Baby Development
How is my baby growing?
By week 32 of pregnancy baby development, your baby is rapidly growing in size. Along with this growth, your baby should be packing the pounds by week 32 of pregnancy baby development. With eight weeks to go, your baby is getting ready to live life outside the womb.
Your baby’s bones are starting to grow by week 32 of pregnancy baby development. These bones will remain soft however, so they can remain flexible when you squeeze your baby out during delivery. If you have an ultrasound scheduled by week 32 of pregnancy baby development, you may also notice some hair on your baby’s head. Along with some hair and bones, your baby’s toenails are starting to form and should be visible.
If your baby has yet to shed lanugo, the layer of soft hair that has been covering your baby for the past few months of pregnancy, then week 32 of pregnancy baby development may finally be the week those hairs fall off.
With only eight more weeks before delivery, your baby might start to turn with the head pointing downwards. This is also known as cephalic presentation, as babies usually enter the world headfirst. If your baby has yet to turn, you should not be worried as there is still a long way to go from week 32 of pregnancy baby development to childbirth.
By now, there should also be an increased amount of amniotic fluid (the fluid responsible for feeding your baby). Your baby will need it as there is a lot more growing to be done.
Body & Life Changes
How is my body changing?
By week 32, frequent trips to the bathroom are the norm. Your uterus is still pushing down against your bladder, causing a frequent need to urinate. Leg cramps and backaches are still present. Colostrum or pre-pregnancy breast milk might be leaking from your breasts as well.
Another symptom to take note of is heartburn. Much like your frequent bathroom breaks, heartburn is also caused by your uterus growing in size to accommodate more of the baby.
Gaining weight is normal and healthy during pregnancy. By the 32nd week of pregnancy, a mother can be gaining a pound a week. Those pounds you put on are shared with your baby. It is important to keep eating as your baby needs these layers of fat to survive the outside world. Since you are not only eating for yourself but also for your baby, always make sure to keep eating a healthy and balanced diet. Healthy food choices will ensure that both you and your baby are getting the proper nutrients from development until birth.
What should I be concerned about?
You may experience “Braxton Hicks” by week 32 of pregnancy baby development. Also called fake contractions, these contractions are your body’s way of practicing for actual labor.
It may cause some panic, so it is important to know the difference between actual labor symptoms and “Braxton Hicks.”
One easy way to differentiate “Braxton Hicks” from actual labor signs is the frequency and duration that you experience contractions. “Braxton Hicks”, unlike actual labor signs, are infrequent. They will also disappear quickly. They can last from 30 seconds to two minutes and are gone afterward. On the other hand, actual labor contractions happen in regular intervals with increasing intensity. If you think you are experiencing early labor contractions, immediately consult a doctor or go to a hospital.
Women may also develop pelvic pain. While it does not cause your baby any harm, it might cause significant discomfort. Outside of taking medication, it is a good idea to keep fit and do some light stretches to keep the pain to a minimum. Talk to your doctor about possible options to relieving pelvic pain.
Besides these conditions, please call your doctor or go to a hospital if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage
- Fever
- Persistent headache
- Severe abdominal pain
- Burning sensation when you urinate
- Blurred vision
Your Doctor Visits
What should I tell my doctor?
You may discuss with your doctor any contractions you might feel during this week. If you are monitoring your blood pressure, communicate your findings with your doctor. You may also want to ask your doctor about possible options, if the pain from your pelvis, cramps, and backaches are too difficult to bear.
Childbirth options
The Philippine Department of Health’s Safe Motherhood program seeks to provide safe and accessible pregnancy and delivery options to Filipina mothers. Look for a hospital and a doctor to give birth in. The Department of Health greatly encourages would-be mothers to give birth in facilities or hospitals. This can greatly increase the chances of successful delivery.
What tests should I know about?
You might want to schedule an ultrasound by this week if you feel like you want to see your baby’s development. You may also notice that your doctor will take your blood pressure.
Action Plan
Here are some things to consider by the 32nd week of pregnancy:
- Pick a hospital to give birth in
- Read up on child care
- Pick possible people to be in the delivery room
- Hydrate
- Relax and manage your anxiety
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