32 weeks pregnant is your eighth month of pregnancy. Only two more months to go!
Most OBs like to see their patients every other week at this point in pregnancy, but you probably won’t have a 32-week ultrasound unless you’re expecting multiples or have other health concerns. A little more than half of twin pregnancies are delivered before 37 weeks, so if you’re 32 weeks pregnant with twins, your doctor might require extra monitoring as you approach your due date.
If you’re working on a baby registry, make sure to include baby essentials like diapers and baby wipes, but don’t forget some great nursing bras for yourself. If you need more ideas to build your registry, check out our list of baby shower gifts.
This week, your baby is the size of a bunch of celery.
32 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
Lightning Crotch
32 weeks pregnant bellies measure about 30-34 centimeters from the top of the uterus to the pelvic bone. As you get closer to your due date, your baby will drop down into your pelvis, which puts pressure on your cervix and the nerves around the lower part of your uterus. After your baby drops, you might experience a sensation known as “lightning crotch,” a term used to describe sharp pains in the pelvic area that many women experience in late pregnancy. You may feel shooting pain through your groin and into your thigh, or you might feel a burning or pins-and-needles sensation.
Even though it might take you by surprise and feel like labor pain (especially if it’s your first pregnancy), lightning crotch is not a sign of labor. While labor contractions are regular and repeating, getting closer together over time, pain from lightning crotch usually happens randomly.
Appetite Changes
Are you feeling less hungry these days? In the third trimester, some pregnant women find themselves with less of an appetite and have trouble eating larger meals.
A lack of appetite may be due to your growing baby. As your baby gets closer to their birth weight, they will begin crowding your internal organs. Less room in your stomach means large meals may be harder to get through.
Moms-to-be in the third trimester typically need an extra 300 calories each day. One way to help maintain your caloric intake is to eat small, frequent meals and snacks with a mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Make sure to ask your doctor or midwife for personalized recommendations.
Darker Nipples
Your areolas might appear darker thanks to pregnancy hormones. Many health care professionals believe that your nipples darken to help your newborn baby find them more easily.
Diarrhea
Digestive issues are common in pregnancy, but more pregnant women experience constipation than diarrhea. That said, diarrhea can happen at any time during your pregnancy and can be caused by dietary changes, food sensitivities, hormones, or even some infections (read more