Week 31: All Five Senses Are Active

All five senses are now working! Your baby can see light, hear voices, taste amniotic fluid, react to smells, and feel touch through your belly. The brain is working intensely to process all this input, and your baby is becoming more aware of the surrounding world with each passing day.

You're well into the third trimester, and your body is doing an enormous amount of work. With nine weeks until your due date, it's a good time to start making practical preparations — while also taking care of yourself and getting enough rest.

Baby's Development

All senses active: Sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch are all working — baby is taking in stimulation all the time
Tracking light: Baby can follow a light source moving across your belly. Pupils constrict in bright light and dilate in the dark
Hearing: Baby recognizes voices, especially yours. Studies show newborns prefer voices they heard in the womb
Brain development: The brain is forming new neural connections at a rapid pace — this continues long after birth
Head position: Some babies begin to move head-down now, but many don't turn until around week 34–36
Weight and length: Baby weighs around 1.5–1.7 kg and measures about 41 cm
Lungs: Continuing to mature. Surfactant production is increasing, but the lungs need a few more weeks to be fully ready
REM sleep: Baby now has clear sleep cycles with REM sleep, during which the brain processes sensory input

The Senses in Detail

Although all five senses are functioning, they are at different stages of development. The sense of touch was the first to develop, as early as week 8. Hearing came online around week 18–20, and baby has already learned to recognize your voice and the rhythm of your heartbeat.

The sense of taste is surprisingly advanced — baby can taste differences in the amniotic fluid based on what you eat. Research suggests this may influence food preferences after birth. Vision is the last sense to develop and is still immature. Baby can detect light and dark, but cannot yet see sharply.

Your Body

Frequent urination: Baby is putting increasing pressure on your bladder, and bathroom trips become more frequent — including at night
Braxton Hicks: Practice contractions may become more frequent and noticeable, but are still irregular and harmless
Shortness of breath: The uterus is pressing upward, and it can feel difficult to take deep breaths
Breast leaking: Some women notice their breasts leaking colostrum already
Sleep problems: Many struggle with sleep due to bathroom trips, discomfort, and thoughts about birth
Itching: The skin on your belly stretches and can feel itchy. Use a good fragrance-free moisturizer
Leg cramps: Especially at night. Can be caused by nerve pressure or low magnesium levels

Sleep Problems in the Third Trimester

Sleep difficulties are very common from week 28–30 onward. Most pregnant women experience poorer sleep in the third trimester. Here are some tips:

Sleeping position: Sleep on your side, preferably the left, with a pillow between your knees and under your belly
Routine: Keep a consistent bedtime and wake time each day
Avoid screens: Put away phones and tablets at least 30 minutes before bed
Relaxation: Try deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation
Fluid intake: Drink most of your fluids during the day and reduce intake after 6 pm to cut down on nighttime bathroom trips
Activity: Light movement during the day helps, but avoid intense exercise right before bed

Speak with your midwife or healthcare provider if sleep problems persist. Melatonin supplements should not be used during pregnancy without first consulting a doctor.

Good to Know

If your breasts are leaking, that's completely normal. Use nursing pads in your bra to avoid stains. Not everyone experiences leaking, and it has no bearing on your ability to breastfeed — your body will be ready for breastfeeding regardless.

Continue with regular physical activity, even if it feels harder. Short walks, swimming, and gentle stretching keep your body moving and relieve many common complaints. Listen to your body and don't push too hard. Pelvic floor exercises are especially important now.

Soon there's only two months to go. Use the time to talk with your partner about the first weeks with a baby. Who can help? What equipment do you need? When will your partner take parental leave? Planning now brings calm and confidence when your little one arrives.

This is also a good time to start thinking about your hospital bag. You don't need to pack it just yet, but make a list.

Fetal Movements and Counting

Baby now has clear sleep and wake cycles. Most people feel movements most strongly in the evening and when resting.

What Is Normal?

There is no set number of movements that is "right"
The most important thing is to recognize your baby's usual pattern
Baby has periods of activity and periods of rest (sleep cycles of about 40 minutes)
Movements may feel different now — more like twists and nudges than kicks, because space is getting tighter

When Should You Be Concerned?

