{"id":257451,"date":"2022-02-11T12:58:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-11T17:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/?post_type=article&p=257451"},"modified":"2025-06-23T15:24:03","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T19:24:03","slug":"31-weeks-pregnant-with-multiples","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/257451\/31-weeks-pregnant-with-multiples\/","title":{"rendered":"31 weeks pregnant with multiples"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Feeling a bit short of breath<\/a> these days? Your babies are taking up a lot of space now, which means they\u2019re starting to crowd your lungs \u2014 and each other!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your due date is drawing close now. Are you ready? Your babies almost are. In fact, they\u2019re just putting the finishing touches on what will be the most perfect package ever delivered in the coming weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s have a look at what\u2019s going on with your little ones this week and check in on how you\u2019re feeling!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How are the babies?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your babies are becoming more flexible in their joints and necks. This means they can turn their heads with ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their heads are still quite soft, as the bones of the skull are not yet fused together. This allows your babies to pass more easily through the birth canal. Their soft spots, known as fontanels, will close gradually after they\u2019re born. The posterior fontanel closes in the first 2 to 3 months of life, and the anterior fontanel closes when your babies are closer to 18 to 24 months old.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They continue to pack on fat, which will help regulate their body temperature once they\u2019re born. Their immune systems are also nearly developed enough to fight illnesses on their own, though they will continue becoming more efficient after they\u2019re born.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your babies weigh over 3.5 pounds each now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How are you doing? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s that tightening and discomfort in your belly? It\u2019s probably Braxton-Hicks contractions, which are practice contractions that become more frequent later in pregnancy.\u00a0Though uncomfortable, Braxton-Hicks contractions are not typically painful. They are often referred to as \u201cfalse labor\u201d. They\u2019re your body\u2019s way of practicing for birth. You can combat the discomfort by staying hydrated, keeping your bladder empty, resting, or taking a bath.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If Braxton-Hicks contractions don\u2019t subside after an hour, or if they seem to follow a regular pattern, give your healthcare provider a call to ask if you should head to the hospital to be monitored. Other signs of preterm labor include increased vaginal discharge or any vaginal bleeding, lower back pain, and increased pressure in your pelvis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might notice some yellowish discharge coming from your nipples soon. This is called colostrum, which is your babies\u2019 first \u201csuperfood.\u201d Colostrum<\/a> is full of antibodies to provide babies an immune system boost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To protect your shirts, you can invest in breast pads to soak up the colostrum, and eventually, milk. It\u2019s worth noting that it is normal to have not noticed any colostrum yet, too.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s plan ahead!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Determining who you want with you on delivery day is an important decision that may depend on a few factors. Some people want just their partners by their side, while others prefer additional support persons, like extended family or a doula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your hospital may have a policy on how many people you can have in the room with you during delivery, particularly if you\u2019re having a C-section<\/a>. Talking with your pregnancy provider in advance can help answer questions about who will provide medical care and who can be with you for support during delivery, making planning easier.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also worth considering whether or not you want visitors after your baby arrives, either at the hospital or at home. Let your friends and family know your decision, so you can welcome your babies as publicly or privately as you wish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Read more<\/h3>\n\n\n\n