32 Weeks Pregnant -Symptoms, Baby Development, and Tips!

Table of Contents

32 weeks pregnant

Table of Contents

A baby, in their 32 weeks pregnant after implantation, begins to practice breathing, while the mother, on the other hand, experiences the urge to nest.

The baby, this week, will measure 16.7 inches and weigh 3.8 ounces. To put things in perspective, this would be about the size of a Care Bear. Isn’t this exciting!

32 Weeks Pregnant: What Is Happening To The Baby In The 32nd Week Of Pregnancy?

1. Sucking and swallowing

The baby practices sucking and swallowing. This helps prepare the digestive system when they drink milk.

2. Breathing

The baby starts to practice breathing by inhaling the amniotic fluid.

3. Strong kicks

With the 32nd week, the baby starts to kick stronger. It is important for you to keep a count on the number of kicks and how much time it takes for the baby to get to 10 movements. However, if you notice a change, contact your doctor immediately.

4. Change in position

Most babies change their position from head-down called the cephalic position, to the ideal position for a vaginal birth. If the baby is head-up, there are still a few more weeks to go until the arrival.

32 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms: What Is Happening To A Mother’s Body In The 32nd Week Of Pregnancy?

You will start to feel a bit uncomfortable by carrying around the extra weight and blood volume. So, take a break whenever possible, you need to take care of yourself.

Here’s what is happening to a mother’s body in the 32nd week of pregnancy:

1. Shortness of breath

Your uterus grows about five inches above the belly button that results in the lungs getting crowded causing a shortage of breath. Although you must be assured that your baby is getting plenty of oxygen, you’ll need frequent breaks, and do not push yourself harder.

2. Heartburn

It is notorious for experiencing heartburn. Therefore, notice the foods that cause you to flare up, it could be a result of consuming before bed or noshing spicy foods. Consult your doctor before you take the over-the-counter antacid.

3. Urge to nest

The nesting urges might take the form of working on your baby registry, picking nursery colors, or even choosing the softest swaddles.

4. Weird dreams

You may experience wacky dreams as a result of the Pregnancy hormones, trouble sleeping, stress, and anticipation. Consider maintaining a dream journal to look back and read of the wild nighttime visions or can even share it with your future child as you get older.

5. Signs of labor

If you experience any preterm labor signs at week 32 like consistent contractions, bleeding or a change in the vaginal discharge contact your doctor or head to Labor and Delivery right away.

32 Weeks Pregnant: How To Differentiate Between A Braxton Hicks And A Regular Contraction?

By definition, they aren’t painful or as regular, this cramping and tightening sensation only last for about a minute or less. You may experience them when dehydrated, after sex, or when you pee. On the other hand, true contractions happen repeatedly and are more intense that take place more often.

If the cramping doesn’t go away, and/or gets intense, contact the doctor immediately as it could be a sign of preterm labor.

32 Weeks Pregnant: What Would Your Belly Look Like In The 32nd Week Of Pregnancy?

You will probably be gaining around a pound per week with half going straight to the growing baby who is perhaps, 17 inches by now! The blood volume, on the other hand, increases by 40-50% from the beginning of your pregnancy.

You will be carrying the baby high in the midsection, who will soon drop toward your pelvis called “lightening”. For some this happens a month before, while for others, it takes place before they deliver or during labor.

32 Weeks Pregnant: For Some Brownie Points, Here Is A Quick Checklist To Get You Sailing Through The 32nd Week Of Pregnancy:

1. Top tip: This is time for leisure and steamy showers!

2. Recipes to try: Dates are now you’re nature’s candy that helps make labor and delivery easier and you are dilated upon admission to the hospital for delivery as compared to the ones who do not consume dates. It is also linked to reduced use of Pitocin. Try recipes with dates in them, like vegan chocolate date smoothie, date energy balls, or savory stuffed dates.

3. Helpful hint: If getting a breast pump, check the fit first. Most slip over your nipples and rests against your boobs sized based on the diameter of your nipples. On the other hand, others are like shields, too big or too small leading to discomfort and diminished output.

4. In position: You now know that the ideal birth position for your baby is head down. This doesn’t mean you start to panic if the baby is otherwise. The doctor will track the movement as the weeks pass by, so, there is plenty of time.

Final Conclusion:

Here is a small checklist for 32-Weeks of Pregnancy for your reference:

1. Visit your 32-week prenatal visit.

2. If you plan to breastfeed, read a book about the same to get ready. If not, make sure the pump attachments fit properly and are ready.

3. Visit the hospital labor and delivery ward to know what to expect.

4. Enjoy the baby shower, if you have one!

32 Weeks Pregnant FAQs

1. How many months is 32-weeks pregnant ?

You could be 7 or 8 months pregnant. This depends on how you group the weeks of pregnancy into months.

2. What is the position of the baby at 32-weeks ?

The baby is probably settling into the head-down, bottoms-up position in your pelvis preparing for birth at 32-weeks. This is as the fetus' head fits better at the bottom, shaping your uterus to be like an inverted, pear-shaped uterus.

3. What do the doctors check at a 32-week appointment ?

At your prenatal visit, the doctors will check your weight, urine for protein and sugar, fetal growth, blood pressure, the position of the baby, and fetal heart rate.

4. Why do I experience shortness of breath when 32 weeks pregnant?

Your uterus grows about five inches above the belly button that resulting in the lungs getting crowded causing a shortage of breath. Although you must be assured that your baby is getting plenty of oxygen, you’ll need frequent breaks, and do not push yourself harder.

On behalf of the editorial team at Parenthoodbliss, we follow strict reporting guidelines and only use credible sources, along with peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and highly respected health organizations. To learn about how we maintain content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

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