Changes in pregnant women at week 31

The article was consulted with Doctor Bui Duc Hoan - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vinmec Nha Trang International Hospital.

In pregnant women at 31 weeks of pregnancy, the amount of oxygen needed to provide mother and baby with the push up of the uterus makes breathing difficulties worse. In addition, Braxton Hicks contractions began to occur. The time of labor is approaching, getting everything ready will help to be more proactive in keeping the mother and baby safe.

31 weeks pregnant women are prone to shortness of breath. Shortness of breath is caused by the dilated uterus pressing upward, causing pulmonary obstruction. In order to provide enough oxygen for both mother and baby, it is imperative that pregnant women increase their breathing. The feeling of shortness of breath will decrease towards the end of pregnancy, as the fetus moves down into the pelvic cavity. To relieve shortness of breath, pregnant women should take some positions such as standing as straight as possible when walking and sleeping on their side or side.
A pregnant woman's weight increases at a rapid rate (about 1 pound per week) which means that her baby's weight also increases. Braxton Hicks contractions begin to appear as labor time is approaching. These contractions can last from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. If contractions are more intense or closer together, it could signal labor that needs to be taken to the hospital right away.

2.1 Urinate more often The uterus puts more pressure on the bladder during the third trimester, leaving the bladder with no room to hold urine. Pregnant women can reduce the frequency of urination by going to 2 times in a row (urinating, after urinating, urinating again).
2.2 Back Pain Uterus compressing the spine can cause back pain. The best way to relieve back pain during pregnancy is to practice yoga and build a morning and afternoon exercise routine. These exercises will help relieve pain and help relax the mind.

2.3 Awkwardness The change in center of gravity along with a lack of concentration can cause a pregnant woman to become clumsy in daily activities. Therefore, when stepping on slippery floors, going to the bathroom and other places prone to falls, pregnant women need to be very careful.
2.4 Amnesia Brain cells decrease in the third trimester. However, they will return to normal a few months after birth. Worrying about forgetfulness only makes the situation worse. Instead, pregnant women should do some remedial measures such as writing important information and tasks on paper or on the phone and then doing it.
2.5 Insomnia Insomnia can be the result of a host of other symptoms such as leg cramps, heartburn, frequent urination, and anxiety. If stress is making it difficult to sleep through the night, you should talk to friends or family to find a solution together.
2.6 Frequent headaches If headaches are frequent, pregnant women should do some of the following to relieve pain:
If at home: Pregnant women should spend a few minutes in a dark, quiet room. If working in an office: Pregnant women should take some time to relax, close their eyes and elevate their legs for 15 minutes. Medication: Take Acetaminophen when the above methods do not work (should ask your doctor before use).

3.1 Watch for Facial Swelling If facial swelling is noticed suddenly, it may not be due to increased body weight. Along with vision changes and headaches, facial edema can be a sign of preeclampsia (a disorder that often develops late in pregnancy after week 20, and is characterized by high blood pressure, swelling of the hands, and serious face). To prevent the risk of preeclampsia, pregnant women should see a doctor when they see swelling in the face or other symptoms such as swollen hands, decreased vision, severe headache, high blood pressure.
3.2 Drink lots of water The body temperature of a pregnant woman is higher than that of the average person, so it can drain water very quickly. Drinking lots of water can help disperse heat (in the form of sweat), which in turn lowers body temperature. Plus, drinking enough water helps manage pregnancy fatigue (one of the first symptoms of dehydration is exhaustion and headaches). In addition, drinking water can make you feel itchy and uncomfortable.

3.4 Preventing Varicose veins Varicose veins are usually painless and harmless. This condition occurs because the uterus expands, compressing and reducing the flow of blood in the veins in the pelvic area, making blood from the legs unable to flow to the heart, causing angioedema. To prevent varicose veins, pregnant women should exercise daily, do not gain too much weight, raise their legs as often as possible, and sleep on their left side.
3.5 Neck Pain Relief Many women experience neck pain, especially during the third trimester. One way to loosen up the muscles and relax the mind is to do the head tilt to the side without tilting the shoulders, hold for 3 seconds then exhale, repeat on the other side and do it several times a day.

31 week fetus already weighs more than 3 pounds and is 16 - 18 inches long. All 5 senses have started to work, specifically:
Sight: Baby's eyes have irises and perceive light. Hearing: The ears are already capable of distinguishing certain types of familiar sounds such as voices and music. The evidence is that the fetal heart rate actually increases and slows down when listening to different types of music. Smell: Baby has sensed the scent from the amniotic fluid flowing through the nose. Touch: Baby begins to make contact with mother's nose, toes, umbilical cord and wall of uterus Taste: Baby has opened her small mouth, tasted and sucked her thumb. Your baby's brain is already capable of processing a wide range of signals from the senses, and neural connections are multiplied at an amazing rate. Brain development is at a high rate and will continue to grow at a dizzying pace over the next few weeks. The baby's lungs are still developing but not yet fully developed. The baby still needs the help of a ventilator if he is born in the 31st week.
31st week of pregnancy, the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, so the mother will notice obvious changes in the body. When detecting signs of edema, increased blood pressure, fatigue, not very pregnant, not kicking pregnant women need to see a doctor immediately.
To help mothers take care of the health of mother and fetus during pregnancy, Vinmec International General Hospital applies all-inclusive maternity health care packages with outstanding quality. Pregnant women are accompanied by experienced obstetricians and gynecologists at Vinmec throughout the process during pregnancy - labor - postpartum. Maternity packages at Vinmec International General Hospital include:
Maternity package 12 weeks Maternity package 27 weeks Maternity package 36 weeks Maternity package - labor

Article reference source: Webmd.com; Whattoexpect.com and Parents.com