Week 31

During the third trimester, the need to urinate becomes more frequent.^1,2 This is due to a combination of contributing factors. Firstly, the volume of blood plasma through the kidneys increases by up to 80%, and the glomerular filtration rate, that is how much fluid your kidneys can filter every minute, increases by 50% by late pregnancy. Therefore, there is more fluid to excrete through urination.² Secondly, the increased size of the uterus puts pressure on the bladder, which allows for less urine to be stored.¹

• Sciatica³
• Restless leg syndrome⁴
• Frequent urination
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Braxton Hicks contractions
• Foetal movement

At 31 weeks, your baby should now measure about 41 cm, weighing 1.5 kg.¹

At this stage in pregnancy, movement patterns should be obvious. This is because your baby is now able to sleep for longer stretches of time due to their brain development.¹

Ensure you are counting the kicks during periods of movement to identify any changes.⁵

• Consistently taking folic acid is recommended,⁶ and the recommended amounts of vitamin A and D, iron and calcium⁷ which will also help support your oral health⁸
• Staying active and keeping a healthy weight can help support overall health⁹
• Try to avoid alcohol consumption and smoking^10,11
• Nourish your body with pregnancy-safe foods. Try to avoid foods high in mercury, such as mackerel and tuna, raw seafood, undercooked meat, poultry and eggs, unpasteurised foods and cheese with a mould rind such as brie, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and any type of herbal tea¹²
• Ensure any meat, fish or poultry is fully cooked through¹³

• Limit caffeine consumption to no more than 200 mg per day¹⁴
• Consider scheduling the Tdap vaccine with your healthcare provider. This vaccine helps to prevent a serious condition in newborns called whooping cough¹⁵
• Count the kicks⁵