Baby Growth at 32 Weeks Pregnant
Week 32 and growing strong! With a few months to go before reaching their full birth weight, your baby is quite developed. How exciting! This week your baby may appear nearly full-term, but they are still smaller in size, thinner, and quite delicate. They are now about the size of a melon, weighing about 4.2 pounds and approximately 16.8 inches. Your baby will continue to put on a little weight as the days progress.
Are you feeling a lot more kicks and movements going on? Well, that is because your baby is trying to make themselves comfortable in the limited space they now have in your belly as they continue to grow. You may notice that your baby may be turning less but is kicking and jabbing much more. They are now taking this time to sleep. Babies sleep 20 to 45 minutes at a time and tend to be more active the remainder of the day. Some babies may have already turned so that they are now positioned with their head facing downward. This can start adding some pressure down below as well. Babies are quite active at this time, and you should continue to experience their movements until birth. It may not be the most comfortable time for mom, but an active baby is a healthy baby indeed!
Week 32 is an important milestone week for mommy and baby, as most babies born this week or later can survive well, are healthy and live quite a normal life. By this time your baby has been rocking and rolling in there, and has now developed its major organs, allowing them to function properly to their fullest potential; except for its lungs, which can really use a little more time.
You And Your Body at Pregnancy 32 Weeks
Your baby is growing, and so is your belly. Your skin expanding may be causing your belly to itch more. This is normal. Be aware, it is not advisable to scratch your itchy belly, as it can worsen the irritation. The skin on your belly is now thinner and more fragile, so scratching too hard may break the skin, leaving you prone to infection. Be careful and keep your belly well moisturized.
Adapting to your body’s new growth as it undergoes some uncomfortable changes can be tough. Don’t worry momma-to-be, as this is all normal and temporary. Varicose veins start to appear as blood vessels are stretched out due to the increase in blood volume during pregnancy. Your legs begin to ache or throb more. Your uterus starts to push up against your diaphragm, making it harder to breathe and making you feel short of breath. Looking on the positive side of things when your baby drops – which can occur about this time as well – it can put you more at ease. You will be able to breathe easier and it can lessen heartburn. On the other hand, you will also feel more added pressure in your lower belly, which will cause changes in your walk and increase bathroom breaks.
During pregnancy, women experience changes in their mouth, teeth, and gums that might cause some discomfort. Sensitivity in the gums is very common among pregnant women. If you begin to experience sensitivity, swelling of the gums, or even bleeding when you brush and floss, try to be gentler while brushing and rinse more often with saltwater.
As you know, hormones are constantly changing during a pregnancy. Some of these hormonal changes affect your ligaments, even the ones in your mouth. When ligaments begin to relax, the small ligaments that hold your teeth together in your mouth start to make the teeth feel loose. Do not worry, as this is not the case at all. This feeling is temporary and will go away soon after you give birth, and your hormones begin to regulate again. Continue to practice proper dental hygiene, floss daily, and be sure to brush twice a day.
Typical Symptoms at 32 Weeks Pregnant
Some light contractions – AKA Braxton Hicks contractions – are typical symptoms at this time, accompanied with lower-back pain. Try to avoid any heavy lifting and sitting or standing for long periods of time, as this can help alleviate some of the pain.
It is quite common to have more white-colored discharge during week 32 because of the increasing estrogen levels in your body. If there are some streaks of blood in the discharge, do not be alarmed as this may be your mucus plug, which is a telltale sign that labor is approaching.
Many pregnant women have reported to have diarrhea at 32 weeks. This is very common as well, as this can occur anytime throughout your pregnancy. If this happens, it is important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Sometimes, diarrhea can also be a sign that you are going into pre-labor. It is important to pay attention to your body and look out for abdominal cramps, pelvic pressure, low backache, regular contractions, or your water breaking. At this point, do not hesitate and contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy Week 32 Tips and Advice
This week, continue self-care. Eat right, take your prenatal vitamins, stay active with light exercise if you still have the energy to do so, and get your rest as you are going to need it. With all the discomfort this week, try finding new ways to manage some of that pain. Change sleeping positions, sit in ergonomic chairs with supportive backs or put a small pillow at the lower part of your back. In between, start thinking about what you are going to pack in your hospital bag. Even if you do not plan to stay overnight, you might be there longer than you expect.
Practice your breathing. Rhythmic breathing will put your body into a more relaxed state. Getting into the practice of doing this now should help you cope better in labor when the time comes.
References
Professional, Cleveland Clinic Medical. “Fetal Development.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth.
http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Prenatal-Development-How-Your-Baby-Grows-During-Pregnancy#one
https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/33-weeks-pregnant#body
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/pregnancy-teeth-pain#causes
