At week 32, you would complete the 7th month of pregnancy and move to the eight month of pregnancy. The delivery countdown will begin. Though a lot of developments are taking place in the fetus, most of the baby’s features and organs are in form.
The final phase of pregnancy for the expecting mother can be tiring with overwhelming Braxton Hicks contractions, sciatic pain, and back pain.
This article explores more the fetal developments, pregnancy symptoms, and tips to consider at week 32 of pregnancy.
In this Article
Baby’s Development @ Week 32 of Pregnancy
The Baby’s length at week 32 is approximately 42.4cm from head to toe and weighs nearly 1.7kgs. The baby’s movements can be more predominantly felt, as the growing fetus, as big as a musk melon, gets less space to move. The baby’s developments lined up this week include:
Skin changes
Lanugo continues to shed, and the opaque skin transformations are majorly seen in the fetus except for small patches on the back and shoulders. The fingernails of the little one are growing fastly and ready to get trimmed.
Breathing organ developing
At week 32 of pregnancy, the fetal organs are completely developed except for the lungs. The lungs produce more surfactant protein to help healthy lung development and help the lungs expand after birth. Additionally, the adrenal glands work hard to pump more cortisol which stimulates surfactant production.
The baby’s breathing rehearsing sessions are on as it breathes in and out the amniotic fluid.
The baby is prepping up for delivery by settling in the common delivery position. The baby, by week 32, is all set to come out. Its digestive system also gets ready to have the mom’s feed. However, the babies delivered between weeks 32 to 37 of pregnancy (moderate to late preterm) will require extra neonatal support after delivery.
Also Read: https://pregajunction.com/blog/types-of-baby-delivery-during-pregnancy/
Mom-to-be @ Week 32 of pregnancy
From week 32 to 38, the baby will settle down in the bottom-up head down position or the breech position.
The mothers-to-be can have false or rehearsing contractions of the uterus called Braxton Hicks contractions that are generally mild and irregular. The intermittent contractions feel like tightening the abdominal muscles and subside with changing positions. The normal labor contractions are more regular and progressively increasing. However, if the uterus or abdominal contractions are continuous and severe, you will need to connect with your doctor immediately. The other pregnancy symptoms observed at week 32 of pregnancy are:
- Leaking breasts or colostrum
- Constipation
- Leg cramps
- Dry, itchy abdominal skin
- Varicose pain and hemorrhoids.
Things to consider at week 32 of pregnancy
Stretchmarks on the tummy, thighs, and hips are normal during pregnancy. Most of them fade after pregnancy. Do not worry much about them. Things to take care of at week 32 of pregnancy for mothers-to-be include:
- Take care of the early signs of labor-regular contractions that get stronger, vaginal bleeding or spotting, dull backache, tightening of the uterus, and diarrhea.
- Moisturize your dry. itchy skin more often. Use pregnancy-safe-moisturizers, lotions, and sunscreens to keep your sensitive skin free from redness and rashes.
- Do pelvic tilts regularly- easy-to-do exercises that strengthen the abs and ease pain and backaches during pregnancy and labor.
- Carry protein-filled or carb-rich snacks while traveling. This can also help you improve your sugar levels and keep lightheadedness away.
- Do not miss your regular prenatal checks and ultrasound scans.
Also Read: https://pregajunction.com/blog/week-31-pregnancy-symptoms/
Conclusion
At week 32, you are in your last phase of pregnancy with only 8 more months to go. Most of the baby’s organs are formed and in place. It is between weeks 32 to 38 of pregnancy, that the baby moves to the breech position to get ready to move out. The prenatal appointments are now scheduled once a week with regular ultrasound scans and blood examinations to know the position inside the womb. Connect with your doctor for any abnormalities or queries on pregnancy.
Reference
Overview | NHS
