31 weeks yellow discharge. All about the thirty-first week of pregnancy
At 31 weeks of pregnancy, every woman fully feels like a mother. The belly is visible to the naked eye and the baby kicks in it very often. If pregnancy occurs at the expected time, it will happen in exactly 10 weeks.
Feelings at 31 weeks of pregnancy
Now a woman’s body gets tired much more often and faster. It becomes more difficult to breathe as the baby gets bigger and bigger, not allowing enough air to fill the lungs. Shortness of breath occurs especially after physical activity, so it is recommended to walk more slowly, watch your posture and get more rest.
Mom's movements are clumsy and the likelihood that she may fall increases. Hair and skin are in excellent condition. The figure is becoming rounder and the expectant mother is the very embodiment of femininity.
At this stage, the metabolism increases, so the mother gets very hot and sweats a lot. And at any air temperature.
The fetus puts a lot of pressure on the diaphragm and stomach, and therefore heaviness may be felt in the lower abdomen. There is already colostrum in the breast, and some people leak a lot of it at that time, while others don’t see it at all. Whether or not there is colostrum at this stage will not affect the process of breastfeeding the baby in any way.
Changes in the mother's body at 31 weeks of pregnancy
The abdomen increases every day and props up the internal organs, causing heartburn, shortness of breath, nausea, and constipation. Weight gain weekly from now on should not exceed 300 grams. The expectant mother should be wary of too much weight gain or, conversely, weak weight gain.
The fundus of the uterus is determined 10-11 cm above the navel and 31 cm above the symphysis pubis. More and more often, the mother feels false training contractions. This is how the muscles prepare for labor. You can start doing Kegel exercises every day - they will prevent ruptures during childbirth and make the process of childbirth less painful and easier.
Pain in the lumbar and sacral areas of the back may be bothersome. The reason for this is a shift in the center of gravity and softening of ligaments under the influence of hormones. In some cases, your legs may ache and swell. And if swelling of the legs does not disappear by morning, you should consult a doctor.
At 31 weeks, the expectant mother may notice that when lying on her back, she begins to feel dizzy. This occurs as a result of compression of the inferior vena cava by the enlarged uterus. Therefore, it is recommended to sleep and lie on your right or left side.
A woman’s breasts become larger and larger and by 31 weeks increase by about a size or two. Colostrum is released from the breast, a precursor to breast milk.
Baby at 31 weeks
The unborn child continues its active development. The brain develops very quickly, and the work of its centers differentiates. Its mass is 1/4 of the mass of the adult human brain.
During this period, the child accumulates subcutaneous fat, skin tone increases, and natural folds form in the joint area. Subcutaneous fat will complement the imperfection of the thermoregulation system and maintain a constant temperature in the newborn.
The iris of the eyes gradually accumulates pigment, and the hair becomes darker. The process is quite long. Most children are born with blue or blue-gray eyes. Closer to one year, the eye color becomes final, the same as it is genetically determined.
The baby is already able to see, but so far only light and darkness. Immediately after birth, he will begin to distinguish colors. But while the pupil only reacts to light, its size changes and the baby closes his eyes.
All the child’s organs are growing: heart, lungs, kidneys, liver. The pancreas is already able to provide the body with insulin.
Starting this week, the baby will gain 200 grams weekly. Now his weight is about 1500 grams, and his height is 41 cm. The diameter of his head is approximately 78 cm. By this point in time, the child has already positioned himself in the position in which he will be born.
What's new?
At week 31, new symptoms of pregnancy appeared:
- the woman’s body began to produce the hormone relaxin, which promotes relaxation in the joints of the pelvic bones (due to the hormone, the woman’s gait resembles that of a duck);
- after 30-31 weeks, late toxicosis may develop - gestosis;
- persistent heartburn may occur;
- the baby’s pupils already react to light and darkness;
- the nails have almost grown to the tips of the fingers.
Preeclampsia is characterized by nausea, increased blood pressure, edema, and sometimes the appearance of protein in the urine. Against this background, significant weight gain is possible (more than 400 grams per week).
External development of the fetus
External signs of child development at 31 weeks include the following phenomena:
- the iris of the eyes accumulates pigment and darkens;
- the baby squints his eyes in bright light;
- hair darkens;
- nails have almost grown to the tips of the fingers;
- skin folds form.
Internal development of the fetus
Internal signs of fetal development at 31 weeks include the following events:
- intensive growth of the brain occurs, its weight now amounts to 25% of the weight of the adult brain;
- the muscles of the eyelids are formed;
- The liver lobules are almost completely formed, bile is produced;
- pancreatic cells produce insulin.
Weight gain at 31 weeks of pregnancy
Each pregnant woman gains weight individually. This depends on the mother’s build, her tendency to be overweight, the size of the unborn child and a number of other physiological factors.
During this period, a woman with normal body weight should gain about 250-300 grams weekly. By the end of 31 weeks, the expectant mother, as a rule, gains about 8-11 kg in her weight. Until the end of pregnancy, she can gain up to 15 kg.
Signs and symptoms of pregnancy at 31 weeks
My belly is growing by leaps and bounds. Many women during this period are bothered by unpleasant sensations in the pelvic and chest areas. This is natural, as the fetus grows, requiring more and more space every day. All organs are compressed, resulting in heartburn, shortness of breath, frequent urination and intestinal disorders.
The mammary glands fill and swell, increasing in size by 1.5-2 times. Thick colostrum, a precursor to breast milk, may be released from the breast.
