Hey mama! Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked with Trish, your go-to labor nurse and birth bestie. In this episode, we’re diving into weeks 31 and 32 - when things start feeling super real! We’ll cover your baby’s incredible growth, the changes you’re noticing in your body, and how to prep for the final stretch. From managing shortness of breath and wild dreams to monitoring fetal movement and planning for birth, Trish delivers practical tips and empowering vibes to keep you confident. You’re magical, powerful, and totally got this!

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What’s Happening with Baby

• Size & Growth: Your baby is about the size of a coconut - 16-17 inches long and 3.5-4 pounds.
• Development: Major brain and nervous system growth, eyes opening and tracking light, and bones hardening (with a soft skull for birth). Baby’s practicing breathing and swallowing amniotic fluid, which they recycle to maintain fluid levels.
• Brown Fat: They’re building brown fat for temperature regulation - key for skin-to-skin after birth. Check Trish’s blog post on skin-to-skin for more! 
• Fetal Movement: You’re likely noticing a pattern. Keep track, as movement is a key sign of baby’s oxygen levels. Grab Trish’s Free Third Trimester Prep Pack for a fetal movement count sheet.

What’s Happening with You

• Shortness of Breath: Your growing uterus is crowding your lungs. Try yoga, stretching, swimming, or hands-and-knees positions to ease it.
• Swelling: Gradual swelling in ankles, feet, or hands is normal, but sudden swelling means you should call your provider.
• Aches & Pains: Expect more back and hip discomfort, plus Braxton Hicks contractions.
• Vivid Dreams & Insomnia: Hormones and discomfort can spark bizarre dreams and sleepless nights. Trish loves the Momcozy Pregnancy Pillow for comfort.
• Clumsiness: Your shifting center of gravity may make you wobbly - be cautious!
• Emotional Swings: From excitement to overwhelm, it’s all normal. Give yourself grace - you’re building a human!

Appointments & Prep

• Provider Checkups: You’re likely seeing your provider every two weeks for fundal height, heartbeat checks, and symptom discussions.
• Ask These Questions:
• How will baby’s growth be monitored?
• What are the hospital’s labor and delivery policies?
• Who will attend my birth?
• Pro Tip: Jot down questions in your phone to remember them at appointments. If your provider seems rushed, politely ask for time to talk.

Your Action Steps for Weeks 31–32:

• Hospital Bag: Start thinking about what to pack.
• Birth Preferences: Review them with your partner. Education is key for a solid plan.
• Take a Birth Class: Girl, if you haven’t yet, take one! Trish offers:
• Full Birth Course ($297): In-depth with robust support.
• Calm Labor Birth Pod ($97): Quick, audio-based with a guide.
• Labor Bat Signal: Add-on for 12 weeks of virtual DM support with Trish and a doula.
• Hydration & Movement: Prioritize drinking water and gentle movement.
• Postpartum Planning: List key contacts, check insurance for mental health support, and plan who’ll help after birth.
• Rest Without Guilt: Practice chilling out - you deserve it!

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:00 Welcome to Pregnancy Unpacked
• 00:49 Baby's Development: Weeks 31-32
• 02:54 Mom's Symptoms and Self-Care Tips
• 05:17 Doctor Visits and What to Expect
• 08:23 Preparing for Birth: Action Steps
• 10:30 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
• 11:10 Closing Remarks and Subscriber Call-to-Action

More from this episode:

Read the Blog: The Golden Hour After Birth

Momcozy Pregnancy Pillow

Resources:

Calm Labor Confident Birth Pod

🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙

Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!

First Trimester Prep Pack

Second Trimester Prep Pack

Third Trimester Prep Pack

Listen to the Pregnancy Unpacked Series!

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On Facebook

On YouTube

On Pinterest

On TikTok

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Next Steps with LNM:

If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!

If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.

If you have a scheduled cesarean, take our Belly Birth Masterclass and own that experience.

If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.

Remember, my advice is not medical advice. Always discuss what you learn with your team. See my Disclaimer here! Also, We make a small commission from some of the links (you don’t pay any more for using our links); however some of the recommendations, we do not earn anything; we love ’em and want you to know about them.