Pregnancy Week 31

Learn From the Specialists

What Your Baby is Doing This Week

It's common to have another ultrasound at this point in your pregnancy. A normally developing baby will be swallowing a lot of amniotic fluid and as a result urinating several cups of urine a day. Excessive fluid in the amniotic sac can mean either your baby is having issues swallowing or inadequate fluid may mean your baby is having output issues triggered by problems with the bladder, kidney or urinary tract. Your health care provider will measure your levels of amniotic fluid as part of your routine ultrasound to catch any potential problems early.

What Your Body is Doing This Week

Now is the time to decide whether or not you're going to breast feed. Although the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breast milk as the best form of infant nutrition, the decision about how to feed your child is a personal one. Talk to your health care provider or ask for a referral to a local lactation consultant if you need more information before making your choice.

Many women find their milk glands have already started to make colostrum by now. Colostrum is the pre-milk that provides your baby with calories and nutrients for the first few days before your milk comes in if you plan to breast feed. For some women, it is thin and watery. For others, it is thick and yellowish. If you notice your breasts leaking colostrum, you can buy disposable or washable breast pads that simply fit inside your bra to protect your clothing from leakage.

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