What happens to the belly at 31 weeks of pregnancy?
Because of her big belly, mom becomes clumsy. The dark line on the stomach becomes more and more noticeable, the navel becomes flat due to its stretching. Closer to childbirth, the navel will become convex.
The skin on the abdomen can often itch due to its stretching. To reduce itching and prevent the consequences of spraining, you can use a special moisturizer. Olive oil will also work.
Many mothers can feel rhythmic twitching of the abdomen - this is the child hiccupping. In addition, you can already find out with what parts of the body the baby kicks his mother in the stomach. Usually by 31-32 weeks the baby is finally placed in a certain position in the uterus.
Uterus
At 31 weeks, the cervix descends, located at the base of the vagina. Moves slightly towards the sacrum. The uterus rises above the navel by 7.5-10.5 cm.
Pain
As the uterus grows, the expectant mother’s body weight also increases. At the same time, the load on the legs and back increases, all internal organs work at full capacity. Back pain increases by 31 weeks, as the center of gravity shifts and the load on it increases.
Pain may appear in the perineum and sacrum - this is due to the softening of the pelvic bones and their divergence. The body thus prepares the woman for the upcoming birth.
If it hurts in the pubic area, this most likely indicates the development of symphysitis. The intestines are compressed by the growing uterus and, as a result, pregnant women often experience constipation. And this can lead to the development of hemorrhoids. Pain in the anal area may herald its onset.
Discharge at 31 weeks of pregnancy
Normally, vaginal discharge at 31 weeks should have a light gray or light milky tint. The consistency of the discharge is homogeneous and odorless. The amount of discharge during this period may increase, which is due to the maximum blood supply to the genitals.
If yellow, green, purulent discharge appears, with flakes or cottage cheese-like discharge, and even with an unpleasant odor, you should immediately go to the doctor for examination. Thrush often worsens in pregnant women, which must be treated so as not to harm the baby. A child can become infected in utero or while moving through the birth canal.
Discharge with blood, brown spotting or scarlet is very dangerous - this may indicate the onset of premature labor, placental abruption or placental previa. Even if the bleeding is slight, help is needed, since the bleeding can intensify at any time.
Liquid discharge with a yellowish tint most likely indicates the release of amniotic fluid. You should call an ambulance, as premature labor is about to begin. Even if there is a feeling of increased humidity, in any case it is better to see a doctor. At the slightest violation of the integrity of the fetal membrane, the baby has a high probability of contracting a serious infection.
Necessary medical observations, tests and examinations
At 31 weeks, the last third planned ultrasound is usually prescribed. They will provide complete information about the ongoing pregnancy and fetal development. During the examination, the doctor will be able to determine the presence or absence of developmental defects and pathologies.
The doctor will correlate the necessary measurements of the fetus with the gestational age, determine its location in the uterus, listen to the baby’s heartbeat, and set the expected date of birth. In addition, all the baby’s organs will be examined and the blood supply system will be assessed to determine whether the pregnancy is proceeding normally. The doctor will measure the parameters of the uterus and determine the quantity and quality of amniotic fluid.
Before visiting an antenatal clinic, a pregnant woman must undergo clinical blood and urine tests. At the doctor's appointment, the woman will have her blood pressure, fundus height and abdominal circumference measured.
Sex
Many married couples stop having sexual relations during this period. A man may be afraid of harming the woman and child, or the woman herself may be worried about this.
If the expectant mother does not complain about her health and there are no contraindications, and besides, the doctor does not prohibit having sex, it is quite possible to have sex at 31 weeks. In this case, the child is not in danger, since he is protected by the uterus and amniotic sac.
Contraction of the uterus during orgasm trains the muscles, thereby preparing the vagina for the upcoming birth. Sex positions should be comfortable and safe. The pressure on the abdomen should be minimal. The most comfortable position is when the partner is behind. This way he can control the depth of penetration.
Nutrition
Due to the fact that the expectant mother is now on maternity leave and sitting at home, it is becoming increasingly difficult for her to control her diet. Therefore, the amount of food consumed should be limited in order to preserve the health of the child and your own. It is better to eat in small portions. It is advisable to remove cakes, buns and other baked goods from the diet altogether or reduce them to a minimum. For pregnancy of any stage, you should follow the rule: the diet of the expectant mother should resemble a children's menu.
It is recommended to consume as much fresh vegetables and fruits as possible, as well as cereals, soups and borscht in vegetable broth. It is better to drink compotes, weak tea, plain water, and non-carbonated drinks. You should not eat foods that cause allergies: chocolate, exotic fruits, nuts and citrus fruits in large quantities, seafood. You should not eat fried or smoked foods or canned food. It is advisable to give preference to dairy and fermented milk products, low-fat varieties of fish and meat and other healthy foods.
You shouldn't sit at home all the time thinking about food. It is better to plan the whole day so that there is time to walk in the fresh air, attend an antenatal clinic and pregnancy and childbirth courses, and go shopping.
What to do this week
- at the end of this week you should do the next scheduled ultrasound;
- if the expectant mother has not yet attended pregnancy courses, then it’s time to do so;
- despite the fact that there are still about 10 weeks before the birth, you can slowly pack your things for the maternity hospital (shopping becomes more and more difficult every week).
