At thirty-two weeks pregnant, you are into your third trimester and weeks away from meeting your baby! You might feel huge and ready to drop, but your baby isn’t done growing yet! You can expect tiredness, weight gain, and headaches this week as your body keeps growing your baby.
But what else can happen this week? That is what we are here to tell you! Keep reading for our complete, in-depth guide to your thirty-second week of pregnancy, including how big your baby is, your common symptoms, and if your pregnancy is viable.
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 32 Weeks Pregnant?
- Will You Get A Positive Pregnancy Test At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 32 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
- Is Pregnancy Viable At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 32 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- Your baby is about the size of a squash
- Your baby is fully formed but needs to gain more weight before being born
- Your baby is taking up more space in your womb, but you should not notice a change in it’s movements
- Your baby’s position might drop as they move into place ready for delivery
- You might see weight gain this week and over the next four weeks
- Your walk will change into a waddle as your body compensates for your larger stomach
- Your baby will have a good chance of survival if it arrives this week but will need intensive care in a hospital
What Does It Mean To Be 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Pregnancy week thirty-two is an exciting one. You will feel your baby move more and more as it moves into the head-down position, ready for labour. The downside is that your growing bump can make walking harder, giving you the typical pregnancy waddle. Your body has to adjust to the extra weight on your belly, and the waddle is how it does that!
Many women feel uncomfortable this week, struggling with aches and pains associated with their growing uterus. You might also suffer with Braxton Hicks contractions this week. These false labour contractions can be painful but should last for a minute or so. You can speak to your midwife or doctor if you are concerned about these.
Your baby is continuing to grow and gain weight this week, ready for life outside the womb. This means there is less space for them to move, but don’t worry, there will still be plenty of movements felt. Your friends, family, and partner can feel your baby move outside your stomach, too, which can be an exciting moment for everyone! Your baby can also recognise voices outside the womb, which allows everyone to start bonding with the baby.
Will You Get A Positive Pregnancy Test At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
You might not get a positive pregnancy test result at thirty-two weeks pregnant, especially if you are using a home pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests measure the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in your urine.
Your hCG levels rise dramatically during the first few months of pregnancy before reducing gradually. At thirty-two weeks, your levels will be quite low and might not be high enough to generate a positive pregnancy test result.
A blood test might still generate a positive result, or an ultrasound will be used to confirm your pregnancy.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
You might be invited to your third-trimester ultrasound this week. Most doctors in Australia now offer two ultrasounds during your third trimester, so you could have one and see your baby this week! You can also pay for a private ultrasound if you wish this week to see your growing baby.
At this ultrasound, your doctor will check your baby’s development to ensure they are developing correctly. They might also check the internal organs to see if they are the right size or check for any abnormalities. You will have a chance to listen to your baby’s heartbeat and get a closer look at them before your labour.
Your baby might be getting into its position for birth, with your baby’s head pointing down your body. Don’t worry if this does not happen yet; there are still a few weeks before this becomes a concern.
Are There Any Other Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
You might be asked for a blood or urine test this week to check for anemia or any infections. These tests are routine at this stage in your pregnancy to ensure you’re healthy. You might also be invited for another glucose screening test for gestational diabetes if you are considered a high risk.
Your doctor might also recommend genetic screening tests or want to run more tests if they are concerned for your baby. These tests will be optional, and your doctor can provide more information about them. Be sure to listen to all of the information they give you before making your decision about these tests.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
You can detect a heartbeat at thirty-two weeks pregnant. You can hear your baby’s heartbeat through an ultrasound Doppler machine or stethoscope. Your midwife will use a stethoscope or Doppler machine if you are in between ultrasound appointments to ensure your baby’s heartbeat is strong and there are no abnormalities.
You can also use a stethoscope or Doppler machine to listen to your baby’s heartbeat at home. It can take a few minutes to find your baby’s heartbeat, especially if they are moving. Don’t panic if you don’t hear it straight away.
Your baby’s heartbeat will be fast, averaging 110 to 160 beats per minute.
Is Pregnancy Viable At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Prewngnacy is viable at thirty-two weeks, but your baby might need some specialised care to ensure it develops correctly. A pregnancy is considered viable when your baby can survive outside the womb. At thirty-two weeks pregnant, your baby is still premature and will likely spend some time in the hospital before coming home.
Depending on any complications during the pregnancy, your baby will likely be fully formed, just smaller than a full-term baby. They usually spend the next few weeks gaining weight and practising breathing while their lungs finish developing. Your baby’s bones will likely be soft and need more time to harden.
