Day 222 of 280, third trimester
You are 31 weeks and 5 days
Your baby's position can affect your delivery, but there's plenty of time for it to change.
58 days until your due date
At each check, your doctor will assess your baby's lie and presentation. Many babies are breech earlier in pregnancy, but most turn head down by the end; still, about 1 in 25 full-term births is breech.
Between 32 and 37 weeks is the best time for your doctor to try turning a breech baby, because there's plenty of room. After 35 or 36 weeks, the baby is unlikely to change position because there's less room for big movements. If your baby is breech, your doctor may try to turn it (a procedure called version) and may recommend an extra scan at 37–38 weeks to check the position, since it can be hard to tell on examination alone whether it's the bottom or head being felt. If your baby stays breech, your doctor may suggest a cesarean.
Focus on
Dads: Getting the balance right
Much of late pregnancy involves your partner doing less, from less exercise to fewer household chores, and it may be hard for her to accept she can't do things as easily as before and is a little less independent.
You can be a great help in these final weeks, but there's a fine line between supportive and overprotective. You may want to be "superman" and do everything, but that might frustrate her. Take your lead from her: help when she needs it, and give her space to do her own thing.
Appointments and key dates around now
- Whooping cough vaccineUsually around 20 weeks, best before 32 weeks
- RSV vaccineFrom 28 weeks
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.