All about the thirty-first week of pregnancy. All about the thirty-first week of pregnancy Feelings of expectant mothers

The third trimester of pregnancy (from 26 to 39 weeks) for each woman proceeds individually. Expectant mothers by this time are already getting used to the constant feeling of heaviness and sluggishness, adapting to new forms. 31 weeks of pregnancy for many is accompanied by severe fatigue and fatigue. That is why maternity leave is issued after the 30th week of pregnancy, when a woman can no longer perform the necessary work.

Maternity leave

31 weeks of pregnancy is the first week of the expectant mother's legal rest. Many women have already taken maternity leave. Having received a well-deserved rest, they enjoy the last months of their freedom. Some people prefer to spend more time outdoors, eat a healthy diet and do the necessary physical activity. But most often, expectant mothers, due to constant fatigue, spend a lot of time lying in bed or on the couch, trying not to burden their tired back. Despite this, we should not forget that physical activity is necessary for pregnant women to prepare the body for the difficult process of childbirth.

Pregnancy: 30-31 weeks, body changes

The body of a pregnant woman at this time undergoes serious changes. As a result of hormonal adjustment, relaxation of all muscle tissues of the body occurs. As a result of this, such an unpleasant phenomenon as varicose veins can occur. By this time, the minimum weight gain of a woman should be 8 kilograms, which seriously affects all body functions. Weight at 31 weeks of pregnancy can begin to increase dramatically due to various disorders in the body of a woman, so you should carefully monitor your diet and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Due to the growth of the fetus, the uterus increases in size and rises higher, which can provoke regular heartburn, its symptoms are especially pronounced when a woman is in a supine position. In addition, the rapidly growing uterus creates serious pressure on all the internal organs of the female body, which makes it difficult for them to work naturally. Pregnancy (30-31 weeks) is accompanied by the adaptation of all body systems to a new regimen, which can significantly worsen a woman's well-being. The main discomfort for the expectant mother is caused by regular shortness of breath. It is caused by a lack of oxygen, as the compressed lungs cannot function to their full potential. For prevention, you should often walk in the fresh air, away from polluted and dusty city streets.

To get rid of heartburn, you need to establish proper nutrition. To do this, you should eat in small portions, but often enough (up to 6 times a day). The volume of food consumed at one time should be no more than 200 grams. Thanks to such a nutrition system, it will be easier for the digestive tract to cope with its function, and the woman's well-being will improve significantly.

31 weeks pregnant - how many months?

At 31 weeks pregnant, the expectant mother has been carrying the baby for 7.5 months. There are about 10 weeks left before the birth, but this is conditional. Not every woman bears a child for exactly 9 months: labor can begin even at 37 weeks - this is also considered the norm. Everything is approximate here, in each individual case it all depends on the individual characteristics of the female body.

Woman's well-being

Most expectant mothers note the appearance of pain in the hip joints. The hormone relaxin, secreted by the body to prepare the osseous and ligamentous apparatus for the approaching birth, relaxes the hip bones, which provokes pain. The increased weight of a woman also affects the state of the bone apparatus. As a result, she experiences discomfort and pain. Sometimes these symptoms can develop so much that it becomes difficult for a woman to rise to her feet from a sitting position, and it is also difficult to move around. So, it's 31 weeks pregnant. The weight of the child is constantly increasing, so along with this, the well-being of the mother will worsen. Do not worry, these symptoms are quite natural and will continue until the end of pregnancy and even into the postpartum period.

Some women report increased pain in the perineum and in the pubic bone. These symptoms should be reported to the doctor. Headaches can also become more frequent, there are many reasons for their frequent occurrence, and in most cases this is not a pathology. The only exceptions are sharp attacks with blurred vision and darkening of the eyes.

Also one of the most common troubles at this time is insomnia. It is at this stage that various interruptions in sleep can occur. This may be due to the regimen of the fetus and is not a pathology.

The period after 31 weeks of pregnancy is associated with great psychological experiences. The expectant mother begins to think more often about the upcoming birth, she develops fear and fear for their normal course. You should not give these fears a place, you should calm yourself down by thinking about happy motherhood.

To distract from unpleasant thoughts, you should occupy yourself with interesting things. Many women are waiting for maternity leave to go shopping. It is necessary to collect a bag for the hospital, buy everything you need before the baby is born. You can also do the arrangement of the children's room or corner. This work is creative, it requires a lot of effort, so this pastime will help you forget about bad health and vain fears.

It must be remembered that a pregnant woman should not be nervous, because the baby is already very sensitive to the psychological state of the mother, there is no need to cause discomfort to the child with restless behavior.

Women's consultation at 31 weeks

At the next visit to the obstetrician-gynecologist, pregnant women need to measure weight, blood pressure, and also take a smear from the vagina. Analyzes must be carried out to prevent any health disorders. Many women develop an unpleasant disease due to reduced immunity - thrush. If pathogens of the disease are found in the smear, the doctor will prescribe the necessary treatment, since this disease must be treated without fail before the onset of childbirth.

You should consult your doctor about wearing a bandage: it will greatly facilitate your life by helping to maintain a voluminous stomach. In the case of an incorrect intrauterine position of the child, you will be advised to perform some exercises that contribute to its change.

31 weeks of pregnancy is the period when an exchange card is issued to a woman. This is the main document for admission to the hospital. It contains all the information about the course of your pregnancy, test results, weight, ultrasound results. It is advisable to put the exchange card in the birth bag. In case of premature onset of labor, it will be in the right place. In addition, during this period, you should receive a birth certificate, which is necessary to improve the quality of medical care.

anxiety symptoms

The fetus at 31 weeks of gestation enters the main stage of growth, so the expectant mother needs to carefully monitor her own weight gain, which should be no more than 300 grams per week. If, with a normal and healthy diet, weight increases more than this norm, it is necessary to check with a doctor in a antenatal clinic, because rapid weight gain may indicate internal edema.