Contact your maternity unit if:

You notice a clear decrease in movements compared to baby's usual pattern
You haven't felt movements for several hours despite trying to wake baby (cold water, lying on your side, sugary food)
You're worried — it's always better to check one extra time

Exercise and Movement

According to the WHO and ACOG, moderate exercise is recommended throughout pregnancy. In week 31, exercise can help relieve many common complaints like back pain, sleep problems, and swelling.

Good Activities Now

Swimming: Takes weight off your body and eases pain. Many pools have dedicated sessions for pregnant women
Walks: Stay active with short, daily walks. Fresh air and daylight also help with sleep problems
Prenatal yoga: Focus on breathing techniques, hip-opening exercises, and relaxation — valuable preparation for birth
Pelvic floor exercises: Do them daily. 3 sets of 10 repetitions, hold for 8–10 seconds
Gentle stretching: Stretch tight muscles, especially hips, back, and calves

Listen to Your Body

Stop exercising and rest if you experience:

Pain or discomfort
Dizziness or difficulty breathing
Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking
Regular contractions
Headache that won't go away

Breastfeeding Preparations

Colostrum (First Milk)

Some women notice their breasts leaking colostrum from mid-pregnancy. Colostrum is extremely nutritious and contains:

High concentrations of antibodies (immunoglobulins)
Important growth factors
Protein and vitamins
Fatty acids

The first drops of colostrum after birth are all baby needs in the first days, before full milk production begins (usually day 2–4).

Preparations

Get a nursing bra in the right size (consider going up a size)
Buy nursing pads for your bra
Read about breastfeeding positions and latching
Ask whether your birth center offers a breastfeeding class
Find contact information for a local breastfeeding support group

Parental Leave Planning

With nine weeks to go, it's worth thinking about how you'll structure your parental leave. Check what leave entitlements are available in your country and through your employer.

Most countries offer some combination of maternity leave before and after birth, and parental leave that can be shared between partners. Talk with your employer about your leave start date. Many people choose to start leave 3–4 weeks before their due date.

Birth Plan

Week 31 is a good time to start drafting your birth plan — a personal document describing your wishes and preferences for birth.

What to Think About

Pain relief: What would you like to try first? Epidural, gas and air, warm water, TENS?
Birth position: Do you want to move freely, use a birth stool, lie down, stand?
Support person: Who do you want with you?
Music and lighting: Would you like dimmed lighting? Your own music?
Skin-to-skin: Immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth?
Breastfeeding: Would you like to breastfeed in the first hour?
Umbilical cord: Who will cut it? Would you like to wait for it to stop pulsing?
Cesarean: What are your wishes if it becomes necessary?

Remember that a birth plan is a wish list, not a contract. Stay open to the fact that circumstances may require changes.

Baby's Room and Equipment

With nine weeks left, it's time to check that the essentials are in place.

The Most Important Equipment

Cot or bassinet: With an approved mattress. Many choose a bedside crib for the first months
Car seat: Required from day one. Make sure it is correctly installed
Changing area: Changing table or mat with everything within reach
Clothes: Onesies, sleepsuits, hats, and socks in newborn size
Diapers/nappies: Newborn size
Baby carrier or pram: For outings and transport

Don't Buy Too Much

Many people buy more equipment than they need. Start with the basics and buy the rest as needed. Babies grow quickly, and you'll soon know what you actually need.

Preeclampsia — What You Should Know

Preeclampsia is a condition that can develop from week 20 onward, but is most common in the third trimester. It affects approximately 3–5% of pregnancies according to the WHO.

Symptoms to Watch For

High blood pressure
Protein in the urine
Headache that won't go away
Visual disturbances (flashing lights, blurred vision)
Pain under the right ribs
Sudden severe swelling in the face and hands
Nausea or vomiting in the third trimester

Why It Matters

Untreated preeclampsia can be dangerous for both mother and baby. This is why your midwife checks your blood pressure and urine at every appointment. Early detection and treatment are essential.

Contact your doctor or maternity unit immediately if you have symptoms. It's always better to check one extra time.

