Your baby at week thirty two of pregnancy
Only two months left until your due date! Week thirty two is a real milestone, because any babies born prematurely from here on in will have an extremely high chance of survival and will go on to live normal, happy, healthy lives.
Your little one is approximately 43cm long and should be steadily putting on weight from now until birth, this week weighing around 1.7kg. Your little one will have hopefully settled into an upside down position, so that when they are born, they crown, meaning that their head comes out first, however don’t be surprised if your baby rolls around and changes position a lot between now and birth. This week your baby’s skin is now completely opaque, and thanks to the fat deposits, smooth and slightly pigmented. You probably aren’t feeling as much movement as you did before due to the lack of space your baby has, but also because of the regular sleep cycle your baby is maintaining.
Your body at week thirty two of pregnancy
With your watermelon sized uterus encroaching on your stomach and digestive system (as well as your diaphragm, causing labored breathing), you may find that your appetite has dulled, but with your baby still needing to gain at least half a pound a week for a healthy birth weight, it is very important that you continue to eat, even just little and often. Your baby is more than large enough for you to be able to feel their movements, which are a good sign of growth and health, however it is less enjoyable if you can feel an elbow or foot getting stuck up underneath your ribs. Eat something sugary or lie on your side to encourage your little trouble maker to shift over.
What you may be feeling at week thirty two of pregnancy
You may be feeling a little bored at this stage of your pregnancy. Although you should be getting as much rest as possible you should also continue with some light exercise. Swimming is a good way of breaking up your day, to relieve boredom, and also relieve you of the weight of your bump for half an hour or so. It also provides an opportunity to socialize and perhaps take your mind off of any underlying worries you may be having about going into labor.
Whilst your baby is practicing sucking and swallowing, your body might be practicing for giving birth by performing Braxton Hicks contractions, which involve the tightening and relaxing of your abdominal muscles. These should not be painful and are completely normal.
Common symptoms at week thirty two of pregnancy
- Frequent urination
- Tender or tingly breasts
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Irritability or unexpected emotions
- Increased hunger
- Clumsiness
- Pain, tingling or numbness in fingers
- Shortness of breath
- Dry, brittle nails
- Braxton hicks contractions
- Backache
- Leaking breasts
- Anxiety about labor and birth
- A feeling of restlessness or boredom
Tips for week thirty two of pregnancy
- Practice your breathing for when you go into labor
- Continue to sleep on your side, this reduces risk of stillbirth
- Familiarize yourself with symptoms of going into labor and when to call the hospital
If you have any symptoms that concern you it is important to consult your doctor as soon as you can.