At this time, various complications of pregnancy may occur. They must be known in order to warn in time. You need to see a doctor if:

• Ripples are felt in the eyes, which may indicate increased pressure or the development of internal edema.
• Edema in the legs does not go away in the morning, which indicates problems with the kidneys or preeclampsia.
• There is constant severe fatigue, indicating late toxicosis.
• Convulsions, which may indicate late toxicosis.
• Headaches are also a symptom of either preeclampsia or high blood pressure.
• Dizziness - is an unfavorable sign of an increase / decrease in blood pressure or preeclampsia.
• Polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios occurring at 30-31 weeks of gestation can be detected by ultrasound.
• Acute respiratory diseases of the mother - can affect various problems during pregnancy.
• Diarrhea in a woman can occur due to serious hormonal changes in the body, but this phenomenon should be carefully considered, as it may indicate various infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

A very careful attitude requires from a woman such a period as 31 weeks of pregnancy. Allocations should be normal, even a slight change should be carefully monitored. You should be wary if there is leakage of amniotic fluid. Norm - if their number is not more than the volume of a tablespoon. Also, keep a close eye on the change in color of the discharge. Even slight traces of blood can indicate a threat to the health of the baby. You should also alert the symptoms of thrush (curdled, mucous discharge with a specific smell).

Fetal condition

During this period, the intensive growth of the fetus begins, its development continues. When the 31st week of pregnancy comes, the weight of the fetus increases (it reaches 1,600 g and grows to 41 cm). The baby becomes cramped in the mother's belly; trying to adapt to new conditions, the child takes a certain position that is convenient for him: a folded position with crossing of the limbs. Many babies during this period take a permanent prenatal position - head down, which should normally be maintained until the onset of labor.

Every day the fetus grows, the features of his face become thinner, the nose takes on a certain shape, the cartilaginous tissue of the auricles and neck thickens. Eyes develop - a child at 31 weeks of gestation can distinguish between light and darkness, open and close his eyes, focus his eyes, and squint. In addition, the child at this time shows the so-called corneal reflex: if the eyes are accidentally touched, the baby reacts by squinting them.

The nervous system of the fetus is actively working: the convolutions of the brain continue to form, the lung tissue becomes more mature, surfactant is released - thanks to this, after birth, the baby can take his first breath. The liver at this age begins to secrete bile, preparing for its main function - cleansing the body of toxins. The pancreas also begins to work, producing insulin.

The skin of the baby is still quite wrinkled, has a red tint. Blood capillaries shine through the skin, as it is still quite thin. The baby's nails are actively growing, by the end of the week they will reach the end of the fingers. It is from such a period as the 31st week of pregnancy that the weight of the child begins to noticeably and rapidly increase due to the accumulation of subcutaneous fat, which is necessary for proper heat transfer after birth.

Some babies already have their own sleep and wake patterns. You can note how the child begins to move more actively and calm down at certain times of the day. The movements become stronger, sometimes causing considerable pain to the expectant mother. The child stretches the arms and legs, falling into different directions of the mother's tummy. As a result, you can experience serious discomfort. Too active fetal movement at this time can be a signal of a lack of oxygen for the baby or talk about the uncomfortable position of the mother, causing him discomfort.

You should carefully listen to the behavior of the baby: if the child does not move for several hours, you should immediately seek the advice of a doctor. The norm is if the child makes at least 10 movements within 12 hours.

Floor

The gender of the baby can be determined with accuracy from the 20th week of pregnancy. Nevertheless, for a period of 31 weeks, the genitals of babies continue to take shape. In boys, the testicles have not yet descended into the scrotum. The labia in girls is also still open.

twin pregnancy

Maternity leave for a woman pregnant with twins must be issued as early as 28 weeks. This is due to a double burden on the female body, because the woman's increased weight complements the feeling of discomfort. The length of each of the twins is already about 40 cm, and the weight is about 1500 grams. Since two of them are quite crowded in the mother's stomach, their mobility is limited. Nevertheless, it is necessary to carefully listen to the behavior of the kids, to monitor their movements. Future mothers of wonderful twins must follow all the doctor's recommendations, lead a healthy lifestyle, do not overwork, rest, lead a moderately active lifestyle.

31 weeks of pregnancy with twins is accompanied by increased fatigue of the mother. This state should be tolerated, because two small miracles will soon appear at once!

ultrasound

As a rule, at such a period as 31 weeks of pregnancy, another ultrasound examination is prescribed. Its purpose is to make sure that the development of the baby is normal. Ultrasound in this period shows the active formation of the brain, the iris of the eye. The physician should analyze the following developmental parameters.

31 weeks of pregnancy, ultrasound, norms:

• biparietal size (not less than 73 mm, not more than 87);
• head circumference (280 to 300 mm);
• the circumference of the tummy should be from 247 to 301 mm;
• humerus length (50 - 60 mm);
• fronto-occipital size (273 to 315 mm);
• femur length (54 - 64 mm);
• forearm length (44-52 mm);
• length of the tibia (51-59 mm);
• 31 weeks pregnant, fetal weight approximately 1500 g;
• height - 40 cm.

If any abnormalities are found during ultrasound at 31 weeks of gestation, the doctor will individually select the necessary treatment. It is imperative to visit a antenatal clinic in a timely manner to monitor the condition of the fetus, its development and its own health.

At 31 weeks, amazing things happen to mom and baby. The woman has already got used to her new position. For the sake of meeting her child, she is ready to endure a big belly, back pain and other delights of pregnancy. The baby is gaining weight every day and is preparing to meet the outside world. In the article you will find a lot of useful information, you will see what the baby looks like in the photo and get valuable tips for a successful pregnancy.

31 weeks pregnant - how many calendar months does it get?

Thirty-one weeks is 7 obstetric months and 3 weeks. In 7 days, mommy will be exactly 8 months old. The obstetric period is counted from the first day of the last menstruation. Embryonic is less than obstetric, as a rule, by 10-14 days, which depends on the duration of the woman's menstrual cycle. It is considered directly from conception.

Baby development

You can find out in what mood your child is now by his movements. If the little one wants to eat, he will move more actively, thereby expressing his displeasure. With mother's singing, children often calm down, calm down. A baby will also like the smooth dances of a woman. Sometimes it happens that some children stay awake at night, preventing the pregnant woman from sleeping. Singing or walking slowly can help soothe the baby. This will help the baby sleep.

External changes:

• The weight of the baby at 31 weeks of gestation is about 1500-1600 grams, and its height reaches approximately 40-42 centimeters.
• Heart rate on CTG - 140-160 beats per minute.
• The baby's legs can already reach your ribs. At the same time, his tremors can be quite painful. Don't worry. Soon the tummy will drop and the tremors will not be so painful.
• Now there is an intensive deposition of the fat layer in the baby. His skin becomes lighter, and the capillaries are no longer translucent.
• There are already hairs on the head, and eyebrows and cilia are visible on the face. On the fingers and toes, the nails reach almost to the edge of the finger.

