Week 31: Rapid Weight Gain
Baby is about the size of Coconut (407mm head-to-heel)
Your baby enters a phase of rapid weight gain, adding about 200-250g per week from now until birth. The five senses are all functional now. The irises can dilate and contract in response to light. The central nervous system can regulate body temperature to some degree. The baby is likely settling into a head-down position.
Your belly is large and may interfere with daily activities. The increased weight can cause more strain on your back and pelvis. You may feel more clumsy as your center of gravity shifts further. Colostrum (early breast milk) may leak from your nipples.
What is important now
Most babies are settling into their birth position (head-down). If your baby is breech, there's still time — most turn by week 36. Discuss maternity leave planning with your employer if you haven't already.
Common symptoms
- sudden severe swelling face or hands — contact provider immediately
- leaking clear fluid from vagina — contact provider immediately
Wellness this week.
Nutrition
Supporting rapid fetal weight gain
- Increase healthy fat intake (avocado, nuts, olive oil)
- High-quality protein at every meal
- Calcium and vitamin D for bone density
- Fiber to manage constipation from the compressed digestive tract
Exercise
Movement
Gentle movement; focus on maintaining flexibility and comfort
Sleep
7-9 hours plus naps as needed
Position: Left side with support pillows; experiment with pillow configurations
· A recliner or propped-up position may be more comfortable than lying flat
· Accept that broken sleep is normal in the third trimester
Mental wellness
Mindfulness
It's okay to feel both excited and exhausted. You're in the final stretch. Focus on one preparation task at a time.
“Your baby is gaining weight rapidly — filling out, getting ready for the world outside.”
Your timeline.
Week 6
25 weeks ago- routine
Checkpoint 1 — Mutterpass may be issued upon heartbeat confirmation
Week 19
12 weeks ago- routineWeeks 19–22
Checkpoint 2 — Screening Ultrasound
Choice between a basic biometric scan or detailed organ scan. Measures head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and checks placental position.
GoalAssess fetal anatomy and growth, check for structural abnormalities, and verify placental location.
Week 28
3 weeks ago- routine
Checkpoint 1 — GDM screening
- routine
Checkpoint 2 — Rhogam if Rh-negative
Week 29
2 weeks ago- routineWeeks 29–32
Checkpoint 3 — Screening Ultrasound
Third and final routine ultrasound. Assesses fetal growth, position (cephalic/breech), amniotic fluid volume, and placental function.
GoalConfirm appropriate growth trajectory and baby's position for delivery planning.
Week 35
In 4 weeks- self pay igelWeeks 35–37
Checkpoint 1 — GBS Testing — Self-pay/IGeL
Rectovaginal swab to screen for Group B Streptococcus colonization. If positive, IV antibiotics are given during labor to prevent neonatal infection.
GoalIdentify GBS carriers to enable prophylactic treatment during delivery.
Safety: Report sudden facial or hand swelling immediately — it may indicate preeclampsia. Leaking fluid could be amniotic fluid and requires urgent evaluation.
Your journey, your rhythm.
Track your pregnancy week by week with gentle, personalized guidance.