Pregnancy Week 32
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Inside Pregnancy Week 32
Week 32 fetal development image showing the fetal growth of your baby to date. Medical Illustration Copyright © 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, All rights reserved
Your baby is now around 16 1/2 and 17 inches in length and about 4-4 1/2 pounds. While the baby is growing like crazy, the movements may seem less rowdy than previously. That is partly due to the fact that there is less room to negotiate in there now. The baby's movements may seem more bumping and squirming than kicking and flipping.
Baby's hair continues to grow and toenails have completely formed.
Most likely, the baby is head-down now, but not worry if he or she's still bottom down. Most babies will turn before labor, even though the uterus is more crowded.
Researchers say babies at this stage dream, although they only sleep in half-hour segments generally.
Pregnancy Symptoms You May Feel During Week 32
The uterus can be felt about 5" above the belly button now. The upward growth of the uterus will result in more heartburn. To alleviate it, eat small frequent meals, don't lie down after meals, and ask your doctor what is permissible to take to help when the heartburn keeps you up at night.
Your uterus is gearing up for the big day, with practice contractions, or Braxton Hicks. If you are a first time mom, you might not even notice them, however as you get closer to birth, Braxton Hicks contractions will get stronger and longer. If you are unsure if it's the real thing, switch up your activity level. If you were resting, get up and walk. If you were busy, then take a warm bath or put your feet up. Real labor can't be abated by changes in activity.
Visit With the Obstetrician
You will probably begin seeing your doctor every two weeks now, as opposed to the monthly visits previously. After 32 weeks, a test may be done, called the biophysical profile or BPP to determine fetal health. This test is done whenever a baby's health is in question or if this is a high-risk pregnancy. It's a non-invasive procedure that combines an in-depth ultrasound with a nonstress test. The ultrasound portion will take up to an hour or so. Using both tools, the doctor will be attempting to obtain a snapshot of baby's overall health by looking at five specific aspects: breathing, movement, muscle tone, heart rate, and amniotic fluid.
Preparing for Baby
You might already know your baby's sex. Parents of sons have to decide whether or not to have their baby boy circumcised. Approximately 65% of all baby boys born in the US are circumcised, but the American Academy of Pediatricians remains neutral on the topic. It's a 5-10 minute procedure and is typically performed in first few days after birth, or possibly postponed for a couple weeks depending on doctor's recommendation. It is done under a local anesthesia, such as a cream applied to the skin, or through an injection. The possible benefits to the procedure are fewer urinary infections, less likely to have penile cancer in future, and lesser risk of sexually transmitted disease. The risks can include bleeding, infection and rarely painful erections later in life. This can be a difficult decision with so much conflicting information, so it’s best to discuss it well in advance as a couple and with your physician.
Pregnancy Lifestyle
Baby is now using all five senses, so it’s an ideal time to work on connecting with the baby, in preparation for birth. If you have a firm idea of the baby’s gender and have a name picked out, beginning using it. The baby will become accustomed to hearing it before birth. Reading to the baby, especially books you intend to share later with him or her are nice ways to connect. Also, singing to your child is something your baby will hear and respond to in utero. When baby is pushing or kicking in one spot, rub or push back gently. Make sure to take plenty of belly photos and record this first time period of baby’s life. Journal your thoughts and feelings for baby to read later. When baby’s big day arrives, you know you won’t be strangers!