Pregnancy Week 31 - All Five Senses Working & Brain Connections

All five senses are now working. Your baby can see light through the womb, hear sounds, taste amniotic fluid, and feel touch. The brain is making billions of connections between neurons, and the neural networks are becoming increasingly complex. Your baby is passing more and more time in deep sleep, which is essential for brain development. The reproductive system continues to develop: if a boy, the testes are descending; if a girl, the clitoris is prominent. Your baby is gaining about half a pound per week now.

Your body is definitely showing signs of the third trimester. You may be feeling Braxton Hicks contractions more frequently. Your growing belly may cause balance issues, and you may feel clumsier than usual. You might experience heartburn, difficulty breathing, and trouble sleeping. Some women develop pregnancy carpal tunnel syndrome. Your breasts may be leaking more colostrum. You could be experiencing more swelling in your feet and ankles by the end of the day.