At 32 weeks pregnant, you're in your third trimester, and your baby is continuing to grow and prepare for birth. This is a good time to focus on prenatal appointments, preparing for labor and delivery, and getting your home ready for the baby.
Here's a breakdown of what you should do:
1. Prenatal Care and Monitoring:
* Attend regular appointments: Around 32 weeks, your prenatal visits will likely become more frequent, typically every two weeks until 36 weeks, and then weekly until delivery.
* Discuss your birth plan: Talk to your doctor or midwife about your birth plan, including who you want in the delivery room and your preferences for labor.
* Monitor baby's movements: Keep track of your baby's movements daily. You should feel at least 10 movements in two hours. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any changes or a decrease in movement.
* Watch for signs of preterm labor: Be aware of symptoms like consistent contractions, heavy or unusual vaginal bleeding, sudden swelling, severe headaches, unusual abdominal pain, and changes to your vision, and call your doctor immediately if you experience them.
* Group B Strep test: You'll likely be tested for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) during your third trimester.
* Consider vaccinations: Discuss necessary vaccinations with your healthcare team, which may include flu, COVID-19, RSV shots, and the Tdap vaccine (recommended between 27 and 36 weeks).
2. Preparing for Labor and Delivery:
* Learn about labor: Understand the signs of labor and when to go to the hospital.
* Practice breathing and relaxation: These techniques can help you manage contractions during labor.
* Pack your hospital bag: Prepare a bag with essentials for yourself and the baby for after birth.
* Install the car seat: Install your baby's car seat and have it inspected to ensure it's correctly installed.
* Childbirth and parenting classes: If you haven't already, attend childbirth, newborn care, breastfeeding, and infant CPR classes.
* Perineal massage: If you're planning a vaginal birth, you can start perineal massage from 34 weeks.
* Red raspberry leaf tea: Some sources suggest drinking red raspberry leaf tea from 32 weeks to help strengthen uterine tone for labor.
* Eating dates: Research suggests that eating six dates a day from 36 weeks may lead to labor starting sooner and lasting for a shorter time.
3. What's Happening with Your Body:
* Braxton Hicks contractions: You may experience more frequent Braxton Hicks (practice) contractions. These are usually irregular and should subside with movement.
* Pelvic pressure and pain: Your baby may start to engage in your pelvis, causing pressure or pelvic girdle pain. Staying active and using a pillow between your legs when sleeping can help.
* Shortness of breath: Your growing uterus can put pressure on your diaphragm, leading to shortness of breath. Rest often.
* Heartburn: This can also be caused by the pressure from your uterus.
* Leaky breasts (colostrum): Your breasts may start to leak colostrum, the nutrient-rich pre-milk.
* Increased vaginal discharge: Vaginal discharge often picks up in preparation for labor.
* Other common symptoms: You might also experience constipation, faintness or dizziness, itchy skin, leg cramps, hemorrhoids, and difficulty sleeping.
4. Baby's Development at 32 Weeks:
* Size: Your baby is about the size of a squash or a bunch of celery, measuring around 16.7 inches long and weighing between 4 and 4.5 pounds.
* Organ development: Most major organs are fully developed, except for the lungs, which are still maturing.
* Breathing practice: Your baby is practicing breathing by inhaling amniotic fluid.
* Head-down position: Your baby is likely in a head-down position in preparation for birth.
* Skin changes: Your baby's skin is becoming opaque as fat accumulates underneath.
* Sucking and swallowing: Your baby is practicing sucking and swallowing to prepare for feeding after birth.
* Fingernails and toenails: Toenails are visible and fingernails have formed.
* Lanugo disappears: The soft, downy hair (lanugo) covering your baby's skin may start to fall off.
5. Other Important Considerations:
* Choose a pediatrician: Select a pediatrician for your baby.
* Childcare arrangements: If you have other children, arrange for childcare during labor and after birth.
* Maternity rights at work: Discuss your maternity rights with your employer and ensure a safe work environment.
* Healthy lifestyle: Continue to eat a healthy, balanced diet, stay hydrated, and aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, such as walking or swimming.
* Prioritize rest: Get plenty of rest, as you may be feeling more tired.
* Emotional well-being: If you're feeling anxious or low, talk to your doctor or midwife, or discuss your worries with your partner, friends, and family.