Pregnancy Week 32

What’s your baby up to?

Your baby keeps adding weight and smoothing out every passing day. He now weighs about 1.7kg and measures around 42 cm from head to toe. He now has fully grown fingernails and toenails, and is growing real hair on his head. He is storing iron, calcium and phosphorus in his body. His bones are hardening; though the skull is soft and pliable, so as to be able to pass through the birth canal.

By now, your baby may have settled into the fetal position. He is lying with his head pointing downwards, ready for birth. This is known as the cephalic presentation. If your baby is not in this position, he is said to be breech. Don’t worry, there is still plenty of time to turn; some babies even flip over during labour.

Your baby’s lungs are now much more mature and his breathing is now as rhythmic as that of a newborn, taking in 40 breaths per minute. Also, the adrenal glands produce cortisol, which triggers more production of the surfactants which open up the air sacs of the lungs.

Your little one is almost ready for life outside the womb, but he still needs to cook for a few more weeks. If born now, your baby would have a high chance of surviving without life-threatening complications.

If you are having quadruplets, they are due this week.

How are you doing?

Your growing belly makes you feel out of balance, due to a shift in your center of gravity. Also, pregnancy hormones have made your ligaments to be lax, thereby contributing to your clumsiness and waddling gait.

Braxton Hicks contractions, shortness of breath, heartburn, constipation, hemorrhoids, fatigue, and lower back aches are some of the common symptoms at this point. If lower back aches are new to you, you might want to mention that to your doctor, as it could be a signal of preterm labour.

What should you do this week?

As your due date draws close and closer, it is wise to map out a birth plan. Decide on which hospital you’ll have your baby (assuming it will be different from where you are receiving antenatal care), who will be in the labour room with you? Hubby or mummy? Options for pain relief? etc

It’s also good to start planning and making arrangements on who will help you out when baby arrives.

If you are travelling by air to another city or country to have your baby, be aware that most airlines require a “fitness to fly” certificate from your doctor after week 28 of your pregnancy. This document confirms that you are strong enough to travel by air without complications or dire consequences. Also note that every airline has its policy on the time beyond which you cannot be allowed to travel with them. It’s usually 32 weeks for high risk pregnancies or 36 weeks for normal pregnancies. Confirm with your airline.

Drink lots of fluids, eat healthy small portions of meals at different times of the day. Be sure to prop yourself up after eating to avoid heartburn. Engage in gentle exercises, and get some well needed rest.

Finally, stay informed, healthy and inspired, by reading  Maternity Nest. Connect with other moms-to-be for moral support, by joining your Due Date Club in the The Nest.