Pregnancy Week 32

What does my baby look like?

Your baby is now about the size of a turnip.

Your baby's organs are largely formed by now, but the next few weeks are mainly about gaining more weight and developing the skills needed to adapt to the outside world. Your baby is practicing skills like swallowing, breathing, kicking, and sucking. The digestive system is also getting ready for feeding by mouth after birth.

As the layer of fat under the skin builds up, the redness fades and the skin starts to look less transparent.

The adrenal glands are large and active during this time, and the cortisol they produce is important for birth and for the maturing of the organs. This process plays a role in getting organs like the lungs ready for delivery.

How many months pregnant am I?

At this point you're in your 8th month of pregnancy, with about 1 month to go until delivery.

Fetal position: head down or breech?

This week you may feel more nudging and squirming than big, sweeping movements. That's because there's less room to move around inside the uterus.

Between weeks 32 and 38, many babies settle into a head-down position in the pelvis to get ready for birth. A head-down position is generally considered more favorable for delivery. But if your baby hasn't turned yet this week, that alone isn't a problem — there's usually still a bit more time.

What's happening in my body?

Over the coming weeks you may gain about 450 grams a week. Some of that is tied to your baby growing and building up fat stores. This fat helps your baby maintain body temperature after birth.

If you notice a clear decrease in your baby's movements or a change in their usual pattern, you should contact your doctor or the hospital.

Lightning crotch

During this time you may feel sudden, sharp pains in your pelvis. This is often called "lightning crotch." It usually lasts only a few seconds and may be linked to your baby pressing on nerves in the pelvis and lower part of the uterus.

This pain can be uncomfortable, but on its own it doesn't mean labor is starting. True labor contractions, by contrast, get more frequent and stronger over time.

Bleeding gums

During pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, rising hormone levels can make your gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding.

To keep your mouth healthy:

• use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• brush your teeth at least twice a day
• floss every day
• keep up with your regular dental checkups

Swelling and preeclampsia warning signs

Some swelling can be normal during pregnancy. But sudden, noticeable swelling in your feet, ankles, hands, or face can be a sign of a more serious condition like preeclampsia.

If you notice severe or sudden swelling, you should let your doctor know. For mild swelling, exercise, plenty of water, comfortable shoes, compression socks, and putting your legs up while resting can all help.

Itching and stretch marks

Itching can come from the stretching of your belly and breasts combined with the effects of hormones. Using a moisturizer, taking a warm bath, and checking with your doctor if needed can all help.

More rarely, severe itching can be a sign of a serious condition like cholestasis. You should talk to your doctor if the itching is severe, especially if there's no rash.

Stretch marks are also common in pregnancy. A genetic tendency, rapid weight gain, a multiple pregnancy, a large baby, or excess amniotic fluid can all raise the risk. Stretch marks tend to fade over time.

Varicose veins

Because of the increased blood volume in pregnancy and the growing uterus pressing on your veins, varicose veins may develop or become more noticeable. This usually eases after birth.

Shortness of breath and palpitations

Mild shortness of breath is common in pregnancy. It may be caused by the growing uterus pressing on your diaphragm. But if the shortness of breath came on suddenly, got noticeably worse, gets worse when you lie flat, or is accompanied by a cough, wheezing, widespread swelling, or fatigue that keeps you from doing everyday tasks, it needs a medical evaluation.

Some expectant mothers may also experience heart palpitations. If palpitations come with severe shortness of breath, seek an urgent evaluation.

Dry eyes

Your eyes may feel drier and more sensitive during this time. If you're thinking about using eye drops, check with your doctor first.

Third trimester symptoms

This week you may feel more tired than usual. It's important to make time to rest during the day.

How much discharge is normal?

It's normal for vaginal discharge to increase during pregnancy. Healthy discharge is usually thin, clear or milky white, and not foul-smelling.

If you have fluid leaking or gushing, it could mean your water has broken early, and you should let a health care provider know. If the fluid is colored, foul-smelling, or accompanied by bleeding, seek an urgent evaluation.

Protect yourself from infections

Catching an infection during pregnancy often doesn't harm the baby, but some infections can lead to complications. Simple steps like washing your hands regularly and avoiding certain foods can help.

Whooping cough and RSV vaccines

Having the whooping cough vaccine before week 33, and ideally before week 32, improves the chances of your baby getting protection from you — but the vaccine can still be given later.

Depending on your country's program, the RSV vaccine is usually offered between weeks 28 and 36 of pregnancy. Its aim is to help protect your baby against RSV-related lower respiratory tract illnesses in the first months after birth. RSV is a common virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms, but in some babies it can lead to more serious illness.

You'll need to talk with your doctor about both vaccines.

Eating during this time

As your uterus grows, the pressure on your internal organs can increase and you may feel full quickly. Because of this, small, regular snacks may be more comfortable than large meals.

Eating plenty of fiber is especially important right now. Increasing your fiber intake gradually and drinking plenty of water can help keep your bowels working more regularly.

Practice your breathing

Slow, rhythmic breathing exercises can help you feel more at ease. That, in turn, can make coping during labor easier.

Your birth plan

It's not too early to start putting together a birth plan. This plan might cover your birth partner, delivery of the placenta, cord clamping, and your preferences during labor. It's important to keep the plan flexible, though, since changes may be needed for your safety and your baby's.

Decide where you'll give birth

You can probably think more clearly now about where you want to give birth. If you have a planned cesarean, it can help to talk ahead of time about how long you might need to stay in the hospital.

Look into your pain relief options

There are various medical and drug-free options for easing labor pain. Talking ahead of time about which approach might suit you can help you feel more prepared.

Braxton Hicks contractions

This week you may have irregular practice contractions. These usually last only a short time and may ease with a change of position or with rest. If the contractions become regular and steadily stronger, let your doctor know.

Vitamin K

Giving your baby vitamin K within the first 24 hours after birth is something that's discussed with the family. Vitamin K helps the blood clot and helps prevent the very rare vitamin K deficiency bleeding.

Colostrum

A yellowish fluid coming from your breasts may be leaking colostrum. This fluid contains protein and antibodies. If the leaking bothers you, you can use nursing pads.

A word of caution about keepsake ultrasounds

It's wise to be cautious about ultrasounds done purely for keepsake purposes, with no medical need. It's a good idea to check with your doctor before deciding on this.