Third trimester · 32 weeks pregnant
Week 32: practising for life outside
Breathing practice, nails to the fingertips and often head-down.
Your baby practises breathing, sleeps most of the day and has nails that reach the fingertips. Many babies are now head-down, and most will be by 36 weeks. Know the signs of preterm labour from here.
Size and weight
About the size of
a jicama
Length
42.4 cm
Weight
1.7 kg
Averages from standard growth charts. Measured crown to rump until week 20 and head to heel afterwards.
How your baby is developing
- The baby practises breathing movements and sleeps 90–95% of the day.
- Fingernails reach the fingertips; real hair grows on the head.
- The skin is opaque and smoother as fat accumulates.
- Many babies settle head-down, ready for birth.
How you may feel
- Heartburn
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling
- Frequent urination
- Backache
- Braxton Hicks
- Leaky breasts
- An itchy belly
Signs of preterm labour before 37 weeks include regular tightenings, a dull backache that comes and goes, pelvic pressure, period-like cramps, a change in discharge and fluid leaking. Call if you notice them.
What's next
Tests and appointments
- 32-week check: blood pressure, urine, fundal height and the baby's position.
- Third screening ultrasound (28–32 weeks) if not yet done; a Doppler study is added for high-risk pregnancies.
What to do this week
- Learn the signs of preterm labour and where to call.
- Pack most of the hospital bag now.
- Install the car seat and have the fitting checked if a service exists nearby.
Call your doctor or maternity hospital if
- Your baby is moving less than usual, or the pattern has changed
- Vaginal bleeding, or your waters break, especially if the fluid is green or brown
- A severe headache, vision changes, pain under the right ribs, or sudden swelling of your face and hands
- Regular painful tightenings before 37 weeks, or severe itching of your palms and soles
If something feels wrong, trust yourself and call 103 or your maternity hospital. You will never be wasting anyone's time.
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