Week 32

Your Body

Many women are worried about the health of their baby in between doctor visits. One way to monitor baby while at home is to pick a time during the day that baby is usually active. Write down the current time and then count the number of times baby kicks, twists, punches, or turns, but do not count hiccups. As soon as you reach 10 events, write down the current time again. If there are less than 10 events in 4 hours contact your doctor.

Swelling is normal but if you experience facial swelling or severe headaches you may be experiencing preeclampsia and should contact your doctor.

A baby shower may be thrown for you soon. Think about the things you might like to have to prepare for baby’s birth. Onesies are great for baby’s first clothes. Do you have a car seat for the ride home from the hospital with your new son or daughter?

Most hospitals allow one additional person to be present besides your husband. Consider if there is anyone else you would like to be present. Doulas can assist in helping you through any pain you may experience if you choose a natural birth.

Right now your body is producing a pregnancy hormone called relaxin – causing the body to prepare for birth by relaxing your pelvic ligaments. This is necessary in order for your baby to able to pass through the birth canal without unnecessary hindrance from your body. Relaxin is also the hormone responsible for you starting to waddle – the relaxation of ligaments causes this change in your walk. Once your baby has been born you’ll return to normal, however, so don’t worry too much about this.

As the discomforts of pregnancy drag on, you may be tempted to take over-the-counter medication in order to alleviate problems. Before resorting to medication, which might not be in your baby’s best interests, always check with your doctor. Or try some natural alternatives where possible; the likes of massage, stretching and exercise all relieve body aches, while a healthy balanced diet can help to relieve heartburn or constipation.

Your Baby’s Development

Your baby’s movements will peak this week then change in quantity and quality. Remember to do your foetal Kick Counts. Most of the wrinkles are disappearing from baby’s face, and there may be a lot of hair!
Babies who are born at a younger gestation than this will most likely having difficulties sucking or nursing. This also applies to babies who weigh less than 1500 grams. A good sucking pattern is a sign of neuromuscular maturity.

Baby is most likely in a head-down birthing position by now. If your child is born today survival chances are very good and a long hospital stay may not even be necessary. Women with triplets have most likely delivered by now.

Baby is 16.7 inches (42.4 cm) long and weighs 3.75 pounds (1702 grams).