Day 217 of 280, third trimester
You are 31 weeks exactly
An epidural is a common form of pain relief in labor and may suit you if you have a low pain threshold.
63 days until your due date
Many women decide before labor that they want a pain-free delivery with an epidural. But labor must be well established before you can have one, so you'll still have some painful contractions. Epidurals usually work well, but sometimes the block isn't complete or works better on one side. Some women choose one because they know they won't cope well with labor pain, and many who start out not wanting one change their minds halfway; if it's your first baby, you can't know how you'll feel.
An elective cesarean is planned and generally done for medical reasons, such as a low-lying placenta, not simply because a woman wants one. It's major abdominal surgery, and in most cases a vaginal delivery is safer. Recovery usually takes longer than after a vaginal birth, so a cesarean is only done when necessary.
The lowdown
Tocophobia
Tocophobia is an intense fear or dread of childbirth. Primary tocophobia comes before pregnancy and can start as early as adolescence; secondary tocophobia follows a previous traumatic birth. It can show as nightmares, intense anxiety, or panic attacks.
If you have it, your doctor will refer you to an obstetrician who specializes in mental health, or directly to a psychologist. Some experts believe hypnotherapy can help with subconscious fears. If your fear of vaginal birth can't be overcome, an elective cesarean may be recommended.
Focus on
Relationships: Comfortable lovemaking
You may need to experiment to find comfortable positions. The missionary position becomes uncomfortable for most women as their partner presses on the belly. Being on top may be enjoyable without pressure on your belly, and spooning, with your partner behind you, can be pleasurable too. Other comfortable options include sitting together, kneeling while your partner enters from behind, and lying side by side with legs entwined.
Appointments and key dates around now
- Whooping cough vaccineUsually around 20 weeks, best before 32 weeks
- RSV vaccineFrom 28 weeks
- 31-week appointment (first baby)
Read the full 31 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.