Week 32 of Pregnancy

Key Takeaways at Week 32

• Soon, the baby will "drop" from above your rib cage to below your pelvis

• At this moment, the baby is probably lying head down. If your obstetrician tells you that your baby is in breech position, don't panic. There is still time for your tiny one to turn

• If you are expecting multiples or have a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor may have requested a 3D/4D ultrasound. (Yes, you will be able to identify the baby's facial traits)

• You could feel a little sticky down there. Vaginal discharge increases in preparation for labour and delivery

• Keep an eye out for Braxton Hicks contractions throughout this time. They can be uncomfortable, but they should subside with movement. If the contractions get more intense and frequent, contact your doctor to rule out preterm labour

• At 32 weeks pregnant, the baby's birth may seem far off, but you should be prepared for delivery, should it happen early. You're certainly dealing with some end-of-pregnancy tasks, such as notifying your health insurance that you'll be having a new baby soon and making the final changes in the nursery

• If you are in Week 32 of your pregnancy you are in the third trimester and in the eighth month

• 8 more weeks remaining in your pregnancy

Baby's Movement and Baby’s Development at Week 32

Baby is preparing for their descent and is most likely in a head-down position right now. They are probably feeling even more restricted.

Sudden loud noises may frighten the infant around week 32. By week 29 of pregnancy, foetal hearing is fully established, allowing the baby to hear and process much of what happens outside the womb. That doesn't mean the baby's hearing is fully developed: Between 25 weeks of pregnancy and 5 to 6 months after birth, the development of the ear-brain connection is crucial. Stimulation, particularly meaningful noises such as conversation and music, is essential for helping babies discriminate and grasp their surroundings.

From now on, the baby's goal is to gain weight, which will exacerbate your symptoms, such as shortness of breath. Your baby is gaining fat at a rapid speed, which they will utilise to stay warm outside of your temperature-controlled womb. At birth, fat accounts for approximately 14% of the baby's body weight; by the time the baby is six months old, body fat stores have increased to almost 30%!

Your baby is growing active in your womb, breathing, sucking, swallowing, blinking, clutching, and preparing for their first formal appearance.

After months of being nearly translucent, the baby's skin is changing colour and texture as fat accumulates. Soon you'll be playing with those plump baby arms, causing joyous and beautiful chuckles.

While you are sleeping, your baby is taking advantage of the opportunity. You may not notice much movement during silent sleep, but your baby will quickly return to active sleep, squirming and stretching.

• Baby Weight: Over 1.8 Kg
• Baby Length: Over 18 inches long
• Baby Size: Comparable to squash.

How do You Know if a Baby is Head Down at 32 Weeks?

Between now and week 34, your baby will "drop" from near your ribs to near your pelvis, where they will remain head-down until delivery. When this occurs, you may notice a quick shift from "carrying high" to "carrying low." This is not a guarantee, however; some infants do not drop until the mother is in labour.

Is it Safe to Deliver at 32 Weeks?

At 32 weeks, it is still a little early to birth the baby. Babies born before 37 weeks are called preterm. There are numerous medical therapies available for newborns delivered prematurely, including a stay in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) until the baby is ready to go home. Don't worry, you've probably built a solid rapport with your OB by now, and you can be certain that you and your baby will be in capable hands.

Pregnancy Symptoms and Body Changes This Week

During week 32 of pregnancy, your body changes. As your baby grows, so will you, and you may feel specific pregnancy symptoms throughout this period.

• If you experience tingling, numbness, or pain flowing from your lower back down your leg, it's most likely due to your growing baby exerting pressure. These pains are known as sciatica. Some mothers find that moving around or gently stretching helps
• Bloating, gas and indigestion are common by now, as is occasional constipation
• The extra strain on your pelvis causes a weak bladder and the need to urinate frequently
• It's difficult to sleep, and when you wake up, your head is foggy and even hurt. Blame it on hormones and the phenomenon known as pregnancy brain. Keep hydrated, and it should be fine to take paracetamol (unless advised otherwise by a doctor)
• Your body is preparing for labour, and you will most likely experience some of the previously described Braxton Hicks contractions
• Hormones, constipation, and bigger veins caused by increased blood volume can all result in haemorrhoids. Epsom salt baths, drinking plenty of water, and using ice packs may be beneficial, but consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and additional pregnancy-safe treatment choices
• Colostrum may be seeping from your breast. This yellow, waxy substance contains plenty of nutrients and antibodies for your child. Leaking is not a symptom of early labour, and you will still have enough for your baby