However, that doesn’t mean they can’t survive. A baby born at thirty-two weeks has a good chance of survival and lower chances of health conditions than a baby born earlier. This does vary depending on any complications, which your doctor can walk you through if you have any concerns.
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty-two weeks pregnant, common pregnancy symptoms include Braxton Hicks contractions, dizziness, headaches, and tiredness. Braxton Hicks are false labour contractions which can be painful for some women and usually last a minute or so before passing. You can speak to your midwife or doctor if you have any concerns.
As your belly grows and your body pumps extra blood through your system, you can feel dizzy, especially when standing up too quickly. Take your time and ensure you eat and drink plenty to minimise dizziness.
These symptoms can vary from woman to woman and might change daily. Don’t panic if your symptoms seem different to other pregnant women; everyone’s body deals with pregnancy differently.
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels dropped this week, averaging between 940 and 60,000 u/L.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping can happen at thirty-two weeks pregnant. You could experience round ligament pain from your growing uterus on the side of your stomach or cramping and pain in your pelvis. These can be a sign of preterm labour; speak to your midwife if you have any concerns about this.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness usually happens during the first sixteen weeks of pregnancy, but you can still experience it or nausea at thirty-two weeks pregnant.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts may feel tender or sore this week. They might also feel full, ache, or start to leak. You can add breast pads to your bras to keep you dry and stain-free when this happens.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen throughout your pregnancy, including at thirty-two weeks pregnant. You might crave foods you previously did not like or unusual combinations.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
You might pass urine more frequently this week. As your baby moves into the head-down position, ready for your baby’s birth, they might press on your bladder, causing you to urinate more frequently. Keep drinking as normal, though, to ensure you are hydrated.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue is common this week. You might struggle to get comfortable and sleep at night as your baby’s kicks keep you awake, or your aches and pains bother you. A pregnancy pillow or a pillow between your knees can help with this.
Will I Feel Bloated At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
You might feel bloated this week. To relieve bloating, avoid eating late at night and swap your three meals for smaller meals throughout the day.
Will I Get A Headache At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are common throughout pregnancy, including at thirty-two weeks pregnant. Typically, women who experience more headaches before pregnancy will suffer from headaches during their pregnancy.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth usually happens in the first few months of pregnancy, but you can also experience it at thirty-two weeks pregnant.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell is more common in the first trimester of pregnancy, but you can experience it at thirty-two weeks pregnant.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath or breathlessness can happen at thirty-two weeks pregnant. Your growing baby can restrict your lung space, making it harder for you to breathe. Combined with weight gain, it is common to feel out of breath when climbing stairs or lying on your back.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea is normal throughout pregnancy, including week thirty-two. Diarrhea can sometimes be a sign of preterm labour, so speak to your doctor if you have concerns. Your diarrhea could also be unrelated to your pregnancy and could be a stomach bug, food poisoning, or an allergy. Speak to your healthcare provider if your diarrhea does not improve after forty-eight hours if preterm labour has been ruled out.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge can happen throughout pregnancy, including at thirty-two weeks. Your discharge should be clear or milky with little to no odour. Any changes or bleeding should be reported to your doctor or midwife immediately.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain can happen at thirty-two weeks pregnant. Your growing baby is adding pressure to looser joints and ligaments, which can cause backache.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings typically happen during the first few months of pregnancy, but you can still experience them at thirty-two weeks pregnant. Your body’s hormonal changes can cause these mood swings.
Is Spotting Normal At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting or vaginal bleeding can happen at thirty-two weeks pregnant, and it should be reported to your doctor or midwife immediately. It can be harmless, but it can also be a sign of something serious, so be sure to have it checked out immediately.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Other common symptoms at thirty-two weeks pregnant include the following:
- Shinier and thicker hair
- Spotty or oily skin
- Brown patches or darkened skin on your face
- Vaginal infections
- Urine infections
- Swollen feet and hands
- Dizziness
- Raised basal temperature (feeling hot)
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Swollen and bleeding gums
- Stretch marks
How Big Is A Baby At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby has grown again and is about the size of a bunch of celery. They should measure roughly 42.4cm from head to heel and will be perfectly formed. However, they still need to put on some weight and fill out their wrinkly skin before leaving your womb.
The next few weeks are all about weight gain for your baby, which can mean some weight gain for you as your baby grows.
Can You Feel The Baby At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you can feel your baby at thirty-two weeks pregnant. Your baby’s movements can become stronger this week, and you should be able to distinguish between punches, kicks, and rolls. You might feel your baby move a lot as it moves into the head-down position, ready for labour.
