Symptoms, Baby Development And Body Changes

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W e e k 32 i s the t i m e you e n t e r the t h i r d trimester. Y o u r baby’s g r o w t h has p i c k e d up t h e pace, a n d you a r e closer t o your d u e date. C u r i o u s to k n o w the d e v e l o p m e n t s in y o u r pregnancy d u r i n g this w e e k ? Momjunction t e l l s you e v e r y t h i n g , right f r o m the s i z e of y o u r baby t o the f o o d s you s h o u l d eat a n d avoid, d u r i n g this w e e k . Read o n .

H o w Many M o n t h s Are 3 2 Weeks I n Pregnancy?

I f you a r e in t h e 32nd w e e k of p r e g n a n c y , it m e a n s you a r e eight m o n t h s pregnant. I t means y o u are s i x to e i g h t weeks a w a y from h a v i n g your b a b y because t h e full t e r m is 4 0 weeks, b u t the d e l i v e r y can h a p p e n anytime b e t w e e n 38 a n d 40 w e e k s . Therefore, y o u r baby i s almost f u l l y grown b y now.

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S i z e Of T h e Baby A t 32 W e e k s

Y o u r baby i s about t h e size o f a s q u a s h . During 3 2 weeks o f pregnancy, y o u r baby i s about 4 2 c m (16in) l o n g and w e i g h s 1-1.8kg ( 3 to 4 l b ) (1).

I n a t w i n pregnancy, e a c h twin m a y be a r o u n d the s a m e length a n d weight a s a s i n g l e t o n baby. H o w e v e r , one t w i n could b e slightly b i g g e r than t h e other. B y this t i m e , the b a b y attains a body s i z e proportionate t o their h e a d .

Y o u r baby h a s all t h e i r organs f u n c t i o n i n g .

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B a b y Development A t 32 W e e k s Of Pregnancy

Y o u r baby i s matured a n d fattening. T h e y are p r e p a r i n g to a t t a i n the o p t i m a l birthing p o s i t i o n (vertex p r e s e n t a t i o n ) (2) i n s i d e the w o m b . Let u s see t h e developments h a p p e n i n g during t h i s week ( 3 ) , (4), ( 5 ) :

B o d y parts	D e v e l o p m e n t stage
Skin	S o f t e r and s m o o t h e r . A t h i c k coat o f vernix c a s e o s a is f o r m e d over t h e skin
Eyes	B e g i n to o p e n and c l o s e
Ears	A l m o s t developed. T h e y can h e a r and r e c o g n i z e the s o u n d s
Fingers	S e p a r a t e d from e a c h other. T h e baby s t a r t s sucking t h e thumb
T a s t e buds	C o m p l e t e l y formed. T h e baby c a n recognize s w e e t and s o u r tastes
Lungs	A l m o s t developed. T h e baby p r a c t i c e s to b r e a t h e using t h e muscles a s they i n h a l e the a m n i o t i c fluid
Genitals	Boys: Testicle d e s c e n d i n g into t h e scrotum Girls: Clitoris h a v e developed a n d partially c o v e r e d by t h e labia
Bones	H a r d e n e d except t h e skull b o n e s
Lanugo	S t a r t s disappearing
Hair	G e t t i n g thicker
Nails	F i n g e r n a i l s and t o e n a i l s are g r o w n till t h e fingertips

T h e week 3 2 is s i g n i f i c a n t as t h e fetus s t a r t s moving i n t o an o p t i m a l birthing p o s i t i o n . It a l s o marks v a r i o u s changes i n the f e t a l movements.

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F e t a l Position A n d Movements A t 32 W e e k s

T h e baby m o v e s into a head-down p o s i t i o n . This m a k e s the b a b y fit p r o p e r l y in t h e pelvis, m a k i n g their m o v e m e n t easier t h r o u g h the b i r t h i n g canal d u r i n g delivery.

I f the b a b y is i n the b o t t o m – d o w n – p o s i t i o n , it i s called a breech p r e s e n t a t i o n . But t h e baby s t i l l has t i m e to f l i p to t h e optimal p o s i t i o n before b i r t h . The b o d y produces e n o u g h amniotic f l u i d as y o u approach t h e due d a t e to f a c i l i t a t e your b a b y ’ s movements.

