How many months is 32 weeks pregnant? Is your baby fully developed at 32 weeks? What should I avoid doing at 32 weeks pregnant? Is it good to deliver at 32 weeks?
You're almost there, mum-to-be? Can you feel baby nudging you already? Here's what you need to know about this stage of your pregnancy journey.
32 Weeks Pregnant in Months
How many months is 32 weeks pregnant?
At 32 weeks pregnant, you are approximately 8 months into your pregnancy. Pregnancy is typically calculated as lasting for 9 months or 40 weeks, so when you're 32 weeks along, you're just a few weeks away from the full-term milestone.
Pregnancy Week 32: Baby
Week 32 of pregnancy is when a baby transforms from a blob into a miniature version of the adult it will become. Your baby's skin will lose some transparency and take on a pinkish tone — though you won't see these changes with the naked eye. But the most important transformation your baby will make in this week of pregnancy is from an embryo into a foetus.
Baby’s Growth
Your baby is as big as a jicama or a small rock melon this week, weighing 1.8 kg and measuring 29 cm! Thanks to the fat stored in his body, your little one has plumped.
Their eyes are still shut, and their nose is covered with fine hair called lanugo (lan-oo-go). The lanugo will be shed when your baby gets older, and their body temperature rises. Your baby's skin is still wrinkled but will become smoother as they develop.
At this stage, your baby will grow to be about two inches long and weigh at 0.06 pounds! Your baby's brain is now fully formed, and they can feel touch sensations on their skin.
The baby's eyelids are becoming more transparent and will soon be able to protect his or her eyes from the light. The eyelids also help protect their eyes from irritation by keeping out dirt and other foreign objects.
The baby is gaining fat under its skin, particularly in the thighs and buttocks. This fat will help develop into muscle later in life as he or she moves around more frequently.
Baby's Development
Is your baby fully developed at 32 weeks?
While a baby's development is quite advanced by 32 weeks, they are not fully developed. Most of their major organs and systems are functioning, but their lungs may still be maturing, and they continue to gain weight and develop until closer to full-term. Babies born at 32 weeks may require neonatal care and support to help them thrive outside the womb.
In this week-by-week pregnancy guide, you'll learn that:
- Your baby's organs, except for the lungs, are now fully formed. While they will still be premature, the odds of surviving, even if they are born at 32 weeks, are great.
- Your baby is now swallowing, breathing, kicking, and sucking.
- Their digestive system is all set and ready to go.
- Your baby's fingernails and toenails are also growing.
- Their skin is becoming less transparent and more opaque.
- They are sleeping well these days, with sleep cycles of 20 to 40 minutes long. This also explains the decrease in movement you're likely experiencing these days.
Baby’s Hearing
Baby's hearing is developing rapidly during pregnancy week 32.
By this point, your baby has already begun to distinguish sounds from one another and can even recognise your voice. The outer part of your baby’s ear is now fully formed, and its inner ear will begin to take shape soon.
Your baby’s brain is also developing fast—it now has about 100 billion neurons (nerve cells), meaning that more than half of the nerve cells in your adult brain are already present in your unborn baby!
If you can feel your baby move around, that’s a good indication that she can hear well. Babies born prematurely sometimes have trouble hearing because they haven’t had enough time in utero to develop their auditory system. This may be tested for at birth with newborn hearing screenings.
Baby’s Teeth
Week 32 of your pregnancy is a big one, and we know that this week is also important because it's when your baby's teeth start forming. Some babies, they'll be starting to poke through their gums by the end of this week.
Baby’s Movement
At this point, your baby is growing and developing rapidly. You can feel their movements in your belly. Your baby will be making more and more movements as the weeks go on, so it’s time to start practising recognising them!
Your baby’s movements will be similar to hiccups, which means they won’t be as strong or frequent as they are later in pregnancy. They will also feel different than gas bubbles or gas pains—they may startle you at first because they feel like “jumps” or “pops.”
You may feel them while sitting still, but they are most noticeable when relaxing or lying down with your eyes closed for long periods.
32 Weeks Pregnant: Your Body
Your body is changing too!
At 32 weeks pregnant, you may notice that your belly button looks higher than before because your abdominal muscles have separated, and the ligaments holding it up have loosened up to make room for your growing belly! You may also see stretch marks appearing on your lower belly and hips, which are caused by the stretching of the skin.
Stretch marks result from rapid growth and weight gain in the abdomen area. They usually occur during pregnancy but can also happen with weight gain or in people who are overweight.
