31 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect This Week
Thirty-one weeks pregnant and all of your baby's major organ systems are developed. From here, growth and refinement are the priorities — baby will roughly double in weight over the coming weeks.
Baby at Week 31: Size of a coconut
Baby's Development at 31 Weeks
All five senses are working. Baby can process information, track light through the uterine wall, and respond to both touch and sound. The lungs are continuing to mature — the most critical system still developing. Baby's movements have shifted from kicks and rolls to stretching, nudging, and repositioning as available space decreases. Movements feel different now — more deliberate, sometimes visible from outside the belly.
Your Body at 31 Weeks Pregnant
Shortness of breath is very common at 31 weeks as the uterus pushes up against the diaphragm. Frequent urination and difficulty sleeping are nearly universal. Braxton Hicks contractions are regular. Discomfort in the ribs and upper abdomen is common. The skin on the belly may feel very tight. Some people experience a "nesting" instinct — an urge to clean, organise, and prepare the home.
Tips for Week 31
- The "nesting" urge is real and healthy — channel it into preparing the nursery, washing baby clothes, and meal prepping.
- Breathing exercises help with both shortness of breath and labour preparation.
- Childbirth classes should be wrapping up around now — make sure you've covered pain management options.
- Ask your provider about your baby's position — most babies are head-down by week 32–34.
Try it free →
Frequently Asked Questions
When does baby turn head-down?
Most babies settle into the head-down (cephalic) position between weeks 32 and 36. Before then, breech (bottom-first) or transverse (sideways) positions are common and not a concern. By week 36, if baby is still breech, your provider will discuss options including ECV (external cephalic version, a manual technique to turn the baby) or planning a caesarean.
What is the nesting instinct?
The nesting instinct is a compelling urge to clean, organise, and prepare the home for the baby's arrival. It typically intensifies in the third trimester. While the exact mechanism isn't fully understood, it's thought to be hormonally driven and is found across many species. It's entirely normal — just don't exhaust yourself with an unrealistic cleaning schedule.
Align on your birth plan
Hello, baby helps both partners get on the same page about birth preferences — before labour begins.
Start for free →