Week 31 Pregnancy

Third Trimester

Last reviewed: July 2026

31 weeks pregnant at a glance

You are in the third trimester.
Your baby is roughly the size of a coconut.
Midwife appointment (31 or 32 weeks) to check growth and position.
Every pregnancy is different, so don't worry if your experience varies slightly.

You are 31 weeks pregnant and in your third trimester. Your baby is about the size of a coconut. This week's key development: Brain Connections Blooming. NHS note: Midwife appointment (31 or 32 weeks) to check growth and position.

This page is for general pregnancy planning and date guidance only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pregnancy dates are estimates and can change after a scan or advice from your midwife, GP, or maternity team. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional if you have symptoms, concerns, or questions about your pregnancy.

Week 30

Week 32

Baby's Development

Your baby is about the size of a coconut.

Brain Connections Blooming — Billions of neural connections are being made in your baby's brain this week. They can process information, feel pain, and experience something like dreaming during REM sleep. Their immune system is developing with the help of antibodies passed from you.

Coconut

Approx. 41.1cm

Your Symptoms

Leaking breasts (colostrum)
Shortness of breath
Backache

Every pregnancy is different. You may experience all, some, or none of these symptoms — and that's completely normal. If anything concerns you, speak to your midwife.

NHS Appointments

Midwife appointment (31 or 32 weeks) to check growth and position.

Practical Advice for Week 31

Nutrition

Continue vitamin D daily.
Eat protein-rich meals — your baby's brain is forming billions of neural connections.
Include foods rich in zinc (meat, seeds, chickpeas) to support your immune system.
Stay well hydrated to help with breast milk production later.

Exercise

Gentle walking and stretching are ideal now.
If you're experiencing Braxton Hicks during exercise, slow down and hydrate.
Birth ball exercises help open the pelvis and ease back pain.
Pelvic floor exercises — keep them up right through to birth and beyond.

Wellbeing

Leaking breasts (colostrum) are normal — breast pads help.
Shortness of breath is caused by your growing uterus — it improves when baby drops.
Backache can be eased with a warm wheat bag and good posture.
If you're anxious about labour, your midwife can refer you for birth anxiety support.

Preparation

Midwife appointment (31 or 32 weeks) to check growth and position.
Start reading about infant feeding — whether breast, formula, or combination.
Ensure you have a going-home outfit for baby (newborn size and 0–3 months as backup).
If you have other children, prepare them for the new arrival with age-appropriate books.

Tip of the Week

Breast pads can help if you're experiencing leaking colostrum.

Frequently Asked Questions for Week 31

How many months is 31 weeks pregnant?

At 31 weeks pregnant, you are roughly 7 months pregnant. Remember that pregnancy is typically measured in weeks rather than months for clinical accuracy.

What size is the baby at 31 weeks?

At 31 weeks, your baby is roughly the size of a coconut (about 41.1cm). Billions of neural connections are being made in your baby's brain this week. They can process information, feel pain, and experience something like dreaming during REM sleep. Their immune system is developing with the help of antibodies passed from you.

What are the common symptoms at 31 weeks pregnant?

Common symptoms at this stage include leaking breasts (colostrum), shortness of breath, backache. Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and it's normal to experience different symptoms.

Is 31 weeks in the third trimester?

Yes, 31 weeks falls within the third trimester.

Are there any NHS appointments at 31 weeks?

Midwife appointment (31 or 32 weeks) to check growth and position.