Dangers and complications
At 31 weeks of pregnancy, the following complications may occur:
- intrauterine growth retardation;
- gestosis, toxicosis, which are characterized by high blood pressure, headaches and the appearance of protein in the urine;
- spotting from the vagina (placental abruption or placental previa);
- premature birth.
The cause of all pathologies during pregnancy is anemia in the expectant mother, diseases of the kidneys and vascular system, as well as smoking during pregnancy, too much weight gain or, conversely, malnutrition.
Weight at 31 weeks must be carefully monitored, the maximum weight gain should not exceed 300 grams. Large weight gain can cause toxicosis or gestosis. You should also control the amount of liquid you drink and process. The difference should not be less than 300ml. If an imbalance is detected, you should tell your doctor about it.
If the above pregnancy complications occur, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Most likely you will have to go to an inpatient department or maternity hospital.
The longer the pregnancy, the more advice and recommendations they give. The most important ones include:
- timely visit to the doctor who is managing the pregnancy;
- blood pressure control;
- passing all necessary tests;
- clinical blood and urine test once a week;
- regular weight control;
- routine ultrasound and other necessary examinations;
- control of the number of fetal movements per day.
The expectant mother should visit the doctor regularly. During the examination, the doctor determines the height of the uterus, the size of the fetus and its location, and examines the woman’s limbs to identify swelling and varicose veins.
During this period, mommy gains weight very quickly, so it is better for her to exclude all sweets, fatty and starchy foods from her diet, reduce animal fats and give preference to fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to engage in physical activities such as yoga, swimming and water aerobics. The woman’s body will become stronger and more resilient, especially since the long-awaited birth is just around the corner. During courses for future parents, mothers are taught proper breathing.
Indian dance classes and fitball exercises are also considered beneficial. Daily walks in the park will help saturate the blood of the mother and her child with the necessary amount of oxygen.
And the most important thing is the psychological attitude. Pregnancy is a wonderful time for a woman, when she is given maximum attention, given flowers and simply loved. All unpleasant sensations will soon be left behind. After all, the most important thing is not to forget about why this is all happening.
You are getting closer to giving birth. By and large, they can begin at any moment, despite the fact that the appointed time has not yet come. And although at 31 weeks the baby has a great chance of survival, the process of intrauterine development and maturation is by no means complete.
Fetus at 31 weeks of gestation: movements, development, weight and size
Masik's eyes are already quite well developed: he distinguishes between light and dark, can focus his gaze, open and close his eyelids, and squint. At 31 weeks of pregnancy, a “corneal reflex” can be observed in the child: if he touches an open eye, he will immediately squint it.
This week the nails will almost reach the end of the toes.
The brain convolutions continue to form, nerve cells work very actively, lung tissue improves, further releasing surfactant. Thanks to this, the baby will be able to breathe his first air - this substance prevents the empty alveoli from sticking together.
The liver is also actively developing: it already secretes bile, and from the 31st week of pregnancy it prepares to cleanse the blood of the unborn child from toxins. The baby's pancreas already produces its own insulin; it will begin to produce the enzymes necessary for digesting food only after birth.
Most babies at this stage are already turning their heads down; from this position, at the appointed time, they will begin their journey to the new world. However, a certain percentage of babies never occupy this most physiological position for childbirth. But you shouldn’t get upset right away: it’s quite possible that in the next week the baby will move to the correct position.
In general, the baby is rapidly gaining weight: at 31 weeks he weighs an average of 1500 g and has grown to 41 cm. The skin turns pink, but capillaries are still visible through it - there is not enough subcutaneous tissue yet.
Your baby has already developed his own sleep and wakefulness pattern: now you can note that the baby reminds you of himself at some certain time of the day. Moreover, he can even “remind” very actively, sometimes causing pain to the mother with his strong pushes and kicks. Each subsequent movement of the baby can bring the woman noticeable discomfort in the ribs, in the intestines or bladder, in the groin, in the back - depending on where the baby rests, stretching a leg or arm.
The number and nature of the movements should also be monitored: too frequent, painful movements of the baby can be a signal of a lack of oxygen and indicate an uncomfortable position for the baby taken by the mother. You should be alarmed if the baby’s movements are not felt for several hours; in this case, it is advisable to go to the doctor as soon as possible, who will listen to the baby’s heartbeat and determine whether everything is okay with him.
In general, at 31 weeks the mother feels about 10 movements of the baby over 12 hours, or up to 4 movements per hour.
Expectant mother
The baby is growing and gaining weight very rapidly. But you should gain weight by no more than 300 g per week - keep an eye on your gain. Now the expectant mother fully feels the burden of pregnancy: walking is awkward, breathing is difficult, sleeping is uncomfortable... If you did not suffer before or they only bothered you occasionally, now there is a high probability of encountering this trouble more closely.
Monitor swelling, blood pressure and general well-being. If by the morning the swelling of your legs does not go away and you feel tired, and also if your vision is blurry, your legs are cramping, your head hurts and you skid when turning, you should visit a doctor earlier.
However, now you will visit the clinic quite often. You will need to take repeated exams, and if you have one, then even more often than others.
They will definitely take vaginal smears from you, because due to reduced immunity, thrush may develop or recur, and it must be cured before childbirth. You should also get your hands on: now this is your most important document. You should carry it with you at all times, because it is according to the entries in the exchange card that the doctor will coordinate his actions if you are admitted to the maternity hospital.
Be sure to ask your doctor how your baby is positioned. The correct presentation is head down. In this case, it will be useful to wear. If your child lies down differently, ask about exercises that will help you correct the situation. In this case, do not use the bandage for now.
