Week 31

Your baby is now heading for a massive growth spurt over the next couple of weeks. Their body is growing and so is their brain capacity. With your growing bump, it might be getting harder to sleep, but make sure you get as much rest as possible.

At roughly 41cm long and 3lb 3oz your baby is rapidly putting on weight. The lanugo, or fine hair, which has covered their body to keep them warm, will begin to disappear as the fat they’ve gained now provides more than enough insulation. Their memory is developing and they’ll be able to recall memories from their time in the womb once they’re born. One study found that babies who were played a particular tune while in the womb responded to it after birth, while those babies who hadn’t heard it before birth exhibited no response.

Your baby may still be quite high up, meaning your uterus is pressing on your diaphragm which can leave you feeling breathless. Your baby may not drop down into your pelvis until around 36 weeks if you’re a first-time mum, and for mums expecting subsequent babies it may not happen until the beginning of labour. In the meantime, try to relax and rest as much as possible.

Although feeling breathless is common at this stage, shortness of breath can also be a sign of anaemia. Anaemia is caused by a deficiency in iron and you’re more likely to develop it during pregnancy. It’s treated simply by adding extra sources of iron to your diet – through food or supplements. If you’re also feeling tired all the time this can be another sign of anaemia, so speak to your doctor.

You can read more about the vitamins and minerals you need during pregnancy, and find out which foods contain the highest levels in our vitamins and supplements section.

Click here to read about iron deficiency and anaemia >>

If you have any questions about your pregnancy, or want to know more about any aspect of the birth, our Careline team is here to help you find the answers. Call us on 800 6458 6262 (UAE)/ +971 4 420 9489 (Other countries) between the hours of 9am and 6pm Saturday to Thursday.