This can happen over the next few weeks, so don’t panic if your baby hasn’t moved yet. Your midwife can tell you if your baby is in the right position for birth or not. Your midwife or doctor might ask you to monitor your baby’s movements this week if they have not done so already.
Count your baby’s kicks or movements and report any changes to your midwife or doctor immediately. A sudden decrease or your baby stopping moving can be a sign of trouble; don’t delay and get checked out immediately.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty-two weeks pregnant, a miscarriage is classed as a stillbirth. The common symptoms include a sudden decrease in your baby’s movements, no movements from your baby, vaginal bleeding, cramping, your waters breaking, or pregnancy symptoms disappearing.
Some women won’t experience any symptoms and will not know they have miscarried until an ultrasound. However, other women might go into labour and deliver their baby quickly; it varies from woman to woman.
At this stage in your pregnancy, you will have to deliver your baby. This is usually done at the hospital, with medication being offered to induce labour. Sometimes, you can go home and wait for labour to start naturally, but this depends on your circumstances and any complications. Your doctor will have more information about this for you and will offer any support that you need through this upsetting time.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
The chances of a miscarriage at thirty-two weeks pregnant are low for a healthy and uncomplicated pregnancy. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that 2.6 of every 1000 births in 2020 were a stillbirth, giving you a very low chance.
Of course, some factors increase your chances, including pregnancy complications, weight, and age. Your doctor can explain these factors and how they might relate to you and your pregnancy.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
The following precautions should be taken to maintain your health at thirty-two weeks pregnant.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Continue taking your prenatal vitamins this week unless told otherwise. These will provide you and your baby with the vitamins you need to ensure they continue to gain weight and develop. You can look for pregnancy multivitamins; check the dosage is correct. You should look for high levels of iron and Vitamin D if pregnant during the winter.
Eat A Healthy Diet
Try to eat a healthy and balanced diet this week. You might continue to gain weight as your baby piles on the pounds in preparation for birth, so make sure you are fuelling yourself and your baby with the right nutrients. A diet of lean protein, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and carbohydrates should be followed.
You should also ensure you are consuming enough calcium to help your baby’s bones grow strong. Those who don’t eat dairy should look for foods fortified with calcium to ensure they have enough in their diet.
Stay Hydrated
Along with a healthy and balanced diet, you also need to stay hydrated. Drinking water and staying hydrated during pregnancy is vital, as it helps form the amniotic fluid around your baby, circulates nutrients through your body, and aids digestion. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends drinking eight to twelve glasses of water daily during pregnancy.
Stop Smoking
You should stop smoking if you have not already. Smoking during pregnancy is incredibly dangerous and can double your risk of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and labour. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that smoking during pregnancy increases your risk of congenital disabilities and your baby’s risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Speak to your doctor if you need help to stop smoking during pregnancy.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty-two weeks pregnant, you should avoid the following foods.
- Raw juices and smoothies
- Highly processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurised dairy and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw sprouts
- Organ meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Deli or processed meat
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Seafood with high mercury content
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all alcoholic drinks at thirty-two weeks pregnant. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is incredibly dangerous, according to the CDC. It can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and increase your risk of behavioural, intellectual, emotional, and physical disabilities, known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs).
There is no safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy. You can speak to your doctor if you need help to stop drinking.
You should also limit your intake of caffeine and caffeinated drinks. You should not consume more than 200mg of caffeine daily during pregnancy. The Royal College of Midwives found that consuming more than 350 mg of caffeine a day increases your risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, or preterm labour.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid any supplements that your doctor does not recommend during pregnancy. Most supplements are labelled as unsuitable to consume during pregnancy and breastfeeding as they could harm your baby. Speak to your doctor to see if there are any supplements you should take and avoid the rest.
Can I Exercise While 32 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise at thirty-two weeks pregnant, but you should avoid contact sports or high-impact exercises. Focus on low-impact exercises like walking and swimming to move your body safely. Yoga is also a good exercise during pregnancy, but be sure to follow a pregnancy-friendly routine or let your instructor know you are pregnant beforehand. They can modify your positions to ensure you and your baby are safe.
Is It Safe To Travel When 32 Weeks Pregnant?
It is safe to travel, but there are some considerations you need to make. Speak to your doctor before travelling if you are having any complications, have high blood pressure or deep vein thrombosis. You will also need a fit to fly letter from your doctor before travelling.
Most airlines ask this to include your due date, how many babies you are carrying, and any complications you might have. It is considered safe to fly up to thirty-two weeks for a pregnancy with multiple babies and thirty-six weeks for a single pregnancy.
Before travelling to another country, check to see if there are any vaccinations you need or advisories in place for pregnant women.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at thirty-two weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 32 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to have sex at thirty-two weeks pregnant unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or midwife.