By 31 weeks, the baby opens and closes its eyes, squints at bright lights and shudders at harsh sounds. His mother's voice calms him, and other people's voices are alarming.

Now the baby has developed a new corneal reflex. If he accidentally touches the eye with a pen, he will involuntarily close it.

The development of the internal organs of the baby at 31 weeks

Every day the child's respiratory system improves. Now there is a gradual filling of the alveoli with surfactant. This substance is necessary to prevent the lungs from sticking together during the first breath of the baby. Due to a deficiency of surfactant, even children born at term may develop severe, incompatible with life, respiratory failure.

The digestive system is now fully functioning. The intestine performs movements resembling peristalsis. In the pancreas, insulin is produced, and the liver is able to produce bile and filter the baby's blood from toxins.

The brain develops very actively at the 31st week of pregnancy. Now a huge number of neural connections are being synthesized, and nerve fibers are wrapped in a special protective sheath. Every day, the little one masters and improves new reflexes. His movements are not so chaotic. Some experts even call them conscious.

How is the baby in the womb

At the 31st week of pregnancy, there is less and less space in the mother's tummy. The special position of the body helps to facilitate the presence in the womb of the baby. At the same time, his legs are bent with his knees to the tummy, and the arms are located at the chest. Most babies now turn their heads down. This position is considered the most favorable for the normal birth process.

If the peanut is turned with its buttocks down, then here we are talking about a breech presentation. This condition in a woman is a reason for careful medical monitoring. Sometimes mom is prescribed a special gymnastics that helps the baby turn over head down. If, by the time of childbirth, the baby is still located with its legs and buttocks down, the birth process is somewhat complicated and a decision can even be made about a caesarean section.

perturbations

By the 31st week of pregnancy, most babies already have their own daily routine. As before, most of the time the baby sleeps, but during periods of wakefulness, he actively improves his skills. The baby moves his arms and legs, sucks his finger, hiccups, turns his head, explores his body.

At this stage, mom should carefully listen to the movements of the fetus. Normally, in the thirty-first week, about 10 movements of the child should be observed for 12 hours. If there are too few movements, or, conversely, the baby began to behave extremely actively, this may indicate a particular pathology. In order to prevent complications, mom is recommended to inform the doctor about the change in the behavior of the little man.

What to prepare for mommy at 31 weeks

The feelings of a woman at this stage of pregnancy can hardly be called the most pleasant, but the girls are ready for anything, just to meet their long-awaited little one.

Let's look at what conditions a representative of the fair half may encounter.

Allocations

The secret secreted from the vagina can tell a lot about the health of the female reproductive system. Normally, the discharge should not have an unpleasant odor. Their color in the absence of certain diseases ranges from transparent to whitish. The consistency is slimy. If the nature of the secret has changed, especially during pregnancy, mom is recommended to immediately consult a doctor.

Especially dangerous at 31 weeks of gestation are brown or spotting. They may indicate the presence of bleeding due to placental abruption or other dangerous conditions. If you find red or rusty spots on your underwear, you should not delay going to the gynecologist. Even with the onset of premature birth, this process can be stopped with timely admission to the hospital.

pain

It hurts and pulls the lower abdomen, as well as discomfort in the lumbar region in most mothers in the third trimester of pregnancy. The girls' testimonies indicate that they often have pain in the pubic bone, perineum, and lower abdomen. Unpleasant feelings and spasms spread to the back area. At the same time, the tummy becomes hard, as if turning to stone.

Causes of pain:

• growth and stretching of the muscles of the uterus;
• increased load on the muscles and motor apparatus;
• shift in the center of gravity due to an enlarged tummy;
• false or training contractions;
• increased tone of the uterus at 31 weeks.

In case of severe pain, a woman should definitely consult a doctor. Physiological pain that occurs in mothers during pregnancy should go away on their own at rest. If the discomfort persists, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor. To cope with pain at home, experts recommend that a woman take a horizontal position, relax, breathe calmly. This helps relieve muscle spasm, saturate the body with oxygen.

Increased tone of the uterus

Hypertonicity or increased tone of the uterus poses a rather serious threat to the baby. The gynecologist makes a diagnosis, and it is confirmed by ultrasound. In severe cases, mom is recommended to lie down for preservation. This helps to avoid unexpected situations.

The causes of increased uterine tone include physiological and psychological factors. Among the physiological ones, there are infectious diseases in a pregnant woman, hormonal disorders, intense physical activity, weight lifting. Emotional experiences are referred to as psychological. They can occur due to fears of childbirth, with unwanted conception, and for other reasons.

The danger of hypertonicity lies in the fact that against its background, the blood flow in the pelvic organs is greatly deteriorating. Oxygen starvation is very dangerous for a child and can lead to hypoxia. In addition, increased tone can provoke premature birth, and the baby at 31 weeks is not yet ready for birth.

Pathology treatment:

• exclusion of emotional and physical stress;
• taking sedatives (Papaverine, Motherwort, Magne B6);
• careful medical supervision;
• proper nutrition;
• if necessary, mom is recommended to stay in the hospital.

The stories of pregnant women indicate that when all medical recommendations are followed for hypertonicity, it is quite possible to bear the baby until the end of the term.

indigestion

At the 31st week of pregnancy, the baby already reaches a fairly large size and occupies the entire mother's tummy. It is not surprising that all internal organs are displaced. In this regard, the woman has frequent urination, shortness of breath and some digestive disorders.

Dyspeptic disorders at this time include such phenomena as diarrhea or, conversely, constipation, flatulence, heartburn, and sometimes nausea. Often, girls have a stomach ache and intestines. This sign should not be ignored. If you experience pain, a pregnant woman should consult a doctor. This will help eliminate unwanted consequences in the future.

Fetal ultrasound at 31 weeks

Ultrasound examination at this time is not performed in all cases. The procedure is prescribed by the doctor when the mother has certain problems or if the previous ultrasound results are in doubt.

Normal size of a baby on ultrasound at 31 weeks

Often the parameters of the fetus differ from the norm, which depends on the individual characteristics of the baby. Decoding is carried out by a qualified doctor. In this case, the overall picture is evaluated, and not each parameter separately.

