printer friendly

PREGNANCY TIMELINE: WEEK 31

The countdown continues--Nine weeks to go!

You already are or soon will be visiting the doctor every two weeks. The doctor will be closely monitoring your weight and blood pressure, urine (for sugar and protein), feet and hands (for swelling) and legs (for varicose veins) as well as the fetal heartbeat and size and position of the fetus.

Your doctor can tell which position the fetus is in by palpating your abdomen with the flat of his or her hands. The vertex, or head first, position is most common--about 96 of 100 babies present head first. Breech position is buttocks or feet first. The baby is still moving around in the uterus at this point, and even if determined to be in a breech position now, may still turn around before delivery. Breech position does not automatically mean that you must have a cesarean or "c-section" delivery. It does mean that you and the doctor must be prepared for the possibility of a c-section if problems occur during delivery. Breech positions can mean that the baby is premature or undersize, there are multiple fetuses, or there is some congenital problem.

Week Overview

Heartburn is in full gurgle. During this time you may experience a burning sensation in your chest accompanied by belches or burps. It is a form of indigestion. Avoid spicy foods, eat slowly and don't overeat. If the burning persists, take a tablespoon of cream before meals. The lactose in the cream is a base and will help neutralize the excess stomach acids bubbling up and causing the burning sensations. Avoid baking soda preparations. They contain sodium that actually stimulates acid production, tends to increase heartburn and cause fluid retention. Avoid lying down flat directly after meals. Prop yourself up, keeping your esophagus above your stomach. Eat five or six small meals instead of three big ones. Chewing gum for about 30 minutes immediately after eating can help and even prevent heartburn.

Due to increased blood flow throughout your system, you may experience Palpitations? you heart pounds harder than usual. Don't be alarmed, but make sure you are not overly excited or stressed. This is the time to slow your breathing and concentrate on easing tension. Your heartbeat should resume its usual rhythm after you relax.

Waddle waddle. Pregnancy releases a natural hormone called relaxin. It softens the ligaments in your pelvis, allowing your hips to spread to make room for the baby's birth. Don't worry, you won't walk like a duck forever!

Baby's Physical Development

• Baby weighs about 3 pounds, 5 ounces
• Crown-to-rump baby is 11.2 inches, 18 inches from head-to-toe.
• Fingernails may reach the ends of baby's hands.
• Baby can see in utero and can distinguish light and dark.
• Baby knows your voice! Sing, talk and tell your baby about the world.
• White fat begins to deposit under baby's skin making his/her red skin appear pink.
• The baby is still moving around in the uterus.

Your weight gain at this point should be between 21 and 27 pounds.

Time to Start Thinking About

Educate yourself on all the methods of delivery and think about whether you want to use pain medication. Find out what affect an epidural, tranquilizer, or Demerol will have on your baby.

Pre-registering at the hospital is a great help to both you and your physicians. Don't worry about waiting to fill out forms while you're in labor. Get them done now. Also, examine and discuss your medication options with your doctor and partner. That way there is little confusion about your preferences and expectations.

Tips for Mom:

Do your Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic and vaginal muscles in preparation for birth, and prevent incontinence.

Consider freezing meals ahead of time. Planning and cooking will occupy your wait time and may be a welcome distraction. Remember, you can avoid heartburn. Keep your portions small. (Just eat more of them!)

Tips for Dad:

Establish your partner's medication and drug preferences, but remain flexible. Sometimes circumstances require a deviation from the plan.

Premature Labor

Full-term infants are born between the 38th and 42nd weeks of pregnancy. Babies born prematurely (prior to the 38th week) are at risk for many health problems. Due to these health risks, it is best for a baby to remain in the uterus as long as possible, so it can grow and fully develop.

When premature labor begins your physician must determine if it is better for the infant to be inside the uterus or to be delivered. Your physician must also determine if the dates of the pregnancy are correct and if it is indeed true labor.

Stopping premature labor can significantly reduce the risks of fetal problems and problems related to premature delivery. Premature labor can be treated in several different ways. Bed rest is often successful in stopping contractions and premature labor. Medication (muscle relaxants) may be prescribed to suppress labor. In addition, sedatives or narcotics may be used to stop labor.

There are many causes of premature labor, but in many cases the exact cause is unknown. Common causes of premature labor include:

• Abnormal shaped uterus
• Multiple fetuses
• Polyhydramnios or hydramnios
• Placental abruption or placenta previa
• Premature rupture of membranes
• An incompetent cervix
• Abnormalities of the fetus
• Fetal death
• Retained IUD
• Abortion performed late in pregnancy
• Serious maternal illness
• Incorrect estimate of gestational age

Complications to Watch For

Most pregnancies occur without any complications or problems. But there are times when your physician should be contacted immediately. The following list contains symptoms to be aware of during pregnancy.

• Vaginal bleeding
• Severe swelling of the fingers and face
• Severe abdominal pain
• Loss of fluid from the vagina, usually a gush of fluid, but sometimes a trickle or continual wetness
• A big change in the baby's movements or a lack of movement
• High fever (more than 101.6F;38.7C) or chills
• Severe vomiting or an inability to keep food or liquid down
• Blurring of vision
• Painful urination
• A headache that won't go away or a severe headache
• An injury or accident, such as a fall or automobile accident, that causes you concern about the well-being of your pregnancy

Prenatal Care Checklist

• Lying on your left side with a firm pillow under your head will usually be the most comfortable position for sleeping. This position brings more oxygen to the baby and eases the load on your kidneys.
• Try a body pillow.
• Bath water should not exceed 100 degrees F. Saunas and hot tubs are off limits.
• Do not douche or use tampons. Take a warm bath or use pads instead.
• You should not be changing the kitty litter because harmful parasites may be present.
• Travel is okay as long as you don't travel far from home during the last month of pregnancy. Check with your doctor first if a travel emergency arises.
• Seatbelts will not harm your fetus.
• Use both shoulder and lap belts and make sure to place the lap belt under your belly, across the hips and thighs.
• Avoid contact with any harmful chemicals or fumes.

7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138
Phone: (901) 682-9222; Fax: (901) 682-9505

Home • About Our Practice • Patient Services • Patient Education • Newsletters

The recommendations and information provided by this Web site are for educational purposes only. This Web site does not contain comprehensive coverage of the topics addressed, and is not a substitute for direct consultation with your health care provider. Always consult a health care provider regarding your specific condition. Trademarks referred to are the property of their respective owners.

© 2008 Women's Health Specialists. All Rights Reserved.