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The closer you get to your due date the more excited you are going to be. However, you are not there yet. With nearly two months to go, there are a few things you can do to keep yourself informed about the changes you will be experiencing in your 32nd week.
Your Baby’s Growth During Pregnancy – Week 32
Week 32 is going to bring with it a whole host of new experiences. First, your baby is going to be tapping and wriggling rather than his usual bouncing around. This is largely due to the lack of space in your uterus as your little one is getting pretty big. Prepare yourself for the drop your foetus is going to take into your pelvis in preparation for birth. Occasionally, the baby might be upside down, known as the breech position, but in most cases, he will revert himself to normal before birth. The growth rate is so high now, that your foetus is going to put on around fifty percent of his weight between now and delivery. Nails, hair, and skin are almost the same as a newborn. Lung development is complete, and if you have a premature birth at this point he has a very high chance of surviving.
What Is The Baby’s Size
At 32 weeks pregnant, the baby’s size is now a hefty 2 kg and about 35 cm from head to foot. Crowding your uterus, he can’t really move around much but now it’s only a matter of time until he has all the space in the world. The baby is completely formed by now, looking almost exactly like a smaller newborn.
Common Body Changes
You will experience a range of body changes during pregnancy at 32 weeks. But not to worry, as these can be controlled to an extent:
- Increased blood volume: Supporting two lives is not easy with the amount of circulation you had going for you. So, your body is in the process of making fifty percent more blood.
- Swollen feet: Oedema in your feet and ankles will be more frequent due to excess water collecting in those regions. Buy comfortable free size shoes to fit your hurting feet.
- Nipple colour change: Your nipples are going to get considerably darker as your breasts ready themselves for your newborn. This is due to the antibacterial oils they produce to keep the area sterile.
- Leaking breasts: Your breasts are getting ready to feed your child. Colostrum is going to seep out of your nipples quite frequently, so take care to wear padded water-absorbent bras if you have to go out.
- Excess vaginal secretions: Your vagina is preparing for delivery by preparing a thick mucous layer around the walls to keep them lubricated. As this could be a tad inconvenient, carry around a sanitary napkin just in case.
Symptoms Of Pregnancy At Week 32
Here are some symptoms you might be facing during your 32nd week of pregnancy.
- Feeling faint: This could occur for several reasons, especially not having enough blood sugar. Keep a sugary snack ready at all times
- Haemorrhoids: Rectal varicose veins might occur due to constipation and they are rather painful and sensitive. Try to soothe them with ice packs, but stubborn ones need medical intervention.
- Constipation: With your rapidly growing foetus squeezing your organs to the side, your bowels are not faring any better. The pressure exerted on them might make your daily motions infrequent and more difficult.
- Skin itchiness: The bigger your baby gets, the more it stretches your belly skin. This could lead to dryness and cracks. Moisturisers are well suited to ease the discomfort.
- Heartburn: The most common symptom, it is going to get more uncomfortable as your baby grows and pushes against your digestive system. Try to eat smaller but more frequent meals. Consume digestive aids like buttermilk and curds more often.
Belly At 32 Weeks Of Pregnancy
At the 32nd week, you can expect your stomach to vary from 28 – 36 cm from top to bottom. Around this time, your baby will drop into the pelvic cavity in preparation for birth, making your pregnancy bump a lot lower in height than earlier. Sometimes, this drop happens during labour.
32 Weeks Ultrasound
A 32nd week ultrasound is quite important as it can tell you several details, such as:
- Foetal Growth: Your doctor will be able to tell you if the baby is growing normally.
- Internal Bleeding: Occasionally the placenta can rupture causing internal bleeding.
- Foetal Placement: Your baby needs to be with his head down towards the cervix, but sometimes can be in the reverse position.
You may also get a 3D ultrasound scan to observe the minute details of your little one’s face and body. An ultrasound is not compulsory, however, unless you are at risk of or are already facing complications like diabetes, obesity, pelvic pain and so on.
What To Eat?
The 32nd week pregnancy food includes a few important nutrients:
Iron is one of the most important dietary requirements at this time. This is because of the jump in your blood amount by approximately fifty percent. Iron is an essential part of Haemoglobin, the protein required to carry oxygen. Make sure you eat foods rich in iron like spinach, broccoli, red meat, legumes, or even ask your doctor for a multivitamin supplement if your diet isn’t cutting it.
The foetus’ nails, teeth, hair, and bones have formed but are still delicate. Strengthening them is important, and requires sufficient calcium per day. Foods like dairy, leafy vegetables, and cereal are great sources.
In addition to specific dietary additions, delete foods that contain fat and refined sugar. Quit eating larger meals in favor of more small meals. Try to eat less meat and a lot more fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains and nuts. Alcohol is absolutely out of the question.
Tips & Care
Here are a few tips that can help you sail through this stage of pregnancy.
Dos
- As babies can survive outside the womb after this point, you might want to make some preparations for an early pregnancy just in case. One thing to consider is the pain relief method to choose. There are several available, but you can reject all of them if you want a natural drug-free birth.
- Keep a set of nappies, blankets, and pillows ready for your little one.
Don’ts
- Don’t forget to pack stuff for yourself when you get that hospital bag ready. Keep a few sanitary napkins as you will definitely need to use them after the birth.
- Don’t neglect your exercises, especially swimming or yoga, as they are perfect for pain relief from back, rib or pelvic pain.
What You Need To Shop For
You can now plan how to decorate your little one’s room. Purchase maternity dresses and bras, as well as clothes to wear after you give birth. Stock up on feeding bottles, nappies, medicated powder and small soft toys. You can also purchase a small pram to move your baby around the house or take a walk outside.
Conclusion
You’re very close to meeting your little one. With all the preparations well in place, you should have a relatively easier transition into being a new mom of healthy newborn.
Read this article in Arabic: الأسبوع 32 من الحمل
