Week 31 of Your Pregnancy

As the fetus continues to grow at 31 weeks, you may be dealing with some uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms. Here's what you need to know about this week.

Pregnancy Journey Week 31

Design By Alice Morgan / Illustration by Tara Anand

It’s week 31 of your pregnancy and your due date may feel so close or oh so far. As the fetus continues to grow, you may be dealing with tender, sensitive breasts, swollen ankles and legs, and even tingling in your fingers or hands. Here’s everything you need to know about you and your fetus at 31 weeks of pregnancy. 

Pregnancy Week 31 Quick Facts

  • At 31 weeks, you’re 7 months pregnant
  • You have 9 weeks until your due date
  • You’re in the third trimester

Your Unborn Baby’s Size at 31 Weeks

The fetus weighs around 3.31 pounds and is about 16.18 inches long. That’s about the size of a bunch of leeks.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 31 

You're getting closer to your due date and you may notice some new or lingering symptoms like these below:

  • Tender, sensitive breasts 
  • Swollen ankles and legs
  • Pelvic floor issues and/or urinary incontinence

If you haven’t yet experienced tender or sensitive breasts, during week 31—and every week thereafter—it may be a regular not-so-welcome new pregnancy symptom. This is normal and often due to the body preparing for milk production. To ease discomfort, experts recommend wearing a supportive bra with comfortable material and loose-fitting casual outfits as much as possible. 

Some pregnant individuals may also experience swollen ankles. The reason for this lower extremity swelling is because your pregnant body is retaining water. You may experience extra water weight after standing or walking a lot and/or later on in the day. What’s the solution? “I recommend elevating your legs, especially in the evening time, to help reduce the swelling,” says Lili Burger, M.D., an OB-GYN with Ochsner Health in New Orleans, Louisiana. “Compression socks or stockings are also a great option.”

But if swelling is asymmetric (on one side of the body), associated with redness, or painful make sure to reach out to your health care provider for evaluation. Also, if you have an increase in swelling that spreads to your ankles, legs, face, and other parts of your body, this could be a sign of preeclampsia, which requires medical attention.

During my second pregnancy, I did experience swelling and started elevating my feet with pillows during naps and nighttime sleep. It was hard feeling so uncomfortable all of the time. One thing that worked for me was light stretching and slow-and-steady jaunts where I walked around with frequent bench breaks if I needed it. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt to opt for comfortable supportive shoes either!

Developmental Milestones 

The fetus’ brain and nervous system continues to grow and develop. The skin is getting less wrinkly and bones are hardening. 

The unborn baby’s lanugo, a downy covering of body hair that works to protect baby’s skin from the amniotic fluid, starts to disappear.

Pregnancy Journey Weekly Reminder

Design by Alice Morgan

Prenatal Tests and Doctor’s Appointments

Most pregnant people will not have a regularly scheduled prenatal visit at week 31, although high-risk pregnancies may have to go in for a weekly visit. But if you’re waiting for results or dealing with any unexpected results from previous tests, make sure to do what it takes to help decrease any stress you may be experiencing. And if you have any questions about any results you may have received, don’t hesitate to call your provider to discuss them.

Common Questions at This Pregnancy Stage

What can I do about tingling in my fingers and hands?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is likely causing the pain, tingling, and/or numbness in your hands during pregnancy. This happens because of fluid buildup during pregnancy which can compress the carpal tunnel area. “Wearing a wrist brace to sleep in the evenings can help decompress the nerve and provide relief,” suggests Dr. Burger. “Fortunately, these symptoms typically resolve following delivery.”


But make sure to speak to your provider about any constant pain, tingling, or numbness. It’s important to rule out anything else.


What should I do about urinary incontinence and pelvic floor issues?

The pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, bowel, and uterus, are always working hard, especially during pregnancy. It’s not unusual for pregnant people to suffer pelvic floor issues during pregnancy and after. That can include urinary and anal incontinence, pain or pressure in the pelvic area, and more.


Dr. Miaskowski says wearing a supportive belly band can help take some of the pressure off the pelvic floor muscles, reducing symptoms. Another tip: Avoid straining during bowel movements, as it can put additional pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, exacerbating symptoms. Eating a diet high in fiber and staying hydrated may help prevent constipation.


But pelvic floor symptoms can sometimes feel difficult to manage. Prenatal pelvic floor therapy is an option. A therapist can provide exercises and techniques to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and reduce symptoms. Pelvic floor therapy is also something that can be very beneficial after giving birth

Things You Might Consider This Week 

Now is a good time to start putting your nursery together (if you haven’t already). Think about where you’ll want to put all the baby essentials you already have and are in the process of getting. You’ll likely need some help so make sure a loved one or two can pinch in.

It also doesn’t hurt double-checking that you have everything you need. (Take a look at products that made our Best for Baby Awards for ideas on what else can make life with a newborn easier for you.)

Support You May Need This Week

For some, pregnancy may be a time of absolute bliss. But for others, it may not always be a stress-free experience. And that’s OK. As some pregnant individuals move further into their third trimester, issues like depression, anxiety, or other mental health needs may surface. It’s important to be honest and get help if you need someone to talk to and/or get professional help, including individual counseling or setting up regular appointments with a psychologist or psychiatrist, if necessary.

“There is this idea in this society that pregnancy is so amazing–that everything will be perfect. The stereotype of what pregnancy should look can make one feel deficient,” says Rubiahna L. Vaughn, M.D., M.P.H., director of women’s health at the Montefiore Health System and assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and of obstetrics & gynecology and women's health at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. “There can be a lot of shame and guilt if you are not feeling amazing.”

Dr. Vaughn suggests pregnant people get treatment whether it’s psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for severe symptoms. “These medicines are very effective for treatment of moderate and severe depression during pregnancy,” she says. 

Treating any of these symptoms during pregnancy is critical. “When you are depressed it is really hard to take care of yourself, making sure you are getting good nutrition, taking your prenatal vitamins,” Dr. Vaughn explains. “If we don’t treat depression during pregnancy there are other risks after the baby is born.”

Also, ask for help with small tasks too and if you want a pregnancy workout accountability buddy or want company during light low-impact exercise regime at home, the gym, or elsewhere.

Head over to week 32 of pregnancy

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