F e t a l movements

A t 32 w e e k s , your b a b y is b i g enough a n d may f i n d little s p a c e to m o v e around f r e e l y . The r e s t r i c t e d movements c a n make y o u feel t h e baby w i g g l e and t a p instead o f roll.

T h e punches a n d kicks m a y not b e as s t r o n g as t h e ones y o u felt e a r l i e r . You m a y also f e e l the b a b y ’ s hiccups.

A s the b a b y spends m o r e time s l e e p i n g , the m o v e m e n t s will b e fewer.

G o t an i d e a what y o u r baby w i l l be l i k e during t h i s week? N o w , let’s s e e how y o u are a r o u n d this t i m e .

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W h a t Are T h e Symptoms O f 32 W e e k s Pregnancy?

H e r e is w h a t happens t o you d u r i n g 32 w e e k s of p r e g n a n c y :

Y o u will g a i n around 0 . 7 to 1 l b (0.335kg) a week f r o m here o n (6). B y this w e e k , an o p t i m u m weight g a i n should b e :

W e e k of p r e g n a n c y	B M I < 2 5	B M I 25-30	B M I > 3 0
32	2 0 l b (9kg	1 3 l b (6kg)	1 1 l b (5kg)

T h e b l o o d volume i n c r e a s e s by 5 0 – 6 0 % to m e e t the i n c r e a s e d demand f o r oxygen a n d nutrients f o r the f e t u s (7).

Preeclampsia (high b l o o d pressure) c a n develop a t this s t a g e , with s i g n s such a s headache, s w e l l i n g on t h e face a n d in h a n d s , and c h a n g e in v i s i o n (8).

Insomnia due t o the l a r g e belly, a n x i e t y , and f r e q u e n t urination.

F a t i g u e and h e a r t b u r n as t h e growing u t e r u s pushes t h e stomach u p w a r d , causing t h e gastric a c i d s to m o v e into t h e esophagus a n d result i n heartburn.

A c n e or s k i n pigmentations around t h e face o r breasts d u e to h o r m o n a l changes o r dermatoses. T h e dermatoses w i l l wane a w a y during t h e postpartum p e r i o d (9).

Constipation due t o an a l t e r a t i o n in t h e bowel m o v e m e n t s . The g r o w i n g uterus p u s h e s up y o u r stomach, m a k i n g bowel m o v e m e n t s difficult.

I n c r e a s e d urination because o f the u t e r u s exerting p r e s s u r e on t h e bladder.

B r a x t o n Hicks c o n t r a c t i o n s as t h e uterine m u s c l e s tighten. T h i s contraction l a s t s from 3 0 seconds t o two m i n u t e s (10).

V a r i c o s e veins d u e to t h e pressure o n the v e i n s that c a r r y blood f r o m your l e g s to t h e pelvic a r e a . This p r e s s u r e restricts p r o p e r flow o f blood. H e m o r r h o i d s that d e v e l o p near t h e rectal a r e a are p a i n f u l and i t c h y (11).

L e g cramps might i n c r e a s e in f r e q u e n c y during t h e night.

M i l k y white d i s c h a r g e from t h e vagina p r e v e n t s the e n t r y of a n y bacteria t h a t can c a u s e infections. I f the d i s c h a r g e smells f o u l , then i t might i n d i c a t e a v a g i n a l infection.

L e a k i n g of c o l o s t r u m from t h e nipples. I t is t h e first m i l k that y o u r breasts p r o d u c e to f e e d your b a b y .

S h o r t n e s s of b r e a t h as t h e uterus p u t s pressure o n the d i a p h r a g m .

B a c k pain as t h e uterus s t r e t c h e s and w e a k e n s your a b d o m i n a l muscles. T h i s shifts y o u r center o f gravity t h a t alters t h e posture, p u t t i n g strain o n the b a c k . Also, t h e hormones r e l a x the j o i n t s and l i g a m e n t s that c o n n e c t the s p i n e to t h e pelvic b o n e , causing p a i n in t h e back.

H e a r t palpitations due t o mental o r physical s t r e s s , and e x c e s s i v e consumption o f caffeine d u r i n g pregnancy.

T h e g r o w i n g tummy c a n get i t c h i e r as t h e skin g e t s stretched. A p p l y i n g a m o i s t u r i z e r , soothing c r e a m , or c a l a m i n e lotion w i l l give y o u some r e l i e f . You m a y also a d d oatmeal t o warm b a t h i n g water a n d soak y o u r s e l f in i t .