32 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
- At week 32 weeks pregnant, that swelling belly is getting itchier and itchier as the skin stretches and dries out. You should have found a way to minimise the appearance of stretch marks by now.
- Your growing belly is taking its toll on your back, making it harder and harder for you to get some sleep at night.
- You may feel a painful spasm in your calves which may worsen at night.
- It's getting a little too crowded inside your tummy right now. With your uterus pushing up near your diaphragm, you may feel shortness of breath and heartburn.
- Are you constipated lately? Your growing uterus is cramping your bowels, making them sluggish and irregular.
- As your breasts expand in the third trimester, they may also leak a yellowish fluid called colostrum, the precursor to breast milk.
32 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms Not to Ignore
At 32 weeks pregnant, it's important to be aware of any unusual symptoms that may indicate potential complications. Here's a list of symptoms you should not ignore:
- Vaginal bleeding.
- Severe abdominal pain.
- Regular contractions before your due date.
- Changes in fetal movements.
- High blood pressure.
- Swelling in the face, hands, or feet.
- Severe headaches or visual disturbances.
Maternal Weight Gain
As you enter your third trimester, you probably notice that your belly is getting bigger. But that's not the only thing changing—your body weight is also shifting.
Weight gain during pregnancy is a normal part of the process, but it's important to avoid gaining too much or too little weight before, during and after pregnancy.
Suppose you had a healthy weight before you conceived and have gained at least 12 pounds by week 20 of your pregnancy. Congratulations! Your weight gain so far has been on track. Aiming for an amount will help ensure that your baby gets all the nutrients he or she needs while growing in the womb—and it will also help keep both mum and baby healthy after birth.
Nutrition
You may have heard that it's important to take care of yourself during pregnancy, but did you know that what you eat or don't eat during this time can also affect your baby?
The nutrients found in foods provide the building blocks for your growing baby. The food you eat each day offers vitamins and minerals that help your body grow and stay healthy. During pregnancy, both mum and baby need to get enough nutrients from their diet.
Foods with calcium, iron and folic acid are especially important during pregnancy because they help build strong bones and teeth in your baby. Calcium helps prevent bone loss during pregnancy, while iron helps make red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. The vitamin B-12 found in meat, eggs, fish and dairy products helps develop your unborn child's brain.
Preparing for Labour
Is it good to deliver at 32 weeks?
Ideally, full-term pregnancy is considered to be around 40 weeks. Delivering at 32 weeks is considered preterm, and while many babies born at this stage can survive with medical care, they may face health challenges due to their premature birth.
In some cases, early delivery at 32 weeks may be necessary due to medical reasons, but it's generally best to reach full-term for the health and development of the baby.
As early as 32 weeks into your pregnancy, it's wise to start preparing for labour, as the due date is drawing nearer. Begin by attending childbirth education classes to familiarize yourself with the labour process, relaxation techniques, and pain management options.
Develop a birth plan outlining your preferences for labour and delivery. Ensure you have a hospital bag packed with essentials for both you and your baby, including clothing, toiletries, and important documents. Stay in close contact with your healthcare provider, discussing any concerns or questions you may have about the upcoming labour.
While labour can occur later than 32 weeks, being well-prepared and informed can help you feel more confident as the big day approaches.
Pregnancy Care: Your Checklist at 32 Weeks Pregnant
- Get regular exercise (anything that helps, from brisk walks to prenatal yoga) and drink enough fluids.
- Carry a protein-and-carb-rich snack in your bag to munch on when you feel dizzy.
- Try calamine or some other type of anti-itch lotion to soothe stubborn itchiness.
- Try not to obsess over stretch marks. Up to 90 per cent of women get them. They’re a sign that your baby is growing beautifully.
- Be prepared; learn the signs of labour: water breaking, period-like cramps, vaginal bleeding, diarrhoea, and a tightening feeling in your uterus.
- If you haven't done it, document your beautiful baby bump with a maternity photo shoot.
- Have you decided who will be staying with you in the hospital? Inform your birth partner about your expectations, the dos and don'ts and what should be in the hospital bag.
What should I avoid doing at 32 weeks pregnant?
At 32 weeks pregnant, it's essential to continue avoiding activities and substances that could pose risks to your health and your baby's well-being. This includes abstaining from smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and activities that may lead to falls or injuries.
Additionally, follow your healthcare provider's advice, attend regular prenatal check-ups, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Your next week: 33 weeks pregnant
Your previous week: 31 weeks pregnant
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