Body Changes This week

You may experience a lot of movement as your baby adjusts into position for birth over the next few weeks. Your body will begin to prepare for delivery from this point forward, rehearsing and flexing as things fall into place. This will include Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as "false labour." They can be difficult to detect at first but can last anywhere from 15 seconds to two minutes. The main distinction between these and genuine contractions is that Braxton Hicks contractions should stop when you stand up and move around. Labour contractions eventually become stronger and more regular. If the latter occurs, consult your doctor.

32-week Ultrasound

You'll undoubtedly have a 32-week pregnancy appointment, as most OBs prefer to see their patients every other week at this stage. However, you will most likely not undergo an ultrasound unless you have pregnancy difficulties or your doctor has a special concern. For example, if a woman is pregnant with twins, her doctor may recommend additional monitoring beginning in week 30.

Your Baby Bump at Week 32

A 32-week pregnant belly should measure 30 to 34 centimetres from the top of the uterus to the pelvic bone. If you're pregnant with twins, you're probably feeling more overwhelmed than other pregnant women. You're also likely to be closer to birth, as the normal twin pregnancy is deemed full term at 37 weeks, with the typical twin pregnancy lasting 35 to 36 weeks.

Signs of Labour at 32 Weeks

If you have indicators of labour, such as your water breaking, the loss of your mucus plug, or continuous, strengthening contractions, you may be going into preterm labour. Preterm labour occurs when your body goes into labour early, before 37 weeks of gestation. If you experience any labour symptoms at 32 weeks, try to remain calm and contact your doctor immediately.

Tips and Exercise at Week 32

Being 32 weeks pregnant is a significant milestone for both you and your baby. Here's some additional professional advice on how to transition to this phase while keeping you and your baby safe.

• Avoid getting heartburn by not overfilling your plate or opting for seconds. If you suffer from heartburn or acid reflux, small meals are easier on your digestive system. Simply eat more frequently, five or six times each day, and continue to avoid high-fat or spicy foods
• Hunching over can make it difficult to breathe, and who needs that when you're 32 weeks pregnant? Sitting or standing up straight allows your lungs to fill with much-needed air, which can also help reduce any third-trimester aches and pains
• Using a pantiliner or wearing cotton pants and changing them as needed not only keeps you comfortable but may also make it easier to check discharge for any changes in colour or texture that require medical care. This can be a wonderful hygiene hack
• If you've been lying down and your Braxton Hicks contractions aren't stopping, a little exercise may help. Try walking for a few minutes, but don't go too far. If the contractions don't stop, they could be the real thing, and you'll need to call your doctor

Checklist for Week 32

• Discuss your birth plan with your doctor
• Call your health insurance company
• Install the baby's car seat
• Ensure that your hospital bag is packed and ready
• Continue to receive regular prenatal care and keep track of any changes in symptoms
• Read about breastfeeding

Frequently Asked Questions on Week 32 of Pregnancy

1. When do cervix checks start?
   Most mothers do not require cervical checks until they experience signs of labour. During a cervical exam, your practitioner will enter a gloved hand into the vagina to see if your cervix has dilated (opened) or effaced (thinned), both of which indicate that your body is preparing for labour. Some practitioners undertake regular cervical exams in the latter weeks of pregnancy, but you can usually ask them to skip these tests. Your doctor may also recommend cervical checks if you are at risk for premature birth or if you need to be induced for medical reasons (for example, severe preeclampsia).
2. Why do I feel pressure in my pelvis, and how can I relax it?
   Later in pregnancy, your baby begins to engage in your pelvis or migrate from higher up in your abdomen to your cervix, in preparation for birth. This may make you feel pressure in your pelvic area. Pelvic pressure and pain can also be symptoms of pelvic girdle pain, which occurs when hormones relax your ligaments and your growing baby exerts strain on your joints. To reduce pressure, be active by getting up and moving about every 30 minutes when sitting, standing on two legs (not one), and keeping your legs together when turning over in bed. If it's truly troubling you, talk to your practitioner: they may recommend seeing a physical therapist, who may teach you techniques to relieve the discomfort.