A Complete Information Guide on Pregnancy Week 32

By Pregnancy week 32, your baby’s eyes have started to open and close. He/she can hear the sounds and can even recognize your voice.

32 weeks pregnant is seven months. That means you and your 32-week baby are starting on month eight. A full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks so only a few weeks more to go. A baby can happen anytime between 38–40 weeks of pregnancy.

Let us know understand what changes and development you can expect during this week.

Fetal Development in Pregnancy Week 32:

In Pregnancy week 32:

Size of baby – 16.7 inches (42.4 cm)- from crown to heel.
Weight of baby – around 3.75 pounds (1.7 kg)
Baby is as big as a Squash.

All major organs of your baby are functioning independently and properly.

The skin of your baby has now become softer and smooth as the fat is depositing. The coating of “vernix caseosa” which is protecting the skin and “lanugo” have started to disappear. Although some babies are born with the coating of vernix. The coating can easily be wiped off in your baby’s first bath.
The lungs have almost developed. But still it needs more development.
By this week or in coming weeks (i.e. in week 33 or 34), your baby will drop from up near your ribs to down near your pelvis and obtains the birthing position which is a head-down position. Your baby will be there in this position until delivery.
It may happen that the baby is still in a bottom-down position, which is called a breech position. But nothing to worry about as the baby has time to rotate his position before birth.
You will feel that the baby movements are not stronger and identical as before. This is due to the reason that the baby is grown big hence left with a limited space inside your tummy to showcase his activities. But still if you notice any significant decrease in the baby movements you are advised to call your doctor.

Moods & Symptoms in Pregnancy Week 32:

Pain and aches must have become a common routine of the day. Besides these, you can expect more changes in your body which are as follows:

Fatigue – Although it is a very common symptom during this trimester still it seems to be very annoying you daily. You may feel exhausted soon. This happens due to an increased level of your hormones. Take rest as much as you can and take small nap in afternoon.
Frequent urination – The growing uterus gives pressure on the bladder which results in frequent urination. This doesn’t mean that you stop having water. Stay hydrated.
Reduced Appetite – Yes, you read it right! In the last trimester your appetite may gets reduced. But that doesn’t mean that you will skip your meals. A big NO skipping of meals. Eat in less quantity but at regular intervals.
Leaky nipples – Your breasts may start leaking colostrum which is a first milk for the baby. This time the colostrum is white in color and bit watery in consistency instead of being thick and yellowish in color.
Constipation – The growing uterus pushes up your stomach relaxing your muscles and make an alteration in your bowel movements. Prune juice is a common solution for constipation and safe to take during pregnancy. Add one glass of prune juice to your daily diet. You can mix prune juice with water or orange juice also.
Stretch marks – Due to the growing uterus, your skin stretches and as a result, some red colored fine lines appear on your skin which unfortunately stays lifelong. To diminish the stretch marks, you can apply a good body lotion or a moisturizer. It will make the lines lighter matching to your skin tone but it will not go off completely.
Heart Palpitations –You may experience palpitations in your heart. It can due to the mental or any physical stress or even due to an excessive intake of caffeine.
Braxton Hicks Contractions – When this happens, the muscles of the uterus tighten. These irregular and uncomfortable painless contractions which may getting stronger or more frequent (as your body is preparing for delivery) can be felt for 15 seconds to 1 minute. Don’t start confusing with real contractions as those contractions just keep on coming (at least five in an hour) while Braxton Hicks Contractions go away when you switch positions. Having real contractions at this stage will be considered as preterm labor.
Heartburn and Indigestion – These symptoms may return again this week. Eat small but in regular interval. After having meals sit upright for atleast 30 minutes or do a small walk so that your food gets digested properly. Never lay down immediately after your meals.

Note: Remember, there are few symptoms which are not a good sign and can lead to preterm labor during this stage of pregnancy. If you notice any unusual symptoms contact your doctor immediately. The unwanted symptoms can be the following:

Vaginal bleeding
Fever
A severe headache
Mucus-like discharge
Water discharge (if you are having a constant flow that’s more like water than discharge, your water bag might have broken)
Duration of Braxton Hicks Contractions getting longer and painful or you are contracting regularly.
Abdominal or pelvic pain.
Irritation while urinating.

[icon type=”icon-lamp”] If you are carrying twins, at this week you may be at a higher risk of pre-mature labor. Do keep a check on your contractions.

Do’s and Don’ts in Pregnancy Week 32:

If you are free from any complications, your doctor may ask you to visit for a check-up in every fifteen days. This will continue until 36^th week of pregnancy and afterwards, you will be asked to visit the doctor once in every week.

Here are some important tips to follow at this stage of pregnancy:

Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
Take sufficient rest and do not take stress and exertion.
Read books/articles on baby care.
Continue with Folic acid daily.
Listen to the music of your choice, but avoid hearing loud music as it may upset the baby.
Go for a walk and try to stay active as much as possible.
Use pillows while sleeping and sitting.
Do not stand for long hours.
Try to sleep on your left side. As sleeping on left side is safe for you and your baby too.
Keep yourself in a happy environment. Spend time with your family and share some light moments.

[icon type=”icon-lamp”] Join our Facebook closed group called “Parenting Mom Style” only for Moms and To-be Moms to share experiences and queries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Which food to eat and to be avoided at 32^nd week pregnancy?

Ans: Foods to eat:

You should have fresh fruit’s juice without adding sugar to it.
Baked vegetables and foods with less oil.
Include iron-rich diet as it is beneficial for the fetal development. Foods like fish, chicken, milk and eggs are the good source of Iron.
Include calcium-rich diet to make the baby’s bones stronger.

Foods to avoid:

Avoid consuming alcohol, smoking or chewing tobacco.
Cut down the excessive intake of tea and caffeine. Consumption in moderation will do.

If possible, go to your extended family. Elderly ladies, who already have experience of more than one delivery, can help and guide you through this.

Happy Pregnancy!

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