31-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
As D-Day fast approaches, your little one will soon be moving into position for birth. What a clever baby! But you already knew that. Read more about this week.
BABY DEVELOPMENT
Your baby 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 baby upside down, top of the head forward. This is called the "presentation" and can be determined at the next ultrasound.
YOUR BODY
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 that you will give to your baby 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.
NUTRITION
As your baby 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 baby need. Some of the extra calories that your body stores can be used during the process of making breastmilk after your baby is born.
TIPS
The size of a woman’s breasts has absolutely nothing to do with how well she can nurse her baby. Repeat – there is no relation at all! 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 baby drinks. Yes, your baby will know just how much he needs and your body will make the right amount to match.
Related articles
Your 40th Week of Pregnancy
Your baby is coming very soon. It measures 50 cm from crown to heel. It weighs 3.3kg, almost its final birth weight. The diameter of the head is 9.5cm, the size of a small melon.&
3 mins to read
Feeding Milestones – Count Every Victory!
Now that your baby is eight to 10 months old, has enjoyed her first tastes, and is becoming more experienced at eating, it’s time to move on to lumpy foods and helping her learn to feed herself.
6 mins to read
11-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
If you could look inside, you’d see thin little hairs developing on your baby’s eyebrows and above her lip. Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
Your Daily Nutritional Needs During Pregnancy
Iron, calcium, protein and carbohydrates, fibre and fats are all "must-haves" for baby making. Find out why.
6 mins to read
C-sections: What you need to consider
How you bring your baby into the world is a very personal decision, with different factors at play. Here are a few things to consider about an elective caesarean, also known as a C-section.
2 mins to read
5 simple snack ideas that can be customized for your child
Snacks are a great way to include more nutritious foods in your toddler’s diet. Think of them as “mini meals”. Offer him fruits and vegetables, as well as foods from the other food groups.
1 min to read
24-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Can you feel the baby reacting to noises and your caresses yet? Towards the end of the second trimester is when some women report that this starts to happen, so be on the lookout.
3 mins to read
Will I Be A Good Mother? Managing Prenatal Anxiety
With just a few weeks to go until your baby's grand entrance, you may be starting to think beyond the birth.
2 mins to read
Why fatherhood begins before conception
Your partner’s diet and lifestyle can play a vital role in conceiving your future baby.
4 mins to read
The First Trimester
The first trimester of your pregnancy – the first 12 weeks – can be an exciting time. This tiny little being is growing inside you. You probably have lots of questions.
1 min to read
36-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
From now until she makes her grand entrance, your baby will continue to grow. She is already 45 cm long and weighs about 2.9 kg! Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
2'-FL – Natural Guardians of Your Baby’s Development
Your little ones need extra protection in early life as their natural defence systems are not fully developed at birth.
3 mins to read
8 month old to 10 month old activities
The time you spend playing with your baby is precious, and enjoying games together is fun for both of you. But playtime is much more than just special moments spent together.
4 mins to read
13-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
The start of your second trimester is the start of lots of new development milestones for your baby. Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
Your Appetite During Pregnancy : Cravings and Aversions
Pregnancy hormones can impact your appetite and sense of taste. Find out how you can manage your appetite and eat well during pregnancy.
3 mins to read
Planning a baby shower checklist
A new arrival is definitely an excuse for a party. Whether friends or family are planning a baby shower for you, or you’re doing it yourself, here are some baby shower ideas to get you started.
2 mins to read
Does your toddler sleep less than your grandparents did?
Sleep has always been a concern for parents.
1 min to read
25-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Two more weeks left of the second trimester. You are gearing up for the home stretch. . Read more about how to help feed it.
2 mins to read
The Magical Moments After Birth - What To Expect
With 9 months in the making, the anticipation of meeting your baby is almost unbearable. Here's what you have to look forward to during those magical moments after you give birth.
3 mins to read
