Congratulations! You are now 32 weeks pregnant! As you reach this mark of your third trimester, you are just eight weeks away from your due date. This is an exciting and challenging time as your baby continues to grow and your body prepares for birth.
If you are feeling tired, breathless, and worried about what’s ahead, it is normal. You are experiencing exactly what most expectant mothers feel at this stage. Let’s explore what is happening with you and your baby during this important week.
Your Body at 32 Weeks Pregnant
When you are 32 weeks pregnant, your body is working harder than ever. Over the next four weeks, you can expect to gain around 450 grams per week. This is completely normal and necessary for your baby’s development.
Another noticeable change during week 32 is how much space your baby is taking up. Your womb continues to expand, but there is definitely less room in there now. You may feel like your baby is pushing against everything. This compression is why many women feel more uncomfortable and breathless at this stage.
Common Symptoms When You Are 32 Weeks Pregnant
Tiredness often intensifies at this point in pregnancy. So, do not feel guilty about taking plenty of rest throughout the day. Your body genuinely needs it. Breathlessness is also extremely common when you are 32 weeks pregnant. Your growing baby is pushing against your lungs, making even simple activities like climbing stairs feel like a workout. Other symptoms you might experience include:
- Sleeping problems
- Stretch marks
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Swollen and bleeding gums
- Pain on the sides of your bump
- Piles
- Headaches
- Backache
- Bloating and constipation
- Leg cramps
- Feeling hot
- Dizziness
- Swollen hands and feet
- Skin and hair changes
You may also notice leaky breasts as your body prepares for breastfeeding, though this does not happen to everyone.
Your Baby’s Development at 32 Weeks Pregnant
At 32 weeks pregnant, your baby measures approximately 42.4 centimetres from head to heel. This is about the length of a bunch of celery. They will also put on weight during this stage, with approximately 1 kilogram of extra fat.
This extra fat is not just about size. The additional chubbiness serves a crucial purpose: it helps your baby maintain the right body temperature after birth. Little bodies lose heat very easily, so this layer of fat acts as essential insulation.
A baby’s position is also an important consideration when you are 32 weeks pregnant. Most babies are head down by now. However, if your baby has not turned yet, there is no need to panic. There is still time. If your baby remains in a different position by around week 36, your doctor may take you through some techniques to encourage them to turn.
Movement patterns should remain consistent at 32 weeks pregnant. While there is less space for your baby to move around, you should still feel regular movements at the same rate as before. If you notice any changes to your baby’s movement patterns, or if movements slow down or stop, contact your hospital immediately. This is always better done sooner rather than later.
Planning for Birth When You Are 32 Weeks Pregnant
By the time you are 32 weeks pregnant, you have probably got a good idea about where you would like to give birth. Now is the time to finalise those plans and ensure you are confident with your choices. If you are planning a caesarean section, find out how long you will need to stay in the hospital. This is typically three to four days. Make necessary arrangements, especially if you have other children who need care. Remember, it is perfectly acceptable to ask as many questions as you need, and you can still change your mind about your birth preferences if you are not completely comfortable with your plans.
Self-Care at 32 Weeks Pregnant
Being 32 weeks pregnant is physically demanding, so prioritising self-care is not selfish. It is necessary. Rest when you need it, accept help from others, and do not push yourself to maintain pre-pregnancy activity levels.
You should also perform pelvic floor exercises. These gentle exercises can help prevent leakage when you laugh, sneeze, or cough. Practice by imagining you are stopping the flow of urine midstream, holding for a few seconds, then releasing. Also, stay hydrated and keep your water bottle with you at all times. Proper hydration can help with several pregnancy symptoms, from constipation to headaches.
Wrapping Up
Being 32 weeks pregnant means you are getting close to meeting your little one. Remember that the tiredness, breathlessness, and discomfort you are experiencing are all signs that your body is doing exactly what it needs to do. So, take care of yourself, rest when you need to, stay in touch with your healthcare team about any concerns, and do not forget to enjoy the anticipation of what is to come. Before you know it, you will be holding your baby in your arms, and all these weeks of waiting will definitely feel worth it in the end.