Don't forget that your baby senses your mood and condition. Communicate with him every day, please yourself and his pleasant activities, enjoy the last weeks of peace: very soon you will have a lot of pleasant worries.
Pain at 31 weeks of pregnancy
As the uterus grows, the body weight of the pregnant woman increases. Accordingly, the load on the legs, knee joints and back increases, the internal organs and systems of the body work “to their fullest.”
Therefore, it is not surprising if by the 31st week they intensify - as a result of a shift in the center of gravity and increased load. It is very important to develop correct posture and adhere to simple rules: do not walk for a long time, do not sit on chairs without a back, do not lie on your back, do not cross your legs, wear comfortable shoes.
The body is now working in preparation mode for the upcoming birth: the pelvic bones soften and diverge somewhat, which is associated with possible pain in the perineum and sacrum. At the same time, pay attention to whether the pain affects the pubis - pain in the pubic bone indicates the possible development of symphysitis.
Due to compression of the intestines by the uterus and decreased tone of the smooth muscles of the esophagus, many pregnant women suffer from constipation. And constipation, as you know, is one of the first steps to the development of hemorrhoids, which, like any other disease, is better to prevent than to eliminate later. Therefore, pay attention to painful manifestations in the anus - pain in this part may portend hemorrhoids.
Belly at 31 weeks of pregnancy: tugs, hurts
Do not ignore abdominal pain that occurs at 31 weeks of pregnancy. You can certainly distinguish the painful sensations associated with digestive disorders from other pathological pains. And if at 31 weeks of pregnancy your stomach feels tight and hurts, this is still more of a pathology than the norm.
For example, the stomach may hurt due to abruption of the normally located placenta. Yes, placental abruption in most cases is accompanied by external signs - the appearance of bloody discharge. However, bleeding can also be internal, and in this case, blood separation from the genital tract is not observed. But there is severe pain in the lower abdomen - the stomach can sometimes hurt so much that it is impossible to touch it.
Abdominal pain - nagging, aching, lasting a long time - may indicate increased uterine tone and the associated risk of premature birth. If your stomach hurts and has been dragging on for several hours in a row, do not wait for “sea weather”; it is better to immediately go for a consultation with a doctor.
A very serious condition, which is also accompanied by abdominal pain, can be a condition called preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is the preliminary stage of eclampsia itself, the last form of gestosis, which is a condition dangerous to the health and life of the mother and child. The main signs of preeclampsia are headache, spots before the eyes, dizziness, pain and heaviness in the abdomen. If you have such symptoms, go to the doctor immediately, because without the proper response, the pregnant woman’s condition can sharply and unexpectedly worsen - up to the occurrence of convulsions of the torso and face, and loss of consciousness.
Discharge at 31 weeks of pregnancy
Continue to monitor the nature of the discharge: normal vaginal discharge at 31 weeks of pregnancy is light gray or milky-light in color, homogeneous, without a distinct odor. Do not be alarmed if the amount of discharge increases slightly at this stage: the blood supply to the genital organs is now reaching its maximum, which is associated with a slight increase in the amount of discharge.
But, if at the same time the discharge changes its color towards yellow, green, earthy color, pus or flakes appear in the discharge, foamy or curdled discharge with a pungent and unpleasant odor is observed - go for examination as soon as possible.
Thus, the changes discussed above are usually caused by the development of a sexually transmitted infection. Most often, women during pregnancy experience the development or exacerbation of thrush, but changes in the nature of the discharge can be caused by any other sexually transmitted infection. And, no matter what it is, the disease must be treated, otherwise there is a high risk of transmitting the infection to the fetus in utero or during its passage through the birth canal.
You should not postpone a visit to the doctor if bloody, scarlet, or brown spotting appears. Their appearance is a symptom of possible abruption or placenta previa. And, even if the bleeding is very slight, this cannot be ignored: at any moment the bleeding can acquire alarming proportions.
However, keep in mind that the appearance of blood on panties can also be associated with inflammation and bleeding of hemorrhoids. And in this case, first of all, it is worth thinking about adequate treatment of hemorrhoids.
Liquid, watery discharge with a yellowish tint is amniotic fluid. Of course, the immediate rupture of amniotic fluid by a woman cannot go unnoticed, and in this case, you should immediately call an ambulance: with the rupture of water, premature labor begins. But, at the same time, amniotic fluid may well leak in small portions, drop by drop, which is always associated with a violation of the integrity of the membranes. Even the slightest suspicion of leakage of amniotic fluid, which can occur with a feeling of increased humidity in the perineum, should be a reason for promptly contacting a doctor: if the integrity of the membranes is damaged, the fetus is defenseless against infection.
Ultrasound
It is likely that at 31 weeks of pregnancy you will have a third scheduled ultrasound. An ultrasound session is both a reason for the mother to once again meet and observe her baby, and a valuable method for obtaining information about the course of pregnancy and fetal development.
While you smile, looking at how your baby sucks his finger or plays with the umbilical cord, the doctor will be able to determine the absence of any risks or pathologies. When performing an ultrasound, the specialist measures the size of the fetus and correlates it with the gestational age, listens to the baby’s heartbeat, and determines its location. In addition, the internal organs and systems of the fetus will be examined to determine whether their development and improvement are occurring normally.
The doctor will definitely evaluate the condition and size of the uterus. Pay attention to the quantity and quality of amniotic fluid.
