31-Week pregnant: Development and diet

WEEK 31 DEVELOPMENT

If you are surprised by the size of your breasts, remember that your body is getting ready to breastfeed. The big moment is coming closer! Don’t be surprised if you find yellow flecks on your blouse or T-shirt once in a while: that is “pre-milk,” or colostrum. Though surprising, it is a good sign. It means your breasts are getting ready for feeding your child. The colostrum you give your child in the first few days contains important antibodies that boost your child’s immune system. Not every woman produces pre-milk at this point. If you are one of them, you can protect your clothing with a breast pads placed inside your bra.

Your little darling is still growing and growing. As of this week, she weighs half of what she will weigh at birth, and still has a few more centimetres to go as well. Meanwhile, she can start to get into the position she will have at the time of delivery: 95 % of pregnancies are delivered with the child upside down, top of the head forward. This is called the "presentation" and can be determined at the next ultrasound.

NUTRITION

As your child will be putting on an additional 1 to 1½ kilos between now and his birth, an average of 200g per week, be sure to include foods in your diet from each of the food groups that can provide the extra calories and nutrients you and your child need. Some of the extra calories that your body stores can be used during the process of making breastmilk after your little one is born.

TIPS

The size of a woman’s breasts has absolutely nothing to do with how well she can nurse her child. Repeat – there is no relation at all! Even if small-chested, you should have no problem breastfeeding your child. A woman with a small chest will not produce any less milk than a larger woman – the amount of milk is determined by how much your child drinks. Yes, your child will know just how much he needs and your body will make the right amount to match.