Overview of Week 32 of pregnancy
During week 32 of pregnancy:
- Your baby is 16.75 inches long
- You are in trimester three
- 8 more weeks to go
- Baby is turning to a head-down position
The survival rate for babies born this week is 99%, with some time in the NICU. Their tiny lungs will still need some time to develop and mature before they will be ready to live outside your womb on their own.
How many months pregnant is 32 weeks?
At 32 weeks pregnant, you are about 7 months and 1 week pregnant. You are in the third trimester and only have 2 more months of pregnancy left.
How big is baby at 32 weeks pregnant?
Your baby is now around 16 and 3/4 inches long, from head to toe. That is roughly the size of a squash. As for weight, your little one weighs about 3 and 3/4 pounds by week 32 of pregnancy. Your baby is putting on about half a pound of weight each week until birth.
Baby development during week 32 of pregnancy
Turning Around
Around 32 weeks, most babies start to turn upside down. This head-down position means your baby is getting ready for birth. Most babies are born head first, to make for the ideal birthing position. Your doctor will monitor your baby’s position and if the baby is not in a head-down position, procedures may be done to help turn them around. In some situations, a c-section birth may be planned.
Skin
Now that more fat has been produced underneath your little one’s skin, the skin is no longer transparent. It is now more opaque.
Pregnancy Week 32 Symptoms
Shortness of breath
As your baby and your uterus grow, there will be increased pressure on your lungs. This means you may find it harder to breathe and catch your breath. A brisk walk or trip up the stairs may lead you to have shortness of breath. If you are having a hard time breathing, it is best to slow down on exercising and take breaks while walking.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your rectum and around your anus. During pregnancy, increased blood flow to the pelvic area, as well as increased pressure from the uterus, causes veins around your rectum to swell. Hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable and if you get them, it is best to avoid sitting for too long at a time, as sitting can cause extra pressure on the veins.
Swelling
Swelling in pregnancy is a normal symptom that usually starts in the second trimester and may worsen towards the end of pregnancy. Excess fluids in the body and pressure from your growing uterus can cause water retention in the feet, ankles, and hands. If you notice your fingers starting to swell, you should remove any rings until the swelling goes down. Let your doctor or midwife know if the swelling worsens or if there is a large amount in your face or around your eyes.
Stretch marks
You may have started to notice stretch marks forming on your belly and breasts. These indented, purple, red, or blue lines occur when skin is stretched quickly. It is challenging to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy and they are usually permanent scars. You may not be able to avoid them completely, but you can start to use lotions and oils on your belly and breasts to help reduce the severity of the marks.
Trouble sleeping
With your growing belly, you may find it increasingly difficult to fall asleep. Your big belly will make getting into a comfortable position a tough task. Add in increasing heartburn and increasing movements from your baby and then sleeping will seem impossible. Make sure you have a comfy pregnancy pillow and avoid eating foods that aggravate heartburn.
Heartburn
Pregnancy hormones may allow the muscles in the esophagus to relax more frequently, allowing stomach acids to push back up into the esophagus. This is what causes the burning sensation in your chest, known as heartburn or acid reflux. Now that your baby and uterus are growing, there is also more pressure on your stomach which causes acids to be pushed further up. Over-the-counter medications, such as Tums or Rolaids, can help to reduce any discomfort. If any pain persists, it is best to talk to your doctor about other medications that may be available.
Pregnancy week 32 tips
Take pictures
Have you taken your weekly baby bump photo yet? These pictures will be a good memory to look back on and it is a fun way to show your belly growing throughout your pregnancy.
Install car seat
You will a car seat in order to take your baby home from the hospital. Since your baby will be making their arrival soon, it is best to make sure you have your car seat purchased by now. You should also make sure you know how to install the car seat properly. Find a local car seat clinic in your area to check that your seat is installed the correct way.
Pack your hospital bag
You never know when your little one will decide to make their appearance. It’s a good idea to start packing a hospital bag to have ready, just in case. Remember to pack extra clothes for both you and the baby, diapers, wipes, and your phone charger.
Take a breastfeeding class
If you plan on breastfeeding, it is a good idea to look into breastfeeding classes in your area. You can reach out to your public health authority or ask your healthcare practitioner about options available to you. These classes will teach you all about breastfeeding including how often your baby will need to eat, how to position your baby and how to help your baby to latch correctly. Contrary to what you may believe, breastfeeding does not come easy for either mom or baby.