Especially for- Elena Kichak
The birth is already near. Your baby is growing by the minute, rapidly gaining weight and learning new skills. It is no longer easy for the expectant mother to walk and breathe. Well, nothing! The baby will be born soon!
Fetal development at 31 weeks of gestation
Your baby already weighs about 1.5 kg and has grown to 410 mm. The baby is ready to be born in 1.5 months. At the moment, the child “absorbs” the maximum of useful substances from the mother’s body, rapidly gaining weight. The baby's weight increases mainly due to muscle tissue and white fat, which is deposited on the baby's arms, face and legs.
By this time the child had already become quite round. The color and surface of the baby's previously wrinkled, red skin has changed: the baby now has smooth, white-pink skin. There is more birth lubricant, it begins to accumulate in the folds of the baby’s skin. It plays the role of protecting the fetus from the effects of amniotic fluid, and is also designed to facilitate the process of the upcoming birth.
The baby continues to improve his reflexes, which he will need at birth. He is excellent at swallowing amniotic fluid and sucking his thumb.
The amount of urine excreted by the child by this time already reaches 1.5 liters. In the womb, a regular change of fluid surrounding the fetus is ensured. This occurs due to the baby swallowing liquid, as well as due to the production of fresh amniotic fluid by the fetal membranes. Amniotic fluid contains everything you need. The baby, swallowing them, nourishes his little body and trains his digestive system. The remains of digested food accumulate in the baby’s intestines; within three days after birth, the baby will get rid of unnecessary substances.
During this period, the placenta begins to undergo the aging process, that is, its functional capacity decreases. In the case of various types of diseases of a woman, smoking, drinking alcohol, this process is significantly accelerated. This poses a direct threat to the baby: the placenta may completely atrophy, which will lead to a lack of nutrients and oxygen supplied to the baby. In a word, we are talking about fetoplacental insufficiency. Among its symptoms is a change in the pattern of fetal movement in the womb. If your child bothers you frequently (more than 10 times per hour), you should be wary. Placental insufficiency is curable: treatment is carried out in the maternity hospital for several weeks.
At the 31st week, presentation may still occur, which only requires special exercises; there is no need to worry about this.
Expectant mother
Despite the fact that the baby is growing rapidly, the expectant mother should gain no more than 300 grams of weight per week. You should control your weight.
Now, more than ever, my mother feels her current situation: it’s uncomfortable to sleep, it’s hard to breathe and walk. At this stage, a pregnant woman may be more likely to experience heartburn. As your uterus grows, you may also experience pressure on your stomach and intestines. Listen to your body, monitor how you feel, control your blood pressure and swelling. At the slightest sign of discomfort, consult a doctor; by the way, you will visit the clinic more often at this stage of pregnancy.
In order to help yourself a little, spend time in the fresh air more often, watch your diet, keep your back straight, don’t overwork, and get plenty of rest.
At this stage, the pregnant woman’s body produces the hormone relaxin; as a result of the influence of this hormone, the connection of the woman’s pelvic bones is weakened. This means that the woman’s body is preparing for childbirth.
Discharge from the genital tract
At the 31st week of pregnancy, leakage of amniotic fluid occurs. Waters, as a rule, are in a liquid state, transparent and odorless. In this case, you can buy a test at the pharmacy to determine the leakage of amniotic fluid or immediately go to the clinic, where the necessary research will be carried out.
As a rule, at this stage most pregnant women experience an exacerbation of thrush. You can avoid the appearance of this disease by watching your diet and limiting your consumption of sweets and starchy foods. And also try to wear underwear made from natural materials, do not wear scented panty liners.
If white, cheesy discharge from the genital tract with a pungent odor appears, which brings discomfort to the expectant mother (burning, itching, pain, swelling), you should consult a specialist. After all, if such a seemingly trivial ailment is not treated, it can harm the baby.
During this period, the risk of contracting infectious diseases increases significantly, so carefully monitor the nature of vaginal discharge.
The appearance of bloody discharge at this time is an alarming signal. Make sure that bloody discharge (spotting) from the genital tract is not excessive and is not accompanied by pain in the lower back and abdomen. If such symptoms occur, there is a risk of miscarriage. However, it is also possible to have a slight discharge of blood after sexual intercourse or a gynecological examination.
Sex at 31 weeks pregnant
As a rule, at this stage of pregnancy, most women practically deprive themselves and their partner of sexual intimacy. Perhaps the emotional and physical state of the expectant mother is the reason for this, but in many cases it is men who play the role of initiators of reducing sexual life to “no” at this stage.
However, sex at this stage of pregnancy is not prohibited, provided there are no contraindications or discomfort during sex. The baby is completely safe: protected by the wall of the uterus and the mother’s pubic bone. But being careful during sex won't hurt in any case.
Bloody discharge after intimacy should not scare you, however, next time you should be more careful. Prefer positions with shallow penetration, such as the rear position.
Ultrasound examination at 31 weeks of pregnancy
I wonder how our baby is doing in mom’s tummy? At this stage of pregnancy, you can confidently determine the sex of the baby during an ultrasound, as well as “spy” what he is doing there: maybe sucking a finger, smiling, or busy playing with the umbilical cord. However, the main task of doctors at this stage is to determine the location of the fetus and its parameters.
At the 31st week of pregnancy, a woman should undergo vascular Dopplerography (determination of the uteroplacental fetoplacental circulation).
