31 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore

Ever sat in the bath at half ten o’clock, belly up to your chin, whisperin’ to the bump, “Alright, mate—what’s the plan today?” At 31 weeks pregnant, your body’s basically doing Olympic-level acrobatics without your permission. The 31 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore start whisperin’ a bit louder now—swelling ankles like you’ve been walkin’ barefoot through the Pennines, heartburn that feels like you’ve swallowed a kettle, and that baby kickin’ like it’s practising for Premier League football. Honestly? It’s normal to feel like a teapot with a wobbly lid. But here’s the thing: while fatigue, frequent urination, and backache are part of the weekly script, your gut instinct matters more than any NHS leaflet. If something feels *off*, even if it sounds daft, jot it down. Your midwife won’t laugh—they’ve heard it all, from “my bump’s humming” to “I dreamt the wee one ordered a full English.”

Right, let’s cut to the chase. Pregnancy’s a beautiful ride, yeah—but it’s also got a few potholes. The 31 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore include sudden swelling in your hands or face, wicked headaches that paracetamol won’t touch, blurred vision that makes your kettle look like a UFO, or reduced foetal movement. Don’t just shrug it off with a “meh, probably just tired.” Nope. If your bump goes quiet for more than an hour when it’s usually doing salsa, or if you’re peeing less but drinking plenty, ring your maternity unit. These aren’t “maybe” signs—they’re “right now” alarms. Trust your intuition. As one Glaswegian mum told us: “I ignored the dizziness ’cause I thought it was just the weather. Turned out to be pre-eclampsia. Lesson learned: never bargain with your body.”

By week 31, you’re deep in third-trimester territory—coastin’ towards the finish line, or so they say. But this stretch? It’s when the 31 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore really demand your attention. Danger signs include vaginal bleeding (even light spotting), constant abdominal pain, fever over 38°C, or fluid leaking like you’ve sprung a tap. Not just “oh, I sneezed too hard”—actual continuous leakage. Also, contractions before 37 weeks that are regular, painful, and don’t ease with rest? That’s preterm labour knocking. According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, around 8% of UK pregnancies experience preterm birth—but early intervention can change everything. So yeah, if your tummy’s tightenin’ like a drum every 10 minutes? Don’t brew another cuppa—get on the blower.

Right, listen up: at 31 weeks, you’re not just carrying a baby—you’re basically a walking VIP lounge. So treat yourself like one. Avoid raw or undercooked meats (sorry, no rare steak), unpasteurised cheese (brie’s a no-go, luv), and deli meats unless they’re blasted in the oven. Also, skip hot tubs, saunas, and lying flat on your back for ages—your bump’s big enough to squish major blood vessels, which can make you dizzy or even faint. And for heaven’s sake, avoid heavy lifting. No, “just popping that laundry basket upstairs” doesn’t count as “light.” Your pelvic floor’s already under siege. Plus, cut back on caffeine—stick to under 200mg a day (about two mugs of weak tea). The 31 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore often flare up when you push too hard, too fast. Slow down. You’re not late for work—you’re growing a human.

Swollen feet? Yeah, most mums-to-be waddle like ducks by now. But if your ankles look like you’ve been stung by a swarm of bees, your rings won’t budge, or your face’s puffier than a Yorkshire pudding, it might be more than just gravity playin’ tricks. This type of swelling—called oedema—can sometimes signal preeclampsia, especially if it shows up suddenly and sticks around. Preeclampsia affects roughly 5-8% of pregnancies in the UK and is no joke. Pair that swelling with a splitting headache, nausea, or upper abdominal pain, and you’ve got a red-alert scenario. The 31 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore here are subtle but serious. Don’t brush it off with “oh, it’s just the heat.” The UK’s maternity system runs on vigilance—so speak up.

You’ve probably heard the golden rule: “If you haven’t felt ten movements in two hours, ring the hospital.” But here’s the real tea—every baby’s got its own rhythm. Some kick like boxers at dawn; others wiggle like eels at midnight. What matters isn’t the number—it’s the pattern. If your usual “evening disco” suddenly goes silent, or the kicks feel weaker, that’s when the 31 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore list gets a new entry. Lay on your left side, have a cold drink, and focus. No movement after an hour? Don’t wait. Better to be the “overcautious mum” than the one who says “I wish I’d called.” NHS data shows over 500 stillbirths annually could be prevented with timely response to reduced movement. So yeah—trust your gut. Your bump’s voice matters.

Let’s talk about the elephant in the (very cramped) room: your brain. At 31 weeks, hormones are doing the cha-cha on your neurotransmitters. You might feel anxious, tearful, or like you’re losing your marbles—“Why did I google ‘can babies sneeze in the womb?’ at 3 a.m.?” Mood swings are normal, but persistent sadness, panic attacks, or constant dread? That’s not just “baby blues.” Perinatal anxiety affects up to 1 in 5 UK mums, and it often gets brushed under the rug as “just hormones.” But the 31 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore include your mental state. If you’re avoiding calls, can’t sleep from worry, or feel detached from the pregnancy, tell your midwife. There’s no shame—only support. As one Brummie mum put it: “I thought I was cracking up. Turned out, I just needed someone to say, ‘Yeah, it’s a lot.’”

Alright, let’s be real—pregnancy glow? More like pregnancy *groan*. By 31 weeks, your womb’s up near your ribs, squashing your stomach like a packed suitcase. Result? Heartburn that tastes like you’ve swallowed a campfire. Constipation so stubborn, you’d swear your insides are on strike. While these are “normal,” they can sometimes mask nastier issues. Severe heartburn with vomiting or weight loss? Could be gallstones. Constipation with intense cramping? Could signal bowel obstruction (rare, but possible). The key is knowing your baseline. The 31 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore aren’t just dramatic—they’re deviations from what’s usual *for you*. So if your tummy’s been fine for weeks and suddenly it’s like a warzone? Don’t just reach for Gaviscon—mention it at your next appointment.

You’re exhausted. Like, “could nap on a pavement” tired. But the minute you lie down, baby’s doing parkour and your bladder’s screaming for attention. Classic. Fatigue at 31 weeks is expected—but if you’re dizzy when standing, your nails are brittle, or you’re craving ice (yes, really—called pica), it might be anaemia. Iron-deficiency anaemia affects nearly 25% of pregnant women in the UK. A simple blood test can sort it. Again, the 31 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore include extreme tiredness that doesn’t lift with rest. Don’t write it off as “just pregnancy.” You’re not lazy—you might just need iron. And maybe a decent pillow. (Pro tip: full-body pregnancy pillow = game changer.)

Look, navigating the final weeks is like drivin’ through fog—you know the destination, but you can’t see the potholes. That’s why knowing *when* to call matters more than ever. Keep your maternity unit number saved as “MIDWIFE SOS” so you don’t fumble at 2 a.m. And remember: it’s always better to call and be told “you’re fine” than to wait and regret it. For more on early pregnancy awareness, check out Amana Parenting, browse the full Pregnancy section, or dive into our earlier piece on trimester transitions: 14 Weeks Pregnant in Months Conversion Chart. These resources aren’t just handy—they’re lifelines when your brain’s mush. And hey, if you’re reading this at 31 weeks, you’re nearly there. Just don’t ignore the whispers your body’s sending. They’re your baby’s first language.

References

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby
• https://www.rcog.org.uk
• https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy
• https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/maternal_perinatal