In addition, the following indicators are taken into account:

• mommy is pregnant with twins, triplets or one baby in the womb;
• how actively the fetus moves;
• thickness of the placenta (normal at 31 weeks 30-30.5 mm).
• the location of the baby in the womb (head, pelvic or transverse);
• baby's heartbeat (normally 140-160 beats / min.);
• maturation (aging) of the placenta (at 31 weeks, the first degree of maturity is normally diagnosed);
• the presence of pathology of the amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios).

If any abnormalities are detected, the doctor decides on how to treat them. Often therapy consists solely of strengthening medical control.

In this photo you can see what a baby looks like at 31-32 weeks of pregnancy.

In most cases, the baby lies head down, but sometimes there is also a transverse (the fetus is located obliquely), or breech presentation (head up).

twin pregnancy

The female body is designed to bear one child, so pregnancy with twins or triplets, which often occurs after artificial insemination (IVF), is considered dangerous for both the woman and the babies. The most common is twins. In medical practice, there are several types of such pregnancy. They depend on the number of placentas and fetal membranes.

The most common type of twins is diamniotic, which is divided into dichorionic and monochorionic. The dichorionic type of diamniotic twins is considered the most favorable for the health of babies. At the same time, each crumb has its own personal space, because the amniotic septum divides the amniotic septum in half. In addition, each baby has its own placenta.

With such a pregnancy, there is a risk of a developmental delay in one of the babies, but this does not always happen. A woman with this condition is advised to be under close medical supervision, regularly take tests and follow all the doctor's recommendations.

childbirth

At 31 weeks, many mothers are concerned about the question of who gave birth at this time and what the consequences may be for the child. We note right away that the birth of a baby prematurely is always considered dangerous for his life, since the internal organs and systems are not yet quite ready to meet the newborn with the outside world.

What can cause preterm labor:

• developmental pathology in the fetus;
• icn - isthmic-cervical insufficiency;
• infectious and inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive system;
• hormonal disorders in the mother's body;
• strong physical activity;
• severe emotional upheavals;
• oligohydramnios - insufficient volume of amniotic fluid;
• low placentation;
• sex in the presence of contraindications to it;
• abdominal trauma and more.

Despite the obvious risks, most babies born at 30-31 weeks survive. In the absence of pathologies, fry and girls have an active weight gain, and by the year they are catching up with their peers born at term.

Sometimes at 31 weeks, an artificial birth is performed. Such a procedure is necessary in situations where there is a threat to life for the mother or baby.

Features of caring for a premature baby

Children born prematurely require special care and attitude. As a rule, on such days, newborns are in special incubators - incubators. This provides optimal living conditions for them with a stable temperature and the provision of artificial respiration if necessary. When the baby begins to breathe on his own, he is transferred to a special heated bed.

In the first days of life, a mother must find close physical and emotional contact with her child. A woman is encouraged to talk to the baby, sing songs to him, hug him. Physical contact is very important at this stage. The child should be laid out with a naked body on the mother's chest.

Doctors strongly recommend that you also continue breastfeeding. Breast milk will help the newborn gain weight faster and adapt to the world around him. In addition, the little one should be regularly shown to the local pediatrician, to take the necessary tests.

Weight gain

Normally, at 31 weeks, a woman should gain approximately 300 grams. In total, by this time, the minimum increase should be about 8 kg.

Alcoholic drinks in the third trimester

Physiological anemia is often observed in pregnant women. Hemoglobin in the blood decreases due to an increase in blood volume, since its formed elements do not have time to form. It is known that red wine increases hemoglobin, so many mothers indulge in a glass of grape drink.

Before doing this, the girl should think about the following:

• By week 31, the permeability of the placenta increases, so the alcohol in the wine easily penetrates the baby.
• Ethanol in wine leads to vasospasm, which negatively affects the blood circulation of the fetus.
• A large amount of alcohol can even lead to premature birth.

Given all these negative consequences, doctors do not recommend drinking alcoholic beverages at 31 weeks of pregnancy.

intimacy

Sex during pregnancy is allowed only if the woman and the fetus do not have any pathologies. In such cases, intimate relationships between partners are allowed, and even welcome before the very birth. This is due to the fact that sex helps to stimulate labor.

Sometimes it happens that sexual contact is highly undesirable. It is prohibited under the following conditions:

• the threat of termination of pregnancy;
• short cervix;
• low placentation;
• leakage of amniotic fluid;
• developmental pathology in the fetus;
• anomalies in the structure of the female reproductive system;
• partners with infectious diseases.

At the same time, intimacy is not allowed, as it can provoke some complications, which include premature birth.

To avoid many problems during this crucial period, mom at 31 weeks is advised to follow the following tips:

• Any disease, whether acute or chronic, should only be treated under medical supervision.
• With the development of any alarming symptoms, it is imperative to report them to the leading gynecologist.
• It is important to visit the antenatal clinic in a timely manner and take all the necessary tests.
• It is forbidden to engage in heavy and traumatic sports, to lift weights.
• Clothing should not squeeze the tummy, and it is preferable to wear shoes without a heel.
• It is forbidden to take any medications on your own, as many of them have contraindications.
• Pregnant women are encouraged to walk more often in the fresh air. Swimming, yoga, fitball gymnastics are considered useful sports during this period.

In addition, mom should remember that at 31 weeks of pregnancy it is important to try to eliminate stress and anxiety. The negative emotional background of a woman has an extremely bad effect on the health of the baby and can even lead to premature birth.

mommy physical activity

Sports activities with a healthy course of pregnancy are recommended at all times until the very birth. During this period, it will be useful to do yoga, do exercises on a fitball, swim, walk in the park. Any movements, even ordinary housework, will be useful for mommy. The main thing in this matter is not to overwork, because the body is already under a lot of stress.

Video

This video will help you learn more about the well-being of mommy and baby at 31 weeks pregnant.

Everything that the expectant mother does during pregnancy affects the health and development of the fetus. During this period, you need to be calm and not get nervous over trifles, which can be insanely difficult, because. there are constant worries about everything going smoothly and without complications. For your own peace of mind, you should know the basic nuances of how gestation should take place in each trimester, what is normal, and what doctors should pay attention to.

What happens in the body of a future mother?

Pregnancy at 31 weeks is the middle of the third trimester, namely 7.5 months from the conception of the baby. The time of childbirth is not far off, about 10 full weeks remain before them, if we consider 40 weeks as the standard gestation period.

