Week 32 of Pregnancy: What to Do

Welcome to week 32! You're in the home stretch of your third trimester. Your baby is growing rapidly, and your body is making significant preparations for birth. This week focuses on understanding these changes, preparing for labor, and ensuring both you and your baby are healthy and ready.

Health Tips for Mother & Baby

For the Mother

  • Vaccinations: Ensure you've had your whooping cough and RSV vaccines. These protect your baby in their first months. The RSV vaccine is usually offered between weeks 32 and 36 during RSV season. Speak to your midwife or GP if you haven't.
  • Vitamin K Discussion: Within 24 hours of birth, you'll be asked about giving your baby Vitamin K. Discuss options with your healthcare provider.
  • Vitamin D Supplement: Consider a daily vitamin D supplement, especially from October to March, for bone and muscle health.
  • Pelvic Floor Exercises: Continue or start toning your pelvic floor muscles. These help prevent leakage and support recovery.
  • Rest & Listen to Your Body: Fatigue is common. Take frequent rests and avoid overexertion.
  • Talk to Work: Understand your maternity rights, discuss risk assessments, and antenatal appointments.
  • Contraception Planning: It might seem early, but discuss post-birth contraception options with your GP or midwife.

For the Baby

  • Rapid Growth: Your baby is gaining about 450g a week, building fat to regulate temperature after birth.
  • Organ Development: Most major organs are fully formed, except for the lungs which are still maturing.
  • Breathing Practice: Baby is inhaling amniotic fluid, practicing for their first breaths.
  • Fetal Position: Many babies are now head-down (cephalic presentation) in preparation for birth. There's still time if not!
  • Movement Monitoring: You should still feel regular movements. Contact your midwife immediately if patterns change or movements decrease.
  • Skin Changes: Your baby's skin is now opaque instead of transparent, as fat accumulates underneath.
  • Storing Minerals: Baby is stashing away important minerals like iron, calcium, and phosphorus for the first 6 months of life.

Managing Pregnancy Symptoms

Common Symptoms & Relief

  • Braxton Hicks Contractions: Irregular tightening of the uterus, practice contractions. Stay hydrated, change positions, or take a warm bath to ease them. They stop if you change position, unlike real labor.
  • Backaches: Due to relaxed connective tissue and growing uterus. Use good posture, supportive seating, low-heeled shoes, gentle exercise, and consider abdominal support garments.
  • Shortness of Breath: Due to pressure on your diaphragm. Practice good posture, rest when needed, and try resting on your side.
  • Heartburn & Constipation: Eat small, frequent meals, drink plenty of water, increase fiber, avoid trigger foods. Don't lie down right after eating.
  • Swollen Hands & Feet (Edema): Elevate your legs, exercise, stay hydrated, and consider compression stockings. Report sudden or severe swelling (especially face/eyes) to your doctor immediately as it could be preeclampsia.
  • Itching Skin & Stretch Marks: Keep skin moisturized. Severe itching, especially without a rash or on hands/feet, should be reported to your doctor (could be cholestasis). Stretch marks are common, often genetic, and fade after birth.
  • Lightning Crotch: Sharp, brief pelvic pains caused by baby's head dropping and pressing on nerves. Not a sign of labor.
  • Varicose Veins: Swollen blood vessels, often in legs or pelvic area. Elevate legs, exercise, avoid prolonged standing/sitting, and consider compression stockings.
  • Dry/Sensitive Eyes: Your eyes may feel dry and sensitive. Keep lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) and sunglasses handy. Consult your doctor for recommendations.
  • Appetite Changes: You might feel less hungry as baby crowds internal organs. Eat small, frequent, nutritious meals and snacks.

Emotional Well-being

  • Anxiety & Fears: It's normal to feel anxious about childbirth and parenthood. Talk to your partner, friends, or midwife.
  • Relaxation: Find time to relax through journaling, listening to music, or taking pregnancy photos.
  • Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor or midwife if you're feeling persistently low or overwhelmed.

Nutritional Guidance

Balanced Diet for Week 32

  • "Eating for Two" Myth: You only need an extra 200-300 calories per day in the third trimester (e.g., two slices of wholemeal toast).
  • Healthy & Varied: Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
  • Vitamin D: Consider a daily vitamin D supplement, especially from October to March.
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Avoid: Continue to avoid smoking, alcohol, and limit caffeine intake.

Childbirth Preparation Checklist

Helpful Resources

Need More Support?

If you have any concerns about your physical or emotional well-being, please do not hesitate to contact your midwife, GP, or a trusted healthcare professional. They are there to provide personalized advice and support throughout your pregnancy journey. Remember, it's okay to ask for help.