{"id":10223,"date":"2021-04-26T10:57:25","date_gmt":"2021-04-26T14:57:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.oviahealth.com\/guide\/10223\/week-32-pregnancy\/"},"modified":"2024-07-10T15:14:00","modified_gmt":"2024-07-10T19:14:00","slug":"week-32-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/10223\/week-32-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"32 weeks pregnant"},"content":{"rendered":"
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For more information about week 32 in a twin or multiple pregnancy, tap here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

With every day that passes, <\/span>Baby<\/span> is closer and closer to joining your family! And your little one is working on some very important tasks right now, like rotating into their birthing position and maybe even sucking their thumb.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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How\u2019s Baby<\/span>?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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As Baby<\/span> gets closer and closer to being born, they now measure in at 17-18 inches, are the size of a pomelo, and weigh about 4 pounds. Your little one\u2019s head also may have a coating of fuzz this week. Baby<\/span> is still a little ways away from their first mani-pedi, but they already have a full set of fingernails and toenails. In fact, one of your baby\u2019s favorite activities right now is sucking their fingers, which is not only cute but actually improves their coordination and familiarizes them with their body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Baby<\/span> is really practicing for the big stage, breathing and \u201cswimming\u201d like crazy. Your baby is also probably in the head-down position, with their head moving closer to your pelvis as they prepare for birth.<\/span><\/p>\n

What’s new with you?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

You know your unique symptoms pretty well this late in your pregnancy. Symptoms are different for every pregnant person, but one of the most common symptoms of the third trimester is the increased need to pee. There is so much pressure on your bladder it can be tempting to cut down on hydration. But drinking enough water is so important. Hemorrhoids, flatulence, and constipation might continue as well. And you\u2019ve probably reached a peak in the increased blood flow that\u2019s, by now, been contributing to any number of symptoms. That extra 50% of blood does have a purpose, though \u2014 currently, it\u2019s helping to keep Baby<\/span> snug and safe, and it\u2019s also going to help make up for the blood you lose during birth and postpartum.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s time to start thinking more about your hopes and plans for labor, birth and postpartum, including thinking about if you may want to use any pain management. Talk to your provider, or ask during a hospital tour, about your options and what makes most sense for you. Epidural anesthesia is among the most common pain management options, though many opt for other IV or inhaled medications or elect to have medication-free births. It is also possible to labor without medication for pain but<\/span>\u00a0need other labor medications like pitocin and\/or antibiotics. <\/span>It helps to go into labor with an understanding of your options and keep in mind that you can always ask more questions when in labor and\u00a0change your mind based on the circumstances. Everyone\u2019s desires and needs are different, and your provider and care team will help you do what\u2019s best for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s also essential to prepare for life after Baby <\/span><\/span>is here as the newborn period can be extremely busy!<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve finished with some of your baby prep basics \u2014 <\/span>Crib? Check! Diapers? Check!<\/span><\/em> \u2014 you could get a headstart on babyproofing. Although Baby<\/span> won\u2019t be mobile for some time, you may have furniture that’s easier to secure to the wall now or pets you need to make contingency plans for. Have a cat who might crawl into a crib? You\u2019ll need to cat-proof Baby’s<\/span>\u00a0bedroom. Have a dog who loves to lick aggressively? You may want an elevated and safe space to put Baby<\/span> down while you\u2019re in the restroom or have your hands full making a meal. A little bit of extra planning can save you the work when you\u2019re in full newborn mode.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team<\/h5>\n
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