There are no words to describe the incredible beauty of pregnancy. However, your body undergoes dramatic changes, including hormonal and biochemical changes, in preparation for housing and nurturing new life. I’ve been pregnant for eight months now, the second trimester has begun, and he has only one month left until the baby is born. Having reached some important developmental milestones, your baby will soon be reaching for more. At this stage of your pregnancy, you’re probably excited to know what to expect at 32 weeks, from common symptoms to tips for being more comfortable. Here’s a guide to your 32nd week of pregnancy, including information about signs of pregnancy, the size of your belly, and your baby’s growth.
What symptoms will I experience at 32 weeks pregnant?
It’s important to know the different pregnancy symptoms that occur during each trimester. Some common symptoms may begin to appear around week 32 of pregnancy, when your baby approaches the limit of uterine expansion. At 32 weeks pregnant, be aware of the following:
1. Changes in baby’s movements
Your baby will probably outgrow your womb by the time you reach 32 weeks. Due to the small space, the baby’s movements change, with stronger kicks becoming wiggling, squirming, wiggling, and light pushing.
Also read: Early pregnancy
2. Heartburn
You are 32 weeks pregnant. This means pregnancy hormones can slow down digestion and cause stomach acid to flow back up into your esophagus, causing heartburn.
3. Difficulty breathing
After pregnancy, your blood volume increases by 40-50% as your body adapts to the needs of both you and your growing child. However, when you become pregnant, your uterus becomes so large and heavy that it pushes up close to your diaphragm, which can clog your stomach and cause breathing difficulties and heartburn.
4. Lower back pain
You may have experienced a lot of discomfort in your lower back at 32 weeks pregnant. But if you’re already experiencing it, let your doctor know, as it may indicate premature labor.
5. Itchy stomach or skin
As the uterus expands, so does the belly, and the surrounding skin becomes tense and dry. As a result, the skin becomes dehydrated, causing discomfort and irritation. The best remedy is to moisturize or take a warm bath with oatmeal.
6. Colostrum (leaky breasts)
Milk leakage during pregnancy (also known as colostrum) is one of the most typical symptoms of pregnancy at 32 weeks. In the later stages of pregnancy, your breasts will become larger and the pain will increase. They also tend to leak colostrum, the yellowish fluid that precedes breast milk. If leakage is painful, use reusable DryFeel nursing pads.
How is the baby developing at 32 weeks?
You’re almost 8 months pregnant (32 weeks) and only a month away from holding your baby in your arms. Your baby has reached several developmental milestones. During this final stage, they are preparing for birth and undergo several important modifications to enable them to survive outside the womb. Let’s observe the growth of the baby at 32 weeks of pregnancy.
1. Baby’s height and weight
The baby’s weight at 32 weeks is 1.5-1.8 kg.Throughout the next seven weeks, your baby will gain weight growing outside the womb. Infant height ranges from 15 to 17 inches.
2. Visual acuity
Your child will be able to focus on large nearby objects, and this skill will last until birth.
3. Nails and hair
Baby’s toes, nails, natural hair and peach fluff are growing.
4. Internal body temperature
Your baby’s body increases production of enzymes and proteins needed to generate body heat during the 32nd week of pregnancy. Thanks to this mechanism, your baby will be able to better control his body temperature.
5. Startle response
By 32 weeks of age, most infants exhibit additional startle responses. As a result, the baby, startled by loud noises or quick movements, may throw her arms or legs forward and then put them back in place.
6. Breathing
To practice breathing outside the womb, your baby is now breathing amniotic fluid.
Also read: From pregnancy to birth: A guide to stages of fetal development
How will your stomach change at 32 weeks?
Your body is going through a lot of changes in preparation for the big day, including a more pronounced belly. The most common changes in the tummy at 32 weeks are:
If you experience Braxton-Hicks contractions, occasional tightening, or hardening of your uterus, your body may begin preparing for birth day at 32 weeks.
Irregular contractions will get stronger and more frequent as they progress, so this is good practice for the discomfort of labor. These downward contractions lasted 15 to 30 seconds. Take a warm bath to ease the pain of labor.
Also read: Uterine Fibroids – Facts you need to know today!
How can we take better care of ourselves in these days?
Once you reach the 32nd week, your body will undergo some changes that you should be aware of. Below are some suggestions for self-care before your baby is born. Because we are dedicated to giving your baby the best care possible.
1. Don’t worry about stretch marks
As the uterus returns to its normal shape, the stretch marks will disappear on their own.
2. Moisturize regularly
Do you have a feeling of tightness, itchiness, or anxiety in your skin, especially around your stomach? These are the result of a bulging belly and can be treated by using moisturizers. At this point, your skin is dry and needs hydration.
3. Safe exercise during pregnancy
Home exercises suitable for pregnant women will help speed up labor, relieve back pain and increase abdominal strength. Additionally, it tilts the pelvis to support the pelvic area. This is essential for a successful pregnancy.
4. Alert your doctor
Learn about labor symptoms from your doctor, mother, or a pregnancy book. This will help you distinguish between true labor pains and false alarms. Now is the perfect time to check your baby’s health frequently, so don’t cancel your doctor’s appointments. If you need emotional support, please bring your spouse to these appointments.
Also read: 20 foods to eat during pregnancy
What should you remember?
Even if your baby is born now, your baby is considered premature, but long-term problems are unlikely. Watch for early symptoms of labor, such as contractions, bleeding, water breaking, mucus “coming out” from the vagina, and a sudden decrease in your baby’s movements.
If you have not yet been vaccinated against pertussis (whooping cough), it is important to get vaccinated now. Newborns can die from whooping cough, but they cannot be vaccinated until they are adults. By getting vaccinated now, you can pass protective antibodies to your fetus. Depending on the season, we also recommend influenza vaccination.
Read also: Baby vaccinations: the first step to a healthy life
conclusion
Enjoy the adorable baby bump moments while your body prepares for Labor Day. During the last few weeks of your pregnancy, spend quality time with your partner, practice self-care, and bond with your baby. We hope you find our posts on 32nd week pregnancy symptoms, baby growth, and belly changes educational and helpful.
Also read: Labor pain relief: Labor pains are gone