You need to be prepared for the fact that the child will be born earlier than the expected time. For this reason, at this stage, you should gradually begin preparing for a trip to the hospital. This applies to collecting bags with things for the newborn and mother.

A pregnant woman should have a list of what she will need for the birth, including an extract and other documents, medications and personal items.

Feelings of a woman

By the 31st week of pregnancy, a woman normally adds about 10-12 kg. At this time, it becomes harder to bear every day, the expectant mother is not able to do some of the usual things herself because of clumsiness. Sleeping in any position, as before, also does not work.

31 weeks of pregnancy is associated with the appearance of such unpleasant sensations as:

1. Shortness of breath, heartburn and nausea. Lack of air to inhale and problems with digestion occur due to the fact that the uterus rises into the abdominal cavity, leading to displacement of the internal organs. The tilt and change in body position provoke the reflux of the contents of the stomach into the esophagus and squeezing the lungs.
2. Pain when it pulls in the very bottom of the abdomen, as before menstruation, and also hurts in the lower back and back. This is due to the preparation of the uterus and birth canal for childbirth. The center of gravity shifts, and the articular tissues and ligaments soften.
3. Pain in the legs, cramps and heaviness in the calf muscles due to the additional load that appears with weight gain.
4. Increased sweating. The expectant mother at the thirty-first week of pregnancy is always hot, which provokes sweating.
5. Headache.
6. The appearance of stretch marks. The circumference of the abdomen reaches 85-95 cm. The skin becomes thinner, and the rapid growth of the abdomen and weight gain can cause stretch marks.

The location of the fetus and the size of the uterus

By this time, there is less and less space for the baby in the mother's stomach. Due to the limited space in the abdomen, silhouettes of the arms, legs, priests or head of the fetus can be seen. Often, mothers can feel their baby hiccup, watching the rhythmic twitching of the abdomen. At regular check-ups, the doctor examines the pregnant woman's tummy in detail and determines all aspects of the course of pregnancy.

Due to insufficient space and high weight, the fetus begins to move less, because. it's hard for him to do it. It is at the thirty-first week of gestation that the child takes the position in which it will remain until childbirth.

However, do not worry if doctors have diagnosed a breech presentation. However, some children change the location almost before the birth itself. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the baby and the mother's body.

On ultrasound, the gynecologist examines the condition of the uterus and its size. By this time, it increases significantly, causing discomfort to the pregnant woman, making it impossible to sit or lie in certain positions, due to the pressure exerted and impaired blood flow to the heart. From 31 to 32 weeks, the uterus rises and is at a level of 11 cm above the navel. Periodically, it is reduced, training before childbirth. At these moments, the abdomen briefly stiffens, which is accompanied by mild pain.

The nature of the discharge

For a period such as 30-32 obstetric weeks, a change in the appearance of discharge is a common occurrence. They may be amniotic fluid that leaks a little. It is considered normal when this kind of discharge is transparent, liquid and odorless. To confirm the fact of water leakage, you can purchase and conduct a special pharmacy test.

A common cause of discharge in the third trimester is thrush. It must be cured without fail before childbirth, because. it threatens the health of the child. While the fetus is in the womb, it is protected, but passing through the birth canal, it can become infected, which is fraught with unpleasant consequences.

To exclude or confirm thrush and start timely treatment, the gynecologist takes a swab from the vagina. The following symptoms help to suspect this problem:

• cheesy or mucous discharge;
• the appearance of an unpleasant smell of beer, fish or yeast;
• itching and burning in the genital area;
• swelling and irritation of the genitals.

Any changes in discharge during this period should be monitored by a doctor. It is better to once again visit a specialist and take a smear, so as not to risk either your own well-being or the baby and his well-being.

Baby movements

At 31-32 weeks from the moment of conception, the movements of the child become more rare. This is due to its large size. When he was small, he had enough space, and he could roll over as he liked. Now it's much harder for him to do it. However, despite this, he must move every day. Any such tremors will be well felt by the mother, as the baby has grown and gained strength. It is considered the norm when a child makes itself felt up to 10 times in 12 hours.

In the case of a breech presentation, the thrusts will be carried out under the ribs with the head of the child. If the baby has already turned upside down, i.e. occupies not a breech, but a head presentation, then he will push with his legs, and do it strongly, not like in earlier stages of pregnancy.

Attentive women are able to identify periods of wakefulness of the fetus in the abdomen at certain times of the day, because. it has its own sleep pattern. At this stage, too active movements of the unborn baby should alert the mother. The reasons may be a lack of oxygen or discomfort caused by the uncomfortable position of the mother.

Development, height and weight of the baby, large fetus

Closer to the 31-week period, the fetus is almost completely formed. In the photo, according to the results of the ultrasound, the expectant mother sees the baby as it will be when it is born, but slightly smaller. Its weight reaches 1500-1700 kg with a height of 40 cm.

However, these rules are relative. How much the fetus weighs depends on the individual characteristics and the hereditary factor. If both parents are thin, then the child will most likely be small, and obese people have a much higher risk of having a large baby.

Despite the fact that the process of the formation of the child is almost completed, its development is still ongoing. Internal organs and systems are preparing for birth, some of them are already fully functioning. This applies to the nervous, immune and genitourinary systems, hearing, smell and vision. The child's gaze is already focused.

The liver produces insulin, but its cells are still multiplying. The lungs, in the process of preparing for breathing, produce a surfactant that prevents the empty alveolar sacs from sticking together. In the brain, connections are established between nerve cells, and the fibers are hidden in protective sheaths. The kid feels his mother's mood and reacts to his changes, he is able to distinguish voices.

What research is being done?

At 7-8 months of pregnancy, a woman should make a scheduled visit to the doctor according to the calendar. The gynecologist measures the standard indicators in a pregnant woman:

• arterial pressure;
• girth of the abdomen.

A survey is conducted about the condition and well-being of the woman, the presence of any alarming symptoms. The doctor takes a swab from the vagina to check for infections. If they are, appropriate treatment is prescribed. Additionally, the gynecologist probes the position of the fetus, and if it is incorrect, then the woman is recommended to perform a set of exercises to change it.

In addition to the above studies, at 30-31 weeks of gestation, the last ultrasound screening is performed. Its decryption provides information about:

• the course of pregnancy;
• fetal development, including its various parameters from the length of the hip and shoulder to the size of the skull and chest;
• the presence or absence of pathologies;
• condition of the amniotic fluid.