T h e above s y m p t o m s are a result o f changes h a p p e n i n g inside a n d outside y o u r body. L e t ’ s see a few o f them.

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V i s i b l e Changes I n The B o d y During T h e 32nd W e e k

H e r e are s o m e of t h e noticeable c h a n g e s in y o u r body d u r i n g the w e e k 32:

A bigger b u m p : The b u m p measures 1 2 – 1 3 i n from t h e top o f the u t e r u s to t h e pelvic b o n e . The b a b y will d r o p down s l o w l y near t h e pelvis i n a h e a d – d o w n position. T h e top o f the u t e r u s will g e t raised a r o u n d five i n c h e s upward f r o m the b e l l y button, c a u s i n g trouble i n breathing.

D a r k e r nipples: The a r e o l a s get d a r k e r and t h e nipples b e c o m e erect a n d hard.

S t r e t c h marks: Become m o r e prominent w i t h the g r o w i n g belly.

B l u e veins: Are v i s i b l e around t h e breasts a n d the t h i g h s due t o increased s u p p l y of b l o o d to t h e s e areas.

T h e 32nd w e e k calls f o r a v i s i t to t h e OB/GYN f o r pregnancy t e s t s .

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P r e g n a n c y Tests D u r i n g 32 W e e k s Of Pregnancy

Y o u r doctor w i l l :

A d v i s e a u r i n e and b l o o d pressure t e s t
C h e c k your w e i g h t
C h e c k for s w e l l i n g s on y o u r body
M e a s u r e the s i z e of t h e womb
M o n i t o r the f e t a l heart r a t e

U l t r a s o u n d scan a t 32 w e e k s

A n ultrasound s c a n during t h e 32nd w e e k will h e l p :

A s c e r t a i n the f e t a l development, p o s i t i o n of t h e baby, a n d the c o n d i t i o n of t h e placenta.

P r e d i c t the f e t a l developments i n the c o m i n g weeks.

D e t e c t any p o s s i b i l i t y of c o m p l i c a t i o n s in y o u r pregnancy.

A n abnormality t h a t can a r i s e during t h i s week i s the p l a c e n t a l dysfunctioning a n d its s t r u c t u r a l changes. D e t e c t i n g such a b n o r m a l i t y during t h e ultrasound s c a n can h e l p initiate a n early t r e a t m e n t (12).

I f the b a b y is n o t positioned p r o p e r l y , the d o c t o r may s u g g e s t a f e w exercises t o help t h e baby m o v e upside-down.

P r e g n a n c y tests a r e scheduled, a n d you t a k e a p r i o r appointment t o see t h e doctor. B u t , sometimes y o u might h a v e to h a v e an e m e r g e n c y call w i t h the d o c t o r .

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W h e n to c a l l the d o c t o r ?

I f you a r e experiencing a n y of t h e following s y m p t o m s , then y o u need t o see t h e doctor:

Contractions
V a g i n a l bleeding
F l u i d leakage
P e r s i s t e n t fever
C h r o n i c headaches
S e v e r e pain i n the p e l v i s or a b d o m e n
B u r n i n g sensation w h i l e urinating
B l u r r e d vision

Y o u can a v o i d most p r o b l e m s during p r e g n a n c y by e a t i n g right a n d having a healthy l i f e s t y l e .

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F o o d s To E a t And F o o d s To A v o i d In W e e k 32

L e t ’ s see w h a t they a r e :

F o o d s to e a t :

H a v e healthy d r i n k s such a s grape j u i c e , apple j u i c e , almond m i l k , and c a r r o t juice, b u t without a d d i n g sugar i n it.

R e l i s h on b a k e d spinach a n d cheese r o l l s as w e l l as l e s s oily f r i e d chicken a n d vegetables.

C o n s u m e foods s u c h as c h i c k e n , peas, f i s h , milk, b e a n s , fruits, e t c . , that a r e rich i n iron. I t helps i n proper d e v e l o p m e n t of t h e fetus.

I n c l u d e calcium-rich f o o d that h e l p s strengthen y o u r baby’s b o n e s and i r o n absorption i n your b o d y .

A d d seafood a n d dairy p r o d u c t s to y o u r diet. S e a f o o d rich i n omega 3 fatty a c i d s are e s s e n t i a l for t h e development o f the b a b y .

