Pregnancy - week by week: Week 30-31

Pregnancy - week by week: Week 30-31

Week 30:

By now your little bundle of joy should weigh about three pounds.  He or she is probably over 10 inches long now and may even be nearing the 11-inch mark.  Your baby is really starting to be aware of the world around him (from within the womb).  You may notice that your baby does seem to have a sleep pattern.  In fact, he/she most likely has wake sleep cycles now.  Although these cycles are very often different form your own.  About now your baby will begin to open and close their eyes and will have them open and closed depending upon their cycle.

Your baby is now producing red blood cells through their bone marrow.  They can open and close their eyes.  Babies start to imitate breathing.  In doing so they are gradually beginning to prepare for life outside the womb.  At this time the baby's often begin to hiccup more as they move their diaphragm in practice.  Your baby is also starting to grow toenails. 

Again you may be noticing some Braxton Hicks.  Think of these contractions as practice contractions.  In fact, you can take some of what you are learning in your childbirth class and apply them to your Braxton Hicks.  The pain and contractions is on a less intense scale but this still provides you the opportunity to practice breathing and counting techniques that can be very useful when contractions of labor arrive in several weeks. 

Week 31:

The baby's brain is developing quickly.  At this time the lungs are continuing to develop.  Your baby urinates several times a day now.  Dilation and contraction of the baby's irises is now present.  In other areas of your baby's body, they are gaining even more fat deposits.  The baby is starting to get his/her healthy pink glow to the skin.  Your baby is growing nice fingernails by now.  Three pounds, five ounces is about the average weight for your baby at 31 weeks. 

The Amniotic fluid is replaced every few hours, each day.  Your baby will be swallowing amniotic fluid.  If amniotic fluid levels are too high or too low, it may indicate a problem.  This is one reason as to why the amniotic fluid levels are checked if/when you have an ultrasound.  If levels are above or below average, your physician can further evaluate the situation to ensure that all is well. 

Mom:  if you hadn't already, you may now notice some Colostrum leaking from your breasts.  Your rib cage and pelvis area may be getting a little sore.  You may be noticing that your belly is getting even bigger as your baby continues to grow preparing for his/her arrival.  It is not uncommon for you to feel short of breath as your little tike grows and takes up more room inside the womb.  Rest assured the baby is getting plenty of Oxygen.  Women sometimes see an increase in heartburn and back pain around this time.