How Should I Sleep At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
You might struggle to sleep at thirty-two weeks pregnant. As your growing baby moves and your body aches, it can be hard to get comfortable. Some women add extra pillows or use a pregnancy pillow to provide support and comfort to their bodies.
Napping through the day can also help you get the rest you need.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 32 Weeks Pregnant?
The safest sleeping position at thirty-two weeks pregnant is on your side. This will not add any extra pressure to your stomach and your baby.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 32 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date is to use the first day of your last menstrual period. This is the LMP method and is the most common way to calculate a due date. Take the first day of your last period and count forward forty weeks or 280 days to have an estimated due date.
You will also be provided with a due date by your doctor or midwife. This is given to you during your first ultrasound, where your baby is measured and their development assessed to determine how far into your pregnancy you are.
These due dates are just estimates rather than an exact science. Many women give birth after their due dates, so don’t be alarmed if yours passes and your baby does not arrive.
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 32 Weeks Pregnant?
The biggest change you will notice this week is weight gain. Over the next four weeks, you will gain roughly 450g a week. Your baby is gaining weight, too, around 1kg of extra fat.
This weight gain helps your baby stay at the right temperature in your womb and after birth. Your doctor might recommend that you start eating an extra 200 calories a day to achieve this weight gain, but it does depend on your current weight.
You can expect changes to how you walk, too. The increased weight, especially around your stomach, can make it harder for you to walk. Around this stage, you will notice that your walk turns into a pregnancy waddle.
These changes will accompany your pregnancy symptoms, like struggling to sleep or pains in your stomach. All of these are normal as your pregnancy progresses. You can speak to your midwife or doctor if you have any concerns about them, though.
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your body is hard at work in the final weeks of pregnancy, ensuring that your baby is gaining the fat it needs before birth. Your body is also continuing to pump more blood through your body than usual. The increased blood flow means that blood is circulating slower than usual, which can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially if you stand up too quickly. Take your time when moving and ensure that you are eating and drinking enough to keep your body moving and doing everything it needs to do before your baby’s birth.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
The following tips will help you prepare for the rest of your pregnancy.
Create A Birth Plan
Now is the time to create a birth plan if needed. A birth plan is a plan for your birth that you can take with you to the hospital when you go into labour. Your midwife will likely be familiar with your plan and might advise you on what is best for you based on your specific pregnancy.
They will often ask you to complete a birth plan form at this point in your pregnancy if they have not already. For many moms, this can seem overwhelming but don’t panic. Your midwife can help you, along with speaking to your partner, family, or friends. Use the questions below to help consider what you want as part of your birth plan.
- Do you want a natural birth?
- Do you want a home birth?
- Do you want medical intervention?
- Do you want pain relief? What pain relief do you want?
- Do you want a birthing partner? Who do you want?
These questions can help you decide what is right for you and your birth plan.
Attend Birthing Classes
Where possible, attend birthing classes in your local area. These will help you prepare for your labour and delivery and can be an excellent way to get any advice or answer any questions you might have. These classes are also a perfect way to access support in your local area.
You might find other moms to be who are experiencing the same things as you or professionals that can guide you through the following stages of your pregnancy. Pregnancy can be a lonely time, so make use of any support networks you can find.
Gather Items For Your Baby
Your baby’s arrival is fast approaching, so make sure you have everything you need for their arrival. Whether it is your first baby or not, this means shopping! It can be expensive to buy items for your baby, so make a list of what you need and set a realistic budget.
You don’t need that many clothes as your baby will grow quickly, and these tend to be given as gifts; even with the best intentions, you can find yourself inundated with baby grows! Larger baby items like cots and prams can be expensive, so watch for deals. You can also purchase them second-hand, but you need to do thorough research to ensure that they meet all the relevant safety standards.
Make Lifestyle Changes
You might need to make some lifestyle changes if you have not already. This includes stopping smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking any illegal drugs. Not only do these impact your and your baby’s health, too. Your doctor can support you to make these lifestyle changes if needed.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, everything you need to know about your thirty-second week of pregnancy. As your baby grows, you might feel uncomfortable, but don’t worry; the end is near! It won’t be long before your baby arrives and the new chapter of your life begins.
Should your baby arrive early, try not to panic. Babies born at thirty-two weeks have a good chance of survival, provided they have the right care at the hospital. Your baby’s development can continue outside of the womb under the right care, so although it might be scary, your baby has a good chance of a perfectly normal life.
Don’t forget to check back in next week to see what delights await at week thirty-three of pregnancy!