s parts remain open for a longer period of time, making it possible to observe by ultrasound how the eyes are closed, although this action is very slow, leading to the production of 6 to 15 parts per hour. The baby’s iris, which is the part with color of los eyes, can contract and dilate.

The baby’s respiratory system is practically formed, since the alveoli of the lungs are in the final stage of maturation and the surface of contact with the pulmonary blood vessels is already formed, in such a way that the capacity of the lungs to carry out exchanges of oxygen is almost complete. The lungs continue to produce surfactant, a kind of lubricant that prevents the walls of the alveoli from sticking together, facilitating breathing.

In addition, the baby’s urinary system works more and more and the kidneys are able to filter the blood and eliminate the residues of the urinary bladder in the amniotic fluid. In this phase of pregnancy, the urinary contents are very similar to the amniotic fluid, however, it is a little more concentrated, and the production of amniotic fluid in this phase is largely due to the orine and one small part to the membranes of the amniotic cavity.

Due to the accumulation of grease in this phase of embarrassment, the skin becomes more pink and smooth, and the face of the baby starts to be more round. The caseous vermix, which has the function of preventing infections, regulates body temperature, hydrates the skin and protects it from amniotic fluid, continues to form. In addition, the vermix is ​​important because it has a lubricating function that helps the baby to pass through the vaginal canal with more ease at the time of delivery.

The baby can even be seated during this week, which is considered normal. Some babies take longer to get on their heads, to prepare for childbirth, and others only achieve after starting the labor. See some exercises that can help the baby to get on his head.

Baby size and weight

The size of the fetus at 31 weeks of gestation is around 40.3 centimeters measured from the head to the feet and about 28.3 centimeters from the head to the buttocks, which is equivalent to the size of a piña. The baby’s weight this week is approximately 1.7 kg.

Changes in the woman’s body

In the 31st week of the embarazo, the breasts are prepared for the future lactation, and it is in this phase that it is possible to have filtration of a creamy yellow liquid that sells from the pezones, the one that receives the name of calostro, which is the first milk produced by women rich in proteins, nutrients and antibodies, important for nourishing the baby and helping to fight infections at birth.

During this phase of pregnancy, the woman can continue to present the Braxton-Hicks contractions, also called training contractions, which are light contractions and which are considered normal, and which prepare the uterus and pelvic tissues for future childbirth. In addition, symptoms may arise such as frequent cravings for pain in the back.

Care during the 31st week

In the 31st week of pregnancy, some precautions are important to help alleviate the discomforts that may arise, such as:

• Braxton-Hicks contractions: avoid staying at rest perform the exercise recommended by the doctor, as they are helping to alleviate the discomfort of contractions. However, in case the contraction is very strong, often accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain in the back, vaginal bleeding or liquid vaginal flow, you should consult a doctor immediately, who may be going into work in childbirth. See how to identify the signs and symptoms of labor;
• Frequent urges to urinate: I can’t stand the urge to urinate, because the urine in the bladder can increase the risk of a urinary tract infection;
• Pain in the back: don’t stay too long and avoid crossing your legs while sitting, use a pregnant woman’s face to support her belly and back, this can help to improve the pain in the spine. In addition, it is important to perform exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the back and pelvis, such as yoga and pilates, for example. Find out the best exercises to do during embarazo.

It is important to follow all medical recommendations during pregnancy, taking a healthy and nutritious diet, including fruits, vegetables and fresh vegetables, and exercising to help control weight gain. See how the diet should be during embarazo.

In addition, you must continue with prenatal consultations, take folic acid and supplements recommended by the obstetrician, and avoid self-medication. Find out more about prenatal consultations.

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