For Your Partner

Ask if there's anything practical to sort out — car seat, baby's room, freezer meals
Take the initiative for something enjoyable together — things will get busier soon!
Make sure the path to the bathroom is safe and lit for nighttime trips
Discuss the birth plan together — what do you both want, and what's important to you?
Look into antenatal classes nearby — many birth centers offer classes for couples

Tips for Week 31

Get nursing pads: If your breasts are leaking, nursing pads are good to have on hand now
Prepare freezer meals: Cook double portions and freeze them — priceless after birth
Check the car seat: Make sure you have an approved car seat and practice installing it
Start a packing list: Think about what you want to bring in your hospital bag
Rest enough: Your body is working hard — take breaks during the day and go to bed early
Talk to baby: Baby recognizes your voice — read aloud, sing, or chat to your bump
Check parental leave entitlements: Look up what leave and pay you're entitled to in your country

When to Contact a Doctor

Contact your doctor or midwife if you experience:

Constant back pain that comes and goes at regular intervals (could be contractions)
Pressure or a heavy feeling downward toward the vagina that doesn't go away
Bleeding or unusual discharge
Noticeably fewer fetal movements than usual
Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
Severe or persistent headache, especially with visual disturbances
Sudden severe swelling in the face or hands

Never hesitate to call if you're unsure. Your maternity unit is used to these questions and is happy to help you assess what you're experiencing.

Did You Know...?

Baby can already distinguish between different voices and already prefers yours above all others. Studies show newborns recognize voices they heard in the womb
Baby's pupils can now dilate and constrict in response to light — just like in adults. If you shine a flashlight at your belly, baby may react!
Baby drinks up to 500 ml of amniotic fluid per day. The flavor of the fluid changes based on what you eat, and this may influence baby's food preferences after birth
Baby's brain is developing so rapidly that it increases by about 1% in weight every day during this period of pregnancy
Baby has already developed a form of memory — repeated sounds or music are recognized and can have a calming effect after birth

Common Questions About Week 31

Is it normal for my breasts to be leaking already?

Yes, completely normal. Some women start leaking colostrum from mid-pregnancy, while others don't experience it at all. Both are normal and say nothing about your ability to breastfeed later.

Is it a problem that baby hasn't turned head-down yet?

No, there's no cause for concern. Many babies don't turn until around week 34–36, and some even later. Your midwife monitors baby's position at appointments, and there are options if baby remains in breech position.

How many fetal movements should I feel per day?

There's no set number that's "right" — what matters is that you recognize your baby's usual pattern. Most people feel movements most strongly in the evening. Contact your midwife if you notice a clear decrease compared to what's normal for your baby.

Why do I get leg cramps at night?

Leg cramps are common in the third trimester and may be due to pressure from the uterus on nerves, changes in circulation, or low levels of magnesium and calcium. Gently stretch your calf during a cramp, and ask your midwife whether a magnesium supplement might help.

Is it safe to exercise now?

Yes, moderate exercise is safe and recommended throughout pregnancy according to ACOG and WHO guidelines. Walks, swimming, prenatal yoga, and pelvic floor exercises are particularly good activities. Avoid contact sports, activities with a risk of falling, and heavy lifting. Listen to your body and rest when needed.

What is preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a condition that can develop in the third trimester and affects approximately 3–5% of pregnancies. Symptoms include high blood pressure, protein in the urine, headache, visual disturbances, and sudden severe swelling in the face and hands. Your midwife checks your blood pressure and urine at every appointment to catch it early. Contact your doctor immediately if you have symptoms.

Can I take a bath or use a hot tub?

You should avoid very hot water in hot tubs, especially above 38°C (100.4°F). Moderate temperature for brief periods is generally fine. Regular baths at a comfortable temperature are safe and can actually relieve back pain and tension.

What is normal weight gain during pregnancy?

According to ACOG, normal weight gain varies based on pre-pregnancy BMI. For women with a normal BMI (18.5–24.9), a total gain of 11–16 kg (25–35 lbs) throughout pregnancy is recommended. Most of the gain happens in the third trimester. Weight is distributed between baby, placenta, amniotic fluid, increased blood volume, breasts, and fat reserves.

Next week: Baby is rapidly gaining weight and getting ready for life outside!