Week 31

Welcome to Week 31! Your baby is now about the size of a pineapple, measuring around 16 inches long and weighing roughly 3.5 pounds. At this point, baby is plumping up fast and getting ready for the outside world—though they still have some growing to do.

What’s Happening in Your Body?

Baby’s arms, legs, and body are filling out with fat, making their skin look less wrinkly. Their brain is developing lightning fast now, controlling things like temperature regulation. Baby’s lungs are almost fully developed, but they’re still practicing breathing movements with amniotic fluid.

Since space is getting tight, you might feel fewer flips and more strong pushes, rolls, and stretches. Sometimes you might even see a foot, elbow, or little bottom pressing against your belly!

For you, your uterus is pushing up near your ribcage, which can make breathing, eating, and even sitting for long periods uncomfortable.

Common Symptoms This Week

• Big, strong baby movements—sometimes a bit uncomfortable!

• Shortness of breath—baby is crowding your lungs

• Braxton Hicks contractions—more noticeable but still irregular

• Back pain, pelvic pressure, or hip discomfort

• Swelling in feet, ankles, or hands

• Trouble sleeping and vivid dreams

• Leaky breasts as colostrum production increases

• Frequent bathroom trips—baby is pressing on your bladder even more

And you might feel more emotional—excitement, anxiety, and impatience all mixed together.

What You Can Do This Week

• Keep up daily kick counts—baby should still have a clear movement routine

• Take breaks to rest and elevate your feet to reduce swelling

• Sleep on your side with lots of pillow support for comfort

• Eat small, frequent meals to ease heartburn and indigestion

• Talk to your provider about birth preferences and pain management options

• Start preparing your hospital bag and baby’s essentials if you haven’t yet

This is also a good time to plan for postpartum support—who can help with meals, chores, or just keeping you company after baby arrives?

And don’t forget to capture the fun stuff—like how baby seems to “dance” to music or move when you eat something sweet. Cubtale can help you log those sweet moments.

Real Talk

Week 31 can feel like a mix of “so close” and “so far.” You’re definitely in the home stretch, but the days can feel long as your body gets heavier and more tired.

It’s okay if you’re feeling uncomfortable, impatient, or even a little scared. You’re doing something incredibly hard, and it’s okay to slow down and ask for help.

You’re almost at the finish line—one week at a time.