Third Trimester · Week 31
31 Weeks Pregnant: Built, now getting stronger
Baby development
Your baby at 31 weeks
Your baby has most of their parts in place and is now focused on growing and maturing — less about building new pieces, more about getting stronger and more ready for the outside world.
Your body this week
What you might be feeling at 31 weeks
Big movements and growing aches. You might see a foot poking out of your belly. Heartburn, sciatica, swollen feet, and round ligament pain. Every pregnancy has a different worst symptom. If something feels severe or new, always call your provider.
From Shelbi
Shelbi Kohler · mother of seven · certified birth doula
Your baby is getting big enough that movements are no longer subtle — you might see a foot poking out of your belly, and your partner can feel kicks from across the room. With my third, my husband would watch my belly move at night and just laugh. Those moments are magic. You're also probably dealing with new discomforts: heartburn, sciatica, swollen feet, round ligament pain. I went through seven pregnancies, and every single one had a different "worst" symptom. If something feels severe or new, always call your provider. But the general achiness of late pregnancy is your body doing hard work.
For you
This week is about getting through it
Scroll up to revisit your baby's development and Shelbi's encouragement for week 31. When you're ready, share this week with your partner.
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Common questions
31 weeks pregnant: your questions answered
What should I expect at 31 weeks pregnant? +
Big movements and growing aches. You might see a foot poking out of your belly. Heartburn, sciatica, swollen feet, and round ligament pain. Every preg...
Is my baby moving normally at 31 weeks? +
Movement patterns vary. If you notice a significant decrease in movement, contact your provider. When in doubt, always call.
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