F o o d s to a v o i d :

A v o i d consuming c o l a and a l c o h o l .

C u t down o n tea a n d coffee.

L i m i t the c o n s u m p t i o n of c a r b o h y d r a t e s .

R e d u c e the i n t a k e of f a t t y foods a s they c o u l d lead t o extra w e i g h t gain.

I t is n o t just a b o u t eating t h e right f o o d s but e a t i n g them r i g h t . Make s u r e you a r e taking 2 , 2 0 0 to 2 , 9 0 0 calories, d e p e n d i n g on y o u r weight. E a t smaller m e a l s at r e g u l a r intervals.

T h e r e are a l s o a f e w more t h i n g s you c a n do t o make t h e 32nd w e e k easy.

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T i p s To F o l l o w At 3 2 Weeks Pregnancy

H e r e are s o m e tips y o u can f o l l o w :

D r i n k plenty o f water t o keep y o u r s e l f hydrated. I t also h e l p s supply o x y g e n to y o u r baby.

T a k e sufficient r e s t , and a v o i d standing f o r long h o u r s .

M a k e use o f pillows a n d cushions f o r support w h i l e sitting a n d sleeping.

R e a d books o n pregnancy, m a t e r n a l care a n d postnatal c a r e .

A r r a n g e for a nanny i f you h a v e an o l d e r child.

I f you e x p e r i e n c e contractions d u r i n g this w e e k , then f o l l o w the t i p s given b e l o w :

C h a n g e your s l e e p i n g positions

G o for a short w a l k or d o prenatal y o g a

T a k e a w a r m bath f o r relaxation

D r i n k a c u p of w a r m milk o r herbal t e a

D r i n k water a s contraction c a n lead t o dehydration

K e e p your l e g s elevated w h e n sitting

T r y to l i e down o n your l e f t side

T h i n g s To D o In 3 2 n d Week

V i s i t your d o c t o r on t h e scheduled a p p o i n t m e n t s

K e e p track o f your b a b y ’ s movements

L e a r n about b r e a s t f e e d i n g your b a b y

A t t e n d classes o n childbirth a n d baby c a r e

S t a r t searching a name f o r your l i t t l e one

K e e p yourself i n a p o s i t i v e environment. S p e n d time w i t h your p a r t n e r , family a n d friends.

S t a r t planning f o r the l i f e after t h e baby

D i s c u s s with y o u r partner a b o u t conserving y o u r baby’s c o r d blood

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I s it s a f e to h a v e sex d u r i n g 32 w e e k s of p r e g n a n c y ?

I f your p r e g n a n c y is p r o g r e s s i n g well, t h e n you c a n have s e x u a l intercourse i n this w e e k . But g o for s a f e postures t h a t will n o t harm t h e baby. I f you h a v e any c o m p l i c a t i o n s , the d o c t o r might s u g g e s t you t o avoid s e x .

Tips For D a d – T o – B e

D a d – t o – b e is a s anxious a s the m o t h e r , and h e n c e here a r e some t i p s for h i m :

S e a r c h for a good p e d i a t r i c i a n .

H e l p your p a r t n e r with t h e chores a n d be w i t h her d u r i n g the p r e n a t a l visits.

P a c k the h o s p i t a l bag w i t h all t h e necessary s t u f f .

S p e n d more t i m e with h e r by j o i n i n g her i n walks a n d pregnancy c l a s s e s .

I f your p a r t n e r complains o f severe c o n t r a c t i o n pain o r if t h e water b r e a k s , then c a l l the d o c t o r immediately a n d drive h e r to t h e hospital.

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I f you h a v e not e x p e r i e n c e d any p r o b l e m s in y o u r pregnancy s o far, y o u r 32nd w e e k is a l s o likely t o be s m o o t h . What y o u can e x p e c t , however, i s growing u n e a s i n e s s due t o the l a r g e r belly, b r e a t h l e s s n e s s , change i n your w a l k i n g pattern, a n d such m i n o r problems.

Y o u need t o be c a r e f u l while w a l k i n g or c l i m b i n g the s t a i r c a s e . Hold o n to t h e wall o r a r a i l i n g for s t r o n g support, a n d watch y o u r step.

D o you h a v e an e x p e r i e n c e to s h a r e ? Let u s know a b o u t it i n the c o m m e n t s section.

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