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Week 31

What's Happening To Your Body

Your breasts are beginning to produce more colostrum. Colostrum is the main source of nutrition for your baby prior to the breastmilk that will nourish your child if you choose to breastfeed. For this reason, colostrum is also called pre-milk. Colostrum may be watery or thick, and may be clear or an off-white color. If your breasts are leaking, you can buy breast pads at a retail store to protect your clothing.

Back pain may be more intense from this point onward. A light back rub or a little heat through a heating pad may provide comfort while being safe for your baby. Continue to be conscious of your posture and improve it when necessary. If you're experiencing heartburn, remember to eat smaller portions and don’t eat within an hour or so of lying down. If your legs are cramping, be sure to continue exercising — it will keep the blood flowing and prevent leg pain.

Sleeping may prove difficult at this point in your pregnancy. Maintaining a constant sleep routine can help you get more rest. Refrain from drinking too many fluids close to bedtime in order to limit nighttime trips to the bathroom. Sleeping in a cool room will also help you get a good night's rest.

What's Happening To Your Baby

Your baby is the size of a bunch of asparagus. Your baby measures approximately 16.2 inches (41.1 cm) long from head to heel and weighs about 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg). But, at this stage in your pregnancy, your baby may feel like it weighs a ton!

Your baby is starting to shed the lanugo, its coating of body hair, and the hair on its head is getting thicker.

The baby is expelling more and more waste due to a greater intake of amniotic fluid. Too much fluid may indicate inefficient swallowing, while too little fluid may be indicative of problems with the kidneys or urinary tract. Your doctor will help determine whether your baby’s organs are functioning properly.

As you prepare for delivery, it's important to continue getting adequate amounts of folic acid, calcium and iron, which are found in most prenatal vitamins, as well as protein.  

Read This Next: Week 32

In Case You Missed It: Week 30