You have reached the 31st week of pregnancy and can feel your baby's movements to the fullest. How do the baby and mother develop during pregnancy week by week? How big is the baby at 31 weeks of pregnancy? What does the baby look like at 31 weeks of pregnancy?

Yeditepe University Hospitals Gynecology and Obstetrics Department Head and IVF Specialist Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar answered these questions about the 31st week of pregnancy.

How Big is a 31-Week Baby?

Your baby weighs about 1.5 kilograms. The head-to-heel length is about 41.1 centimeters.

Baby Development at 31 Weeks of Pregnancy

Its appearance is beginning to resemble that of a newborn baby. You can expect it to gain at least 1 kilogram more before birth. As it gains weight, the wrinkles on its skin gradually smooth out.

Your baby's brain and taste buds are now developed enough to taste the flavors in the amniotic fluid it swallows. It is even possible that the food you eat during pregnancy will shape your baby's food preferences when it moves to solid foods in the 6th month.

Your baby continues to have short periods of sleep during the day and night, lasting between 20 and 40 minutes. It is very unlikely that your baby will sleep for more than 90 minutes. When it is asleep, it is likely to be still. Because your baby is growing all the time, there is less and less space for movement when it is awake.

Baby Movements at 31 Weeks of Pregnancy

Because of the limited space inside your uterus, your baby will probably be in the classic fetal position, with its legs pulled to its chest. Even though there is less space to move, your baby will still be active. In the last 3 months of your pregnancy, you may notice that your baby's elbow nudges and kicks feel different, but the tendency for the activity will be the same. For example, if it is more active in the evening, you will continue to feel it in the evening. If you cannot feel your baby's movements as often as usual, contact your doctor immediately. Reduced movements may be an indication that your baby's general health is not good. It is always best to err on the side of caution to stay on the safe side.

Changes in the Mother at 31 Weeks of Pregnancy

Your growing belly in the last months of your pregnancy can be a strain on your lower back, but there are many things you can do to keep comfortable. Try not to lift heavy weights to avoid straining your muscles and ligaments. Regular exercise can also relieve lower back pain as it strengthens muscles and improves posture. Pregnancy Pilates is a good option to increase your strength. Swimming can also be relaxing as the water supports your belly. Supportive therapies such as massage can also help you feel better.