31 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Senses, Antenatal Classes & Baby Gear

31 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Senses, Antenatal Classes & Baby Gear

At 31 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a coconut, and all five senses are now working. You may notice more Braxton Hicks contractions as your body practises for labour. It's a great time to start antenatal classes and get your baby gear sorted.

Baby's size
About the size of a coconut (around 42cm head to heel, 1.5kg)
Big development
All five senses working
Common symptoms
Braxton Hicks, breathlessness, leaking colostrum and clumsiness
This week
Start antenatal classes and sort your baby gear

What's happening this week

Your baby is gaining weight quickly and is now about half the weight they'll be at birth.

Five senses

All switched on

Your baby can hear your voice, taste flavours in the amniotic fluid, feel touch, tell light from dark and even smell. They're taking in the world around them.

Protection

Borrowed antibodies

Antibodies are passing from you to your baby through the placenta. They'll help protect your baby against infections in their first months.

Moving

Getting into position

Your baby can turn their head from side to side, and many babies start to settle head down over the coming weeks.

Keep getting to know your baby's pattern of movements. If they slow down, stop or change, contact your hospital straight away. Here's more about your baby's movements.

Symptoms at 31 weeks pregnant

  • Braxton Hicks contractions. Your uterus tightens as it practises for labour. They're usually irregular and ease with rest, a change of position or a drink of water. Here's how to tell Braxton Hicks from labour.
  • Shortness of breath. Your uterus is pressing on your diaphragm. Sit up straight and slow down when you need to.
  • Leaking colostrum. Yellowish drops from your nipples are normal as your breasts get ready to feed. Breast pads help.
  • Clumsiness. Your centre of gravity has shifted and your joints are looser. Wear flat, supportive shoes and take care on stairs.
  • Back pain and trouble sleeping. A pregnancy pillow and going to sleep on your side can help you get comfortable.
  • Weeing more often. Your baby is pressing on your bladder, and small leaks when you cough or sneeze are common. Keep up your pelvic floor exercises.

Contact your hospital straight away if you have regular or painful contractions, more than four contractions in an hour, fluid leaking from your vagina, bleeding, pelvic pressure or a change in your baby's movements. Also call if you have a severe headache, blurred vision, sudden swelling or pain under your ribs.

Antenatal classes

Antenatal classes help you and your support person feel more confident about labour, birth and the first weeks with your baby. They're also a great way to meet other parents due around the same time.

Types of classes
Hospital or birth centre classes, private childbirth education, calm birth or hypnobirthing courses, active birth and pregnancy yoga, breastfeeding classes and online courses.
What they cover
The stages of labour, breathing and positions, pain relief options, caesarean birth, what happens after the birth, feeding and caring for a newborn.
Tips
Book early, as popular classes fill up fast. Bring your support person, and ask your hospital about free or low-cost options.Most people finish their classes by about 36 weeks

Getting your baby gear sorted

It's easy to feel you need everything before your baby arrives, but only a few things are truly essential. Here's what to get now and what can wait.

Get before the birth

  • A properly fitted rearward-facing car seat
  • A safe bassinet or cot with a firm, well-fitting mattress
  • Newborn nappies and fragrance-free wipes
  • A few newborn bodysuits, sleepsuits and a hat
  • Swaddles or baby sleeping bags
  • Feeding basics, such as breast pads or bottles

Can wait

  • A highchair and feeding gear for solids
  • A baby food maker
  • Big toys and activity centres
  • A cot, if your baby starts in a bassinet
  • Lots of clothes in bigger sizes

Our newborn clothing list, baby changing list and sleep list cover everything in detail. Here's how to choose a pram and car seat.

Choosing your birth support person

As your due date gets closer, think about who you'd like with you during labour. It could be your partner, a family member, a friend or a doula. Having someone you trust by your side can make a real difference to how supported you feel. Invite them to your antenatal classes, and share our tips for the labour support person so they know what to expect and how to help.

Your to-do list for week 31

Helpful for this stage

The newborn clothing listWhat your baby will wear in the early weeksSee the list NappiesStock up on newborn sizesShop nappies Swaddles and wrapsSnug and settled from day oneShop swaddles

Week 31 FAQs

Can my baby see at 31 weeks?

Your baby can open their eyes and tell light from dark, and may turn towards a bright light. Their vision will stay blurry until after birth, and newborns see best at about 20 to 30 cm, roughly the distance to your face during a feed.

When should I do antenatal classes?

Most people attend classes between about 28 and 36 weeks, but it's best to book in the second trimester, as popular classes fill up quickly. That way you'll finish well before your due date.

Are antenatal classes free in Australia?

Many public hospitals offer free or low-cost classes for people booked in to give birth there. Private classes, such as calm birth or active birth courses, usually have a fee. Ask your hospital or midwife what's available.

How many Braxton Hicks are normal?

They're usually irregular and ease when you rest or change position. Before 37 weeks, call your hospital if contractions become regular, painful, or you have more than four in an hour, or if you have fluid leaking, bleeding or pelvic pressure.

What baby gear do I really need before birth?

The essentials are a properly fitted car seat, a safe place to sleep, nappies and wipes, a few newborn clothes, swaddles or sleeping bags, and feeding basics. Most other things can wait until you know what you need.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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