Pregnancy Guide for Couples: Week 31
Do the weeks seem like they're flying by to you? I’s time to think about finalizing that nursery room and to consider who you want to be notified once you’re in labor.
What’s Going on with Baby
At Week 31, your baby is the size of a tub of movie popcorn!
Your baby is starting to turn their head from side to side, which they will often do once they’re outside the womb and in your arms. A layer of fat accumulates under their skin, so their arms and legs will become fuller with time, hence the chunky baby legs we all love! More ways your baby is growing include:
Baby may exhibit reflexes like sucking, swallowing, grasping, and blinking
Baby’s bones are hardening but remain quite pliable to allow them to enter the birth canal more easily
Antibodies travel from you to baby to build up their immune system and protect them against infections after birth
What’s Going on with Mom
Last week, we gave you an example of some questions you can ask your doctor at your prenatal appointments, including a question about your birth plan/preferences. If you haven’t finalized a birth plan, now is the time. Remember, your birth plan is simply a written document of your preferences and isn’t always what will happen since birth can be unpredictable.
Another thing to consider is who you want in the labor room with you.
Do you want it to be just you and your partner? Your mom and/or mom-in-law? Sister, friend or doula? Now is a good time to consider this so you can give your family and friends ample notice. And remember, this is your birth and your baby - if you don't want someone in the room with you, it's your decision. All you need to worry about is creating and protecting a peaceful environment in the labor and delivery room. Talk to your partner about your wishes and make a plan of action!
What’s going on with Partner
Grab your hammer, Dad; we have a crib to build! Now is an excellent time to build the nursery furniture and get baby’s room together before the big day! If the nursery is already handled, you can prep another way by deciding who you will contact once labor begins. Since Mom will be busy, it’s typically up to Dad to inform family, friends, or whoever you prefer that Mom is in labor. Here are some things to consider when deciding:
Who do you want to know first?
Do you want family/friends to attend the birth?
Do you want to be the point of contact for the birth, or do you want to give that job to another family member or friend so you can focus more on Mom?
Remember that the more people you notify of the labor, the more your phone will go haywire with notifications and calls. Some couples prefer to only notify a couple of people until after baby has been born.
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
One of the biggest questions you're probably trying to answer right now is should I get an epidural? This is such a personal decision, so I wrote a blog with all the pros and cons of epidurals so you can make your decision with confidence
