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.
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.
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.
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:
Here are some symptoms you might be facing during your 32nd week 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.
A 32nd week ultrasound is quite important as it can tell you several details, such as:
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.
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.
Here are a few tips that can help you sail through this stage of pregnancy.
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.
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