31 weeks 
pregnant

Pregnancy symptoms during week 31

Braxton Hicks contractions

Have you noticed the muscles in your uterus tightening now and then? Many women feel these contractions – called Braxton Hicks – in the second half of pregnancy. Often lasting about 30 seconds, they should be irregular, infrequent, and painless (though they may feel uncomfortable). Labor contractions, on the other hand, come at regular intervals and increase in intensity over time.

If you're unsure whether you're experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions or true labor, let your doctor or midwife know right away. Sometimes Braxton Hicks contractions are hard to distinguish from early signs of preterm labor, so play it safe and don't try to make the diagnosis yourself.

And remember: Dehydration can bring on Braxton Hicks, so do your best to drink enough fluids throughout the day. You may also notice these contractions more at the end of the day, when you have a full bladder, and during or after physical activity or sex. To ease discomfort from Braxton Hicks, it can help to rest, take a walk, do relaxation exercises, or take a warm bath.

Leaky breasts

If you're seeing drops of a yellow or orange fluid leaking from your nipples (or in your bra cups), don't worry! This is colostrum, a high-protein, antibody-rich liquid that's the perfect first food for your newborn. It's sometimes called "foremilk" because it comes in before mature breast milk.

If your breasts are leaking, it's totally normal – your body is getting ready to feed your baby. Try tucking some nursing pads into your bra to protect your clothes. And if you don't see any colostrum yet, that's also nothing to worry about. Your breasts are making colostrum even if you don't see it yet.

Frequent urination

Peeing more than usual? Up to 95 percent of women experience frequent urination during pregnancy. This may begin at the start of pregnancy and continue until delivery. Hormones, extra fluid, and pressure on your bladder all play a part in causing you to run to the bathroom more often.

Frequent urination could also be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Tell your provider if you have pain during urination, blood-tinged urine, cloudy or foul-smelling pee, a fever, or pain in your back or lower abdominal area.

Some women leak urine during pregnancy when they cough, laugh, sneeze, or exercise. This often happens because pregnancy hormones loosen the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding ligaments. Plus, the growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. Urinary incontinence may go away after delivery, but it can continue as postpartum incontinence. Doing Kegel exercises can help by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.

Back pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms, and you may really be feeling it these days. It happens most in the second half of pregnancy, as your baby grows larger. As your uterus expands, it shifts your center of gravity and stretches your abdominal muscles, putting strain on your back. Hormonal changes also play a role in pregnancy back pain.

You may have lumbar back pain (felt right at the lower back), and/or posterior pelvic pain (felt in your buttocks or the back of your thighs).

Low-impact exercises – such as swimming, stretching, and walking – can help. Improving your posture, wearing comfortable shoes, and not carrying heavy items can also help prevent and improve your back pain.

If you can't get any relief, talk to your provider about trying acupuncture or prenatal massage. If you have severe pain, your provider may recommend medication.

Trouble sleeping

There are many reasons it's challenging to get good sleep during the third trimester: Your baby's kicking, aches and pains, frequent trips to the bathroom, and trying to get comfortable are just a few.

If finding the right sleeping position is a problem, try experimenting with different options. For example, sleeping on the couch, in a recliner, or on an air mattress may be easier on your body than lying in bed. Or, try a foam mattress pad on your bed and a pregnancy pillow. Here are more tips on getting comfortable in bed in later pregnancy.

Insomnia during pregnancy takes a toll on your health. If you've tried different sleep strategies and you're still having trouble getting a solid night of rest, let your provider know.

Sciatica

If you're feeling a sharp or dull pain that starts in your lower back and radiates down your buttocks and legs, you may have sciatica. This pain occurs when there's compression, inflammation, or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower spine to your buttocks and down the back of your legs.

Sciatica is common in pregnancy, especially during the last few months when your baby's putting on weight. Your growing baby and uterus can press down on the sciatic nerve. And as your baby settles into position for birth, their head may rest on your sciatic nerve.

This pain should go away after delivery. In the meantime, ease sciatic pain by applying warm compresses to your back, gently stretching the muscles, and doing Kegel exercises and pelvic tilts (also known as cat/cow pose or cat stretch pose). You can also ask your provider about using acupuncture, prenatal massage, and pain medication to cope with sciatica.

Don't see your symptom?

Wondering about a symptom you have? Find it on our pregnancy symptoms page.