With the help of ultrasound, you can find out the thickness of the placenta, detect cord entanglement and determine presentation. It shows the structure of the heart, which already has 4 chambers, valves and great vessels. An ultrasound can also determine the rhythm of the heart, which, according to generally accepted tables, is normally 120-160 beats per minute. You can take a photo of the child or make a short video where you can hear how his heart beats.

With what certainty is the gender of the child determined at this time?

Some expectant mothers ask not to tell the sex of the child before birth, so that it comes as a surprise. Others, on the contrary, want to know exactly who will be born to them, a boy or a girl, in order to prepare. If earlier it was possible to assume the sex of the baby, based only on signs, such as the shape of the abdomen, or trusting the doctor who said the gender by probing the abdomen with his hands, today it is easy to get more reliable information on ultrasound.

Starting at 20 weeks, an ultrasound scan allows you to find out the sex of the child. However, by week 30, the baby's genitals are still developing. In boys, the testicles are not yet in the scrotum, and in girls, the labia are open.

Despite almost accurate information about the sex of the child by ultrasound, there are exceptions to the rules. Sometimes the sonographer promises a girl, but a boy is born, and vice versa. Also, one sex can be called on an ultrasound, and the other on the next. At the same time, the human factor is always present.

More than half way to the birth of the baby passed. In order for the rest of the pregnancy to go smoothly without complications, and the birth was not difficult, a pregnant woman should follow a number of recommendations:

1. Move. If there are no contraindications, then you can and should do aerobics, yoga or dancing according to specially designed sets of exercises for pregnant women.
2. Walk. Take walks in the fresh air should be at least an hour a day, it is important to ventilate the premises. This will prevent the lack of oxygen in the body.
3. Eat properly. It is better to exclude flour and fat, so as not to gain weight more than 300 g per week. Food should consist of fish, fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Smoked foods, chocolate, canned food or fast food should be excluded from the diet.
4. Visit a doctor regularly. It is necessary not to be lazy to take routine tests and undergo examinations.
5. To refuse from bad habits.
6. Get enough sleep. You need to sleep 9 hours a day.
7. Observe personal and intimate hygiene.
8. Don't carry weights.
9. Give preference to clothes made from natural fabrics.

Possible complications and reasons to see a doctor

At this time, it is important to monitor the well-being of the pregnant woman in order to respond in time with the development of complications. Symptoms that need to be seen by a specialist:

1. Strong weight gain. If the expectant mother monitors nutrition, but the weekly increase exceeds 300 g, this may indicate internal edema.
2. Ripples in the eyes signal an increase in blood pressure and internal edema.
3. Morning swelling of the legs is a sign of kidney problems or late toxicosis.
4. Excessive persistent fatigue or convulsions speak of preeclampsia.
5. Headache or dizziness. They are associated with pressure drops or toxicosis in the later stages.
6. Diarrhea. It is caused by hormonal changes, but intestinal infections can also be the cause.
7. Allocations. They may change different indicators: color, quantity, consistency. If blood appears, even a small “daub”, as at the beginning of menstruation, this threatens the health of the baby. A small discharge of amniotic fluid is an alarm signal that cannot be ignored.

Delivery at 30–31 weeks, fetal survival

Childbirth at this time is not considered a miscarriage, but with any suspicion of the onset of labor, an urgent need to go to the hospital. Despite the fact that the baby is almost formed, he has organs that are not yet ready for full functioning. This applies primarily to the lungs. For this reason, it is important that the baby is still in the belly. If the waters receded and the baby was born, he is able to survive, because. his digestive system and thermoregulation system are functional.

At the 31st week of pregnancy, the expectant mother enjoys her vacation. She began maternity leave and now you can not jump up on the alarm clock and not rush to work. But with her and with the baby there were other changes that mark the approach of childbirth and the birth of a child.

The well-being of the expectant mother at the 31st week

Maternity leave is not just given after 30 weeks of pregnancy. After this period, it becomes difficult for the expectant mother to perform household chores, not to mention going to work every day. Well-being can present some surprises that are updated with unpleasant regularity.
Increasing back pain. The 31st week of pregnancy no longer surprises with heaviness and pulling pain in the lower back and sacrum, which most often occur after walking and doing housework. But now the pain can spread to the area of ​​the womb. This is due to the fact that the pubic and pelvic ligaments are under high load - the uterus exerts pressure on them. In addition, the joints in the pubic and pelvic bones prepare for childbirth - they loosen a little to allow a wider lumen of the birth canal.
Digestive disorders. In the 31st week of pregnancy, problems with stools and heartburn continue. The uterus is getting bigger, and there is less and less room for the abdominal organs. If the correction of the diet did not help to cope with the problem, you do not need to endure discomfort. Talk to your doctor - he can recommend drugs for heartburn and laxatives that are approved for use in pregnant women.

What happens to the fetus

For a baby, the 31st week is another stage of development at which he acquires new skills, the formation of internal organs is completed, and all processes in the body gradually adjust to the future independent life outside the mother's body.
What does the fetus look like? Outwardly, the most obvious changes occur with the skin. If you do an ultrasound in 3D, you can clearly see that now it has become more dense. The blood vessels that used to "shine through" through it are almost invisible. The formation of a healthy pink skin color is also associated with this. Subcutaneous fat continues to accumulate - energy reserves are formed that the baby will need during childbirth and during the entire period of adaptation after birth. Thanks to this, the child in the 31st week loses its “angularity” - its body becomes more rounded, and the first folds appear on the wrists and ankles, which are characteristic of babies. In the iris of the child's eyes, pigment begins to accumulate, which will later determine the color of his eyes.
The weight and size of the fetus. In a singleton pregnancy, the baby weighs approximately 1400 to 1600 grams. Body weight within this range is normal. With multiple pregnancies, babies are noticeably inferior in weight, but this is a natural phenomenon that should not bother the mother. The length of the baby's body at the 31st week is about 39–40 cm.
Fetal position. Until the 31st week of pregnancy, the position of the baby in the uterus could be anything. But at about this time, most children take the correct position (lie head down) and no longer change it until the very birth. Some babies remain in a transverse position or legs down, but at 31 weeks of pregnancy, the situation can still be corrected with special exercises.
Fetal activity. The expectant mother very often notices that instead of the usual pushes, she mostly feels the baby's movements. This should not be frightening if the decoding of ultrasound and tests, as well as the development of the fetus, is normal. The fact that the baby began to push less actively is due to the fact that he has very little space left for energetic movements, and in such conditions the child’s motor abilities are quite limited.
What can the fetus do? At 31 weeks' gestation, the baby has achieved perfection in suckling. He regularly trains using his own finger. This not only prepares him to suckle the breast, but also helps to alert the digestive system, as he swallows amniotic fluid during sucking movements.
What is the child doing. The baby has already developed its own regimen. Most of the time he sleeps, and when he wakes up, he makes himself known by stirring and jerking, sometimes hiccups. In the course of research, it was found that babies at this stage of pregnancy see dreams. Dreams are believed to be predominantly sounds and tactile sensations: the child dreams of touches and voices that he has already heard, such as the voices of his mother and father.

