Pregnancy Calendar - Week 31

Week 31

Your baby's bones need calcium now more than ever as they are really starting to harden and grow. Be sure to ensure that you are getting enough calcium, protein, iron and protein acid.

Your baby's brain is starting to go through a rapid growth stage, and the only other major organ to fully develop is the lungs. If you are having a baby boy then his testes will start to drop from the body cavity to the scrotum.

Your baby receives all the nutrients she needs through the placenta, and the placental blood flow is what allows your baby to produce urine. Your baby urinates approximately half a liter of urine a day into the amniotic fluid. She also swallows some of the fluid, which is completely replaced several times a day.

Excess fluid in the amniotic sac (a condition known as polyhydramnios) may mean that the baby isn't swallowing normally or that she has a gastrointestinal obstruction. Not enough fluid in the amniotic sac (oligohydramnios) may mean that the baby isn't urinating properly, and could indicate a problem with the kidneys or urinary system. Your health care provider will measure your levels of amniotic fluid as part of your routine ultrasound.

Now may be a good time to research breastfeeding. The milk glands in your breasts may start to make colostrum around this time. Colostrum is the thick, yellowish milk that your breasts produce the first few days. Colostrum is an easily-digestible and antibody rich milk packed with important nutrients for your baby. Around the 3rd or 4th day, you will produce mature milk in greater quantities. If you notice your breasts leaking colostrum, you can purchase disposable or washable breast pads that will protect your clothing.