In addition to the above, doctors will be interested in the condition and amount of amniotic fluid, the condition of the placenta, and the size of the woman’s uterus.
During the current period, women usually undergo a third routine ultrasound examination. However, most of them are still waiting for the fourth and even fifth ultrasound. There is no need to worry about this: doctors nowadays are just “insurance” once again.
Necessary tests and examination of the expectant mother
Among the necessary tests and examinations at the 31st week of pregnancy:
Premature birth
Doctors do not rule out the birth of the baby at 31 weeks. At this stage, the child is born alive, and the mother thanks the higher powers for this!
A newborn is quite capable of maintaining the temperature of his still very small body and, most importantly, eating. The baby looks like an ordinary newborn, however, he is still forced to stay in a special incubator until the baby gains the required weight.
Don't be upset if your baby is born prematurely. Surround your baby with love and affection and wait patiently for your discharge from the hospital.
- Doctors recommend that a woman at this stage of pregnancy take a fruitful rest. However, you should not leave your homeland. Relaxing in the countryside and nature will have a fruitful effect on you. Fresh air will benefit you and your baby. If it is not possible to go out into nature, walk more often in parks, in places away from the bustle of the city.
- It's time to start looking for a doctor who will deliver you. If your supervising doctor is also a gynecologist-obstetrician in the maternity hospital, and you are completely satisfied with him, the issue will be resolved by itself.
- Watch your diet: eat small portions at least six times a day.
- Control your weight.
- When resting, place your feet on an elevated surface (ottoman, pillow) to avoid swelling.
- Start preparing the things you will need in the maternity hospital. Among these we recommend:
- all documents;
- toothbrush;
- comfortable clothes;
- comb, soap, shampoo;
- rubber slippers;
- photo or video camera;
- player;
- light reading;
- clothing for newborn discharge;
- chewing gum;
- a small night light for feeding a baby;
- any compact thing that will remind you of home;
- postpartum pads;
- towel;
- other things at your discretion.
Twins at 31 weeks pregnant
It is not uncommon for seven-month-old babies to be born at this stage. One way or another, your children are already approaching the finish line in their development.
The weight of babies (each) during this period is 1.5 kg, and their height is 40-41 cm. By the 31st week, babies are already practically formed, in the future they plan to round up and gain weight in order to maintain a normal body temperature in the future.
Your children's eyes will take on a blue-gray hue, and their color will likely change after birth. Babies are great at distinguishing between light and darkness and sounds. Their brain increases in size, nerve cells work with greater diligence, which entails the formation of nerve connections.
By this point, the babies have already decided on their location in the womb. The children became less active, but stronger. Have you noticed?
The expectant mother has already gained 12 kilograms. Don’t be alarmed, this figure includes the weight of the babies, the weight of amniotic fluid, the grown uterus, placenta, blood, blood vessels, and only then the weight you gained.
By this time, the uterus of the expectant mother has risen by 320 mm, it will still rise, so be prepared for shortness of breath and back pain.
During this period, a pregnant woman may also suffer from late toxicosis (preeclampsia).
To monitor the development of children, a woman pregnant with twins is most often prescribed an ultrasound at the 31st week. This study is of a preventive nature. During an ultrasound examination, mothers will be able to examine their children, and the doctor will determine the parameters of interest to him, the amount and nature of the amniotic fluid, the condition of the already aging placenta, determine the position of the fetuses, and make sure of the favorable development of the children.
If your babies were born at 31 weeks, don't panic at all. Naturally, children require special treatment, but for the most part, childbirth takes place without complications, and the children are born healthy.
If during this period you feel abdominal pain or notice discharge from the genital tract, consult a doctor immediately.
A pregnant woman who is expecting twins should follow all the recommendations of her supervising doctor, eat right, get plenty of rest and not worry, however, as is the case with a singleton pregnancy.
Baralgin during pregnancy
Physical pain is familiar to everyone; it is almost impossible to foresee it in advance and try to protect yourself. And first of all, when we feel unpleasant symptoms of pain, we rush to take a painkiller.
Today, undeveloped pregnancies, unfortunately, can be found quite often. A frozen pregnancy is a process when the embryo spontaneously stops its development.
From the moment it becomes clear that a woman is pregnant, she should be especially careful in the use and use of medications. Even those that the expectant mother would normally use without a hint of any problems can now behave completely unpredictably in her body.
31 weeks of pregnancy marks the end of the seventh calendar month. There are 60 days left before the birth, during which you need to be patient and carry the baby.
Of course, difficult days have begun when a woman’s body experiences severe stress. But in order to improve your condition, you just need to strictly follow the regime of active activity and rest.
The most important things at 31 weeks of pregnancy
Child sizes:
- Height: on average, height reaches 41.1 cm;
- Weight: on average can reach 1 kg 502 g;
- Pulse: a normal pulse is considered to be from 140 to 160 beats per minute;
- BPR (biparietal head size): parameters from 73 to 87 mm are considered normal, with an average of 80 mm;
- LZR (fronto-occipital head size): parameters from 93 to 109 mm are considered normal, with an average of 97 mm;
- AB (child's abdominal circumference): parameters from 247 to 301 mm are considered normal, with an average value of 274 mm;
- OG (head circumference): the norm is considered to be between 273 and 315 mm, with an average value of 294 mm.