How does the appearance of the expectant mother change?

The second trimester, in which the expectant mother admired the “new” figure and tummy, was left behind. And pregnancy at the 31st week may leave not so pleasant marks on the exterior.
Edema. Even in a healthy woman, edema appears in the third trimester, most noticeable on the legs in the afternoon. But the accumulation of excess fluid can be noticeable on the face. These are not only bags under the eyes in the morning, but also blurry features in general. Due to swelling, the oval of the face becomes fuzzy, the nose seems larger than usual, and the expectant mother may be upset when looking at herself in the mirror. But this phenomenon will pass in the first days after childbirth. And if you exclude pickles and marinades from your diet and minimize salt intake, swelling will become barely noticeable or even stop bothering you.
Excess hair growth. When a woman is pregnant, they can appear in completely unexpected places: on the stomach and on the chest. This is a temporary phenomenon that will pass without a trace after childbirth. It is associated with hormonal changes, which began immediately after conception. The hormones responsible for the maintenance and proper course of pregnancy turn the vellus hairs that grow all over the body (except the palms and soles) into darker and coarser ones. But unwanted hair will disappear as soon as the need for so many hormones disappears (and this will happen a few weeks after birth, when the mother’s body recovers).
Hyperpigmentation. The 31st week of pregnancy can upset the appearance of age spots on the face and body. They begin to form much earlier, but only in the third trimester they become especially noticeable when a lot of pigment accumulates in certain areas of the skin. This problem can resolve itself, but it will take time and proper facial skin care. In the meantime, the expectant mother should get used to using sunscreen if she has not done so before.
Overweight. A slowdown in metabolism, a decrease in activity, the accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues - all this can round the figure more than we would like. Normally, the 31st week of pregnancy should add no more than 8–10 kg to a woman's weight, most of which falls on the fetus, placenta and amniotic fluid. If the weight gain is much greater, you should review your diet and carefully follow the doctor's recommendations regarding gymnastics for pregnant women, hiking, yoga and other active activities. Also, a gynecologist can advise swimming - it helps to use various muscle groups, strengthens them and helps to normalize weight.

Feelings of the expectant mother at the 31st week

The movements of the fetus, its tremors and periods of rest when the baby is sleeping - these sensations have become familiar and cause only pleasure from communicating with the child. The expectant mother has already unmistakably learned to understand the mood of the baby by the movements of the baby, and it often coincides with her own. When the mother is upset, the baby also becomes restless, and this makes you feel a special connection with the baby. But some sensations may be unfamiliar.
Emotional swings. The mood can change several times over a short period of time. The expectant mother may be worried about the upcoming birth and the health of the child, even if there is no reason for anxiety. But if earlier emotional instability was due to hormonal changes, now it is a common fatigue, natural at the thirty-first week of pregnancy. You can cope with nervousness by giving yourself as much rest as your body needs and doing your favorite things (knitting, reading, listening to music, etc.).
Heaviness in the chest. This is another new sensation that may appear in the 31st week of pregnancy. It is due to the fact that the mammary glands are already preparing for breastfeeding, and the expectant mother can notice this not only by the increase in breast size, but also by the appearance of the first drops of colostrum.

What to change in the 31st week

Pregnancy at 31 weeks is almost the “finish line” before childbirth. It's time to make sure that they are favorable for both mom and baby.
Wearing a bandage. If you have not yet worn a bandage, your doctor may recommend one. Properly chosen "support" for the abdomen will remove the bulk of the load from the lower back and improve overall well-being. In addition, the bandage can help the child to take the correct position upside down, and if the fetus has already turned into the desired position, prevent it from turning over.
Breast care. Very soon, a woman will be breastfeeding, and it is time to take measures to facilitate this process. The list of such activities includes regular breast contrast showers (alternating pleasantly warm and pleasantly cool water), the use of moisturizing and nourishing creams approved for use in pregnant women. And if you have inverted nipples, your doctor can recommend a special technique that creates a more “comfortable” nipple shape and tells you in detail how and when to apply it. Strictly follow the recommendations of a specialist, but do not overdo it: the nipples are reflexively connected with the uterus, and such gymnastics can stimulate organ contractions that are not needed at this time.
Wearing compression underwear. The vessels of the legs are subjected to serious stress due to the increase in the body weight of the expectant mother and with an increase in the total volume of blood in the bloodstream. In the morning, without getting out of bed, you can put on compression socks or stockings and wear them throughout the day. This can reduce the load on the veins of the lower extremities and prevent varicose veins.

The uterus continues to grow and reaches the size of a basketball. This is a big load on the musculoskeletal system, which can provoke an exacerbation of the vertebral hernia, osteochondrosis, arthrosis and neuralgia.

The child continues to develop, gain weight and learn new habits. The expectant mother experiences some discomfort, it is difficult for her to breathe and move around. The movements of a pregnant woman become clumsy, so you need to be more careful.

The hormone relaxin is synthesized. This is a substance that helps soften and stretch the cartilage and ligaments of the pelvic ring. Thanks to this, it will be easier for the baby to pass through the birth canal. Relaxin also promotes breast enlargement. The load on the kidneys continues to increase, which leads to swelling. To avoid this, you need to control the water-salt balance, do massage and move more.

For many women, the psychological state can change. Some go to buy clothes for the baby, others start to equip the house. Emotionally, this is a big event, and the responsibility for it in most pregnant women causes tearfulness and irritability. This is a normal phenomenon, provoked by hormonal changes. However, with excessive experiences, the baby may experience hypoxia, so it is important for a future woman in labor to learn how to control emotions and cope with stressful situations.

