30 - 31 Weeks Pregnant - Milestones, Fetal Development, Our Updates, & More!

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved

Rich and I are 31 weeks pregnant with Nova Skye Rowell, as of April 2nd, 2016. Here’s the latest on 30 week fetal development, 31 week fetal development, Nova’s movements and health report, how I’m feeling, and more. It’s hard to believe we’re almost 8 months pregnant! We’re so excited to meet our little Nova soon!

What’s Nova Doing In Week 30 and 31?

Nova’s getting a bit cramped in there, since she’s growing a ton in preparation for birth. That means there’s even more of the fun movements where you can see my belly move and sometimes even see or feel the shape of a foot, hand, or elbow. She’s also been reacting even more to music. There’s no way to know yet if she’ll be a future rockstar. But she kicks up a storm whenever good music is playing. She also seems to have preferences, sometimes choosing songs we don’t enjoy as much as she does.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
When’s the Next Doctor Visit?

Check the previous post for info about our last visit and ultrasound photos. Our next visit will be on April 12th. Typically, during this time period, appointments would move to every 2 weeks. But, Nova is doing fine and my OB’s office is moving closer to the hospital where he delivers. So, he said it was okay to wait, but if anything new or alarming comes up before then (it probably won’t), he’ll see me as soon as is needed.

How’s the Momtrepreneur and Daddy-To-Be This Week?

Despite the fact that fatigue has been hitting us both pretty hard lately, we’re doing pretty good. We did manage to get out and get some fresh air that didn’t involve four walls or bargain hunting. We took Aja (the 12 year old) on a quick trail walk so we could get some fresh air and sunshine. Also, I needed to stretch my legs and back, as I’ve been spending a ton of time in the bed. Granted, I do need the rest and I’m not supposed to be doing very much right now. But it’s havoc on my body and brain to be that still for too long. So, I do what I can. We’ve been watching a ton of Netflix and when we do leave, it’s been mostly to the grocery store, so we figured it was time to get out and do something else.

Accomplishments During Week 30 & Week 31 of the Pregnancy

Things are really starting to come together as we get closer to Nova’s arrival. There’s not really very much more left to get, but we do still need a handful of things. We were able to use a gift card from a relative to get a much-needed baby gate and we also won and purchased a few more items (most haven’t shipped yet, so there’s no pics yet).

I’ve been working hard making more cloth diapers for Nova, since we decided my homemade ones are not only better than all of those we researched, but they’re also easier on the wallet and the earth. I’m using only reclaimed materials (aside from small things like hand-sewing needles and snaps) and items we have laying around. People have been so excited about them that we decided once I’ve made enough for Nova, I’m going to make some more and sell them as I can.

I’ve also started making some matching accessories she needs, such as drooler bibs.    
The brand name for the handmade baby items will be Mommy2Lots (an old pen name I no longer use that some of my long-time readers and friends may recognize) and they’ll be on sale here at Life Successfully, along with some other handmade baby items, also inspired by Nova.

**Check below the gallery for 30 and 31 week fetal development and pregnancy info.**

All Images © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved

Interesting 30 and 31 Week Fetal Development & Pregnancy Info

Weeks 30 and 31 are when the baby starts to get all the finishing touches. The most major thing going on in the third trimester is that your baby’s lungs and respiratory system are developing the rest of the way. They do exist already and your baby still has a high chance of survival if born prematurely at this stage. But the longer the baby stays in there, the better for the respiratory system.

Your baby likely weighs a little over 3 pounds right now. When fully stretched, he or she is around 17 inches long! But, not to worry, your baby will be in the fetal position and not be able to completely stretch out, as there likely isn't room to do so. Some babies may be “head-down” by this stage, while others may not be. Either way, your baby is running out of room to move, so movements might change or slow down for some. Ask your OB how to check and make sure your baby is moving enough (usually at least 10 movements every couple hours).

If you’re having a  boy, his testicles are likely moving up into the scrotum. If you’re having a girl, her clitoris is likely almost fully formed. The bones are fully developed, but still soft. Storage of iron, calcium, and phosphorous begins at this stage as well. Your baby also has more rhythmic breathing, even though the respiratory system isn’t likely mature yet.

If you’re gaining a lot of weight right now and are even hungrier, that’s normal. The third trimester is when the baby grows more rapidly and you should be gaining more at this point. You also may be feeling even more breathless and fatigued. Speaking of resting, your baby should now have defined sleeping and waking periods. Though, they can vary from yours. So, if your baby keeps you up at night, try changing your sleeping schedule temporarily to avoid fatigue.

Between 30 and 31 weeks is also when the baby starts to pass water through the bladder and fill up the amniotic sac with urine. Your doctor will be able to tell you via your regular ultrasounds if there is too much or too little being expressed. Don't worry, your baby doesn’t “swim” in his or her urine for long. The amniotic fluid is actually naturally replaced by the body frequently.

Some warning signs include a change in the color of your discharge, pink (possibly amniotic) fluid leakage, bloody discharge, or more than 4 contractions in an hour. Preterm contractions or Braxton-Hicks (practice) contractions can be pretty normal at this stage, as long as they go away. However, discuss with your doctor what they should feel like and when you should call, as it can be different for each person.

Your colostrum (pre-milk) may be leaking even more at this stage. Be sure to have some breast pads on-hand to avoid embarrassment. I personally find the washable/reusable ones to be more effective than the thinner, disposable ones. But each person has their own preference.

This is a good week to decide whether circumcision is a good idea or not (if you’re having a boy), whether you want to breastfeed or formula feed, and to pack your hospital bag.

*Keep in mind that each baby develops differently and this info is just to give you an idea of what usually happens at each stage. Your doctor will have specific info related directly to your baby.

**Stay tuned for our 32 weeks pregnant (and other posts)!**

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28 - 29 Weeks Pregnant! Milestones, Fetal Development, Our Updates, & More!

SOURCES

Personal Experience
KidsHealth
BabyCenter
Similac
BabyCenter
BabyCenter
National Library of Medicine
Parents