Feelings
At this stage of pregnancy, a woman may feel pain in the lumbar spine and pelvic bones. This syndrome occurs due to an enlarged uterus, as well as weight gain by the baby. All internal organs are displaced, their functionality may be impaired, and primarily these disorders concern the gastrointestinal tract.
Digestive problems may continue or begin at this time. Heartburn, bloating, constipation. To combat these symptoms, it is important to watch your diet.
When walking, a high raised belly forces a woman to tilt her body back and straighten her stomach. The gait becomes “duck-like.” There is no need to worry about this. This is a temporary phenomenon and after childbirth everything will return to normal. And now it is important to move with extreme caution and protect yourself as much as possible from dangers that can lead to damage to the abdomen and fetus - falls, trips, slips.
Bleeding gums are also not a rare occurrence during the third trimester of pregnancy. If you have this problem, you can go to the dentist and consult him about relieving the symptoms of caries.
Frequent urination continues at week 31. To get up less often at night and not disturb your and your baby’s restful sleep, try to stop drinking 2-3 hours before going to bed.
Physiological changes
Physiological changes continue to take place in both the mother’s body and the baby’s body.
The expectant mother continues to secrete colostrum from her mammary glands, which requires careful breast care and hygiene and frequent changes of bra.
Appear which may signal the beginning. You should tell your doctor about this right away.
The risk of developing problems with veins in the legs increases due to high loads.
The process of aging begins in the placenta, that is, a decrease in its functionality. Moreover, the mother herself can speed up this process if she continues to smoke, drink alcohol and come under the influence of various other negative factors during this period.
31 weeks of pregnancy, the period when the baby can still occupy the breech position. To correct the situation, the doctor will prescribe special exercises. And everything can still change before childbirth, so it’s not time to worry yet.
What happens in a woman's body?
At 31 weeks, the uterus is already 12 cm above the navel and 32 cm above the womb. As the uterus continues to grow, this period is often characterized by the appearance of arthrosis, osteochondrosis, hernia, and neuralgia. You need to be extremely careful and not make sudden movements while changing body position.
At this stage of pregnancy, a woman’s body begins to produce the hormone relaxin. This hormone causes the pelvic bone ligaments to relax during the birth process. All this facilitates the process of moving the baby along the birth canal.
The psychological state of the expectant mother changes. This time is favorable for shopping for clothes and various little things for a newborn. You need to try to cope with stress without emotional negative emotions, since they can harm the baby and initiate the development of hypoxia.
The placenta has already taken its final location. By 31 weeks her migration is already over.
Changes in the child's body. How does the baby develop?
The development of the baby in the current week of pregnancy continues in an active form. The body undergoes intensive preparation for a life separate from the mother after childbirth, and more active improvement of all organs and systems continues.
The baby is now gaining weight due to the increase and accumulation of muscle mass, this after birth will help him survive in the environment and regulate heat exchange.
Due to the increase in subcutaneous fat, the child’s body is rounded and takes on more natural and familiar shapes.
The pupils of the eyes at this stage become similar to those of newborns.
The baby's lungs are already ready for independent breathing, but the whole system continues to develop.
The body is 100% supplied with insulin, which is produced by the children's pancreas.
The baby clearly shows a reaction to factors in the outside world. Therefore, the mother needs to take care of herself and not get into situations where the baby may feel bad, for example, concerts with rock music, and so on.
The structure of the liver becomes more complex and its functional responsibilities expand.
At the 31st week, the area of the nervous system continues to develop. The so-called myelination of nerve fibers occurs. This sheath (myelin) acts as a limiter of nerve impulses from neighboring nerve cells and allows a person to perform certain purposeful actions. Moreover, it is responsible for the accuracy of any thought process and memory.
Premature birth at 31 weeks of pregnancy
It is certainly undesirable for labor to begin at this time. But, nevertheless, if the baby was born in the current week of gestation, then he will survive without a doubt.
True, for the first few weeks he will have to be under constant medical supervision and gain weight in order to fully live independently. Monitoring of his health and life will take place in an incubator specially equipped for premature babies at the maternity hospital.
Fetal movement
It is important to keep a count of the baby’s movements at this time. According to the standards, there should be approximately 10 of them within six hours, and from 20 per day.
The baby's kicks remain not only tactilely perceptible, but also visually.
Weight gain
The normal weight gain for the mother remains the same 300-500 g. At the same time, the total weight gain can reach 8-10.6 kg at the beginning of pregnancy.
A more accurate figure directly depends on the characteristics of the mother’s body, initial body weight, her physical activity and diet.
But, even in cases of severe overweight, you should never switch to a low-calorie diet. For this period and until the end of pregnancy, the norm for getting calories per day is 3000 kcal. If necessary, it is reduced to 2.5 thousand to Cal, limiting flour and sweet products in the diet.
Belly sizes
The location of the uterus above the navel reaches a height of 11 cm. At this stage, with the constant growth of the abdomen, the appearance of periodic pain in different areas is considered completely natural - this is due to the fact that the displacement of the abdominal organs and pressure on them does not stop.
Now the stomach can already cause complications such as shortness of breath, a feeling of lack of air. To reduce these symptoms, you need to spend more time outdoors and rest more often.
Analyzes and examinations
The 31-week pregnancy period is preparation for the third screening study of the organisms of mother and child. At an appointment with her gynecologist, a woman’s weight, blood pressure, and abdominal circumference will be measured. And the doctor will prescribe certain tests, or rather a clinical analysis of blood and urine.