Fetal movements are clearly felt, but their intensity gradually decreases. The fetus grows and it becomes crowded in the uterus. He cannot move as freely as before. To monitor the condition of the fetus, a future woman in labor should pay attention to the number of his movements. Normally, in 12 hours there should be at least 10 movements.

Development and size of the fetus at 31 weeks of gestation

Starting from the 31st week of pregnancy, the weight gain in the fetus is 170-200 grams per week. Now the weight of the baby is 1500-1700 grams, and the length is 40-42 cm. Differentiation of the brain and its development continue. The accumulation of the subcutaneous layer of fat is accompanied by the formation of natural folds and an increase in the tone of the skin. In the future, subcutaneous fat will compensate for the imperfection of the baby's thermoregulatory system and will maintain a constant temperature of the newborn.

The iris begins to accumulate pigment and darken along with the hair. The process of darkening the eyes is slower than changing the shade of the hairline. That is why many fair-skinned babies are born with blue or gray eyes. Throughout the year, the iris of the eye acquires the final shade, laid down genetically. The child still only distinguishes between darkness and light. When a bright light is perceived, the size of the pupil changes or the baby closes his eyes. He will perceive colors after birth.

The mass of internal organs continues to increase. The pancreas begins to synthesize insulin, which is necessary for metabolic processes. Lungs, heart, kidneys, liver and other organs grow.

Many babies are head down at 31 weeks. As a rule, this position is maintained until the moment of delivery. Sometimes at the 31st week of pregnancy, a breech presentation of the fetus is diagnosed, which, as a rule, serves as an indication for artificial delivery (cesarean). For now, there is no need to worry about this. The child still has time to change position.

Feelings of a future woman in labor at 31 weeks of pregnancy

Against the background of a growing uterus and an enlarged fetus, characteristic painful sensations appear in the pelvic bones and lower back. Internal organs are also displaced, which provokes violations of their functioning. First of all, the organs of the digestive and urinary systems suffer. Many pregnant women notice changes in the regularity of bowel movements. Constipation occurs due to the slowing down of intestinal motility by progesterone and the pressure on it of an enlarged uterus. For some, constipation is accompanied by flatulence, a feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the abdomen, or involuntary passage of gases. In addition to constipation and flatulence, a future woman in labor may be disturbed by heartburn. To get rid of or reduce the manifestations of these conditions, you should change your eating habits and adjust your diet.

Lying on their backs, pregnant women notice that they are dizzy. This is due to compression of the enlarged uterus of the vena cava. A comfortable resting position is considered to be the left or right side.

Breasts at 31 weeks pregnant become heavier and larger. Colostrum can be secreted from the mammary glands, which indicates the preparation of the breast for lactation. When stretch marks appear, you can use moisturizing and nourishing products. Useful will be a contrast shower, air baths and massage.

Medical examination at 31 weeks of gestation

During maternity leave, you need to visit a gynecologist every two weeks. To monitor the condition of the future woman in labor and timely identify problems of bearing, the doctor will prescribe appropriate tests and examinations. At the appointment, the doctor will listen to the baby's heartbeat, determine its presentation, measure the weight, abdominal circumference, pressure and height of the uterine fundus of the pregnant woman.

At the 31st week of pregnancy, a third planned ultrasound may be prescribed, which will allow you to assess the cardiac, motor and respiratory activity of the fetus, its presentation, the degree of maturity of the placenta and other indicators. Also, during the ultrasound examination, pathologies of fetal development that have not been diagnosed before can be detected.

Possible gestation problems at 31 weeks

Normal discharge at 31 weeks of gestation is whitish or transparent, of a uniform consistency. Their number during this period may increase, which is explained by the blood filling of the genital organs. The appearance of cheesy whites, which are accompanied by itching and burning of the vulva, is a sign of the development of thrush (candidiasis).

If a woman has spotting at 31 weeks of pregnancy, her lower abdomen hurts and pulls, or amniotic fluid leaks, this indicates a possible increase in uterine tone and premature birth. If you find such symptoms, you should urgently call a doctor or go to the hospital.

If there are signs of late preeclampsia (severe swelling, dizziness, nausea), the doctor may recommend hospitalization. Late toxicosis is dangerous for the child and the expectant mother, so it is not recommended to refuse the hospital. It is better for a pregnant woman to be under round-the-clock supervision of specialists.

The main recommendations for expectant mothers are a healthy diet, a positive attitude, moderate activity and calmness. Many women are on maternity leave, and it's time to take care of yourself and prepare for childbirth. You can sign up for special courses, buy things or arrange a children's room. You can also meet friends and treat yourself to different goodies, because after giving birth, the diet should be significantly limited.

Nutrition Features

With the onset of prenatal leave, many begin to rapidly gain weight. It is important to control the energy value of the diet, refuse or reduce the consumption of sweets, flour products and excessively high-calorie foods.

In the daily menu, you need to add more fruits, vegetables, various cereals, meat, eggs, fish and dairy products. Dishes are best boiled, stewed or baked. It is better to refrain from smoked meats, canned food and strong allergens. It is also not recommended to eat mushrooms and other hard-to-digest foods.

Taking vitamins

Many pregnant women are prescribed vitamin D and calcium supplements, since it is difficult to ensure their intake in sufficient quantities through a balanced diet. If necessary, the doctor recommends taking special multivitamin complexes. You should not use them on your own, since an overdose of some trace elements can do more harm than potential benefit.

Sex at 31 weeks pregnant

Many couples at this time refuse sexual relations. Men are afraid of harming their child and wife, and women are embarrassed by their slowness and clumsiness. However, in the normal course of gestation, there is nothing dangerous in sexual relations. On the contrary, they will bring new sensations that a woman has not experienced before. This is due to hormonal changes and increased sensitivity of the genitals. The main thing is to choose a comfortable position that eliminates pressure on the stomach (the woman is on her side, and the man is behind).

Many mothers mistakenly believe that uterine contractions during orgasm at 31 weeks of gestation can provoke premature delivery. Such contractions are not dangerous for the fetus and prepare the body for the upcoming birth.

Physical activity

To ensure moderate physical activity, a future woman in labor can attend different sports sections or special courses. The main thing is that after going on prenatal leave, do not forget about classes and move more. You can walk in the air, do breathing exercises, swim in the pool, do yoga, Pilates or gymnastics. Kegel exercises will be helpful. Such exercises strengthen the pelvic muscles, which will facilitate the process of delivery, speed up recovery after labor and help avoid ruptures during childbirth.