Your pregnancy at 31 weeks

If this is your first baby then you will have another midwife appointment this week, this will be more regular from now as you get closer to your due date. You will have your bump measured, blood pressure checked, and urine tested and a chance to discuss any issues you may have. Baby Your baby continues to grow at a steady pace and is getting ready for a final growth spurt in a few weeks’ time.

Their skin is also more visible as they are starting to lose the fine hair and white greasy vernix which completely covered their body and baby’s organs continue to mature ready for the outside world. Although if baby was born this week, they would have a good chance of survival, they would still need help with their breathing and so celebrate every week they are tucked up inside you, however uncomfortable you may start to feel, baby is safer inside than out at the moment. Mum Have you planned where you want to give birth yet mum? If you haven’t yet worked on your birth plan, then now is a good time.

Your midwife will have gone through this with you, but it is important to really think how you want baby to be born. Whether you are looking for a home birth, water, or hospital birth, whether you want to try hypnobirthing or what pain relief if any you would like.

It may not go to plan, and its important to keep that in mind too, but having your desires down on paper is good for both you and your midwife.

This article has been written using the latest guidance and information from trusted sources, primarily the NHS. This information should not replace the advice from professional medical advice.