Ultrasound examination at this time can be prescribed only for individual indications.
Objective data
The height of the uterine fundus should be 31 cm. You should not worry if there is a difference of 1-2 cm in one direction or the other.
During the normal course of this period, the woman should not have edema. If their signs are noted, most likely this is the beginning of gestosis. This condition should not be left without medical attention.
Ultrasound examination
For an ultrasound examination, if it was prescribed at this time, the specialist will be able to assess the condition of the placenta (its degree of maturation should correspond to zero according to the tabular data, and if this level increases to one, a conclusion is drawn about the beginning of aging of the placenta).
The thickness of the placenta should correspond to the gestational age - 31mm. In addition, the doctor will measure and evaluate the baby’s height and weight, these indicators should be in accordance with the stage of pregnancy.
And at this stage, determining the sex of the baby will already be one hundred percent correct.
HCG at 31 weeks of pregnancy
The level of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin at the 31st week should be within the range of 2700-78100 mIU/ml.
Factors affecting the fetus
A woman at 31 weeks of pregnancy is still prohibited from being influenced by the following factors:
- nicotine (smoking) (fetal strangulation and premature birth may develop);
- alcohol in any form, including medicinal herbal tinctures (ethanol kills living cells of the body);
- chemicals and airborne particles;
- antibiotics and anabolic steroids;
- ionizing radiation.
In addition, it is important to remember that a woman is prohibited from taking any pharmaceutical drugs, including vitamin complexes, without a doctor’s prescription during pregnancy. This can lead to irreversible and very sad consequences.
Possible complications during pregnancy
Often one of the main worries during this period of pregnancy is the question of whether the belly is too big or, on the contrary, too small. This could be a sign of multi-or. Accurate indicators and diagnosis can only be established after the third screening. But in any case, there is no need to worry, because both problems are completely solvable and do not pose a threat to the baby’s life.
Late toxicosis is also not a very pleasant phenomenon and significantly worsens the situation. As a rule, general toxicosis is amenable to inpatient treatment. Therefore, if nausea, dizziness and severe swelling occur, you should immediately seek medical help.
To select a safe and adequate treatment, you will need to undergo a series of tests and studies, including ultrasound, to identify the cause of the deviations.
Nagging pain in the abdominal area. If they are short-term in nature, then most likely they are false contractions that prepare the body for labor. But, if the tone of the uterus lasts more than an hour and beyond without a break, and the pain is aching and constant, this is already a reason to contact a medical institution for help. This may mean the onset of gestosis or even premature birth.
A common cold can also complicate pregnancy. After all, taking any pharmacological drugs is prohibited. But, if you call a doctor, he will prescribe adequate treatment and you will be able to quickly cope with the cold without negative consequences. Otherwise, the woman risks losing the baby.
What kind of discharge could there be?
The discharge at the 31st obstetric week is the same as at the previous stages - transparent or whitish. Any changes in color, consistency or abundance should be reported to the obstetrician-gynecologist in charge of the pregnancy.
- meals should occur at least 6 times a day, in minimal portions. This regimen will help prevent severe weight gain and the development of all associated symptoms;
- When resting, it is best to place your feet on a slight elevation. This will help reduce the risk of developing edema;
- if bloody vaginal discharge is observed, you should urgently see your doctor; this may be a sign of premature birth or an infectious disease;
- it is necessary to carefully follow all the instructions of your doctor, remain completely calm in any situation and remain on a positive note, this condition will significantly increase the chances of a successful outcome;
- To alleviate the condition of the expectant mother, the following will help: rubbing the legs and back, massage of the feet, palms, neck, wearing a bandage, compression garments, cool foot baths, special pillows for pregnant women.
Nutrition
At this stage of pregnancy, meals should be fractional. Meals should be taken at least 6 times a day, with minimal portions.
Foods that can cause bloating should be excluded: legumes, cabbage, carbonated water, bread. The diet must include fish, meat, nuts, and cottage cheese.
Vitamins
You can continue to take vitamin complexes if they were prescribed by your doctor. But ideally, it is better to replace all synthetic vitamins with plant-based ones - greens, fruits, vegetables.
Sex
If there is no threat of pregnancy failure and the woman is in good health, intimate relationships are not prohibited. But great care must be taken to avoid harm to the baby.
Sexual relations will be prohibited only if there is even the slightest threat of premature birth.
Sport
Hiking and swimming are the main exercises and activities that are available at 31 weeks of pregnancy for the expectant mother.
In addition, it is important to attend pregnancy classes to learn how to breathe correctly.
Medicines and medical procedures
No-spa and papaverine in minimal dosages are acceptable at 31 weeks for self-administration. All other medications should never be taken without a doctor’s prescription.
31 weeks of pregnancy with IVF
Ultrasound, CTG and Doppler studies will most likely be prescribed at 31 weeks of pregnancy after in vitro fertilization. At this stage, the pregnancy should be under constant medical supervision.
Features of multiple pregnancy
Apart from the size of the belly, an expectant mother with twins is no different from similarly pregnant women with one child.
- Expanding the scope of knowledge has never harmed anyone, so use the time of maternity leave to gain new knowledge in the field of baby care;
- Do not forget to count fetal movements, this is important for monitoring its condition and development;
- At this time, you can already prepare all the documents and collect the things that are necessary for the maternity hospital, so as not to have to worry about packing at the last minute;
- You can go shopping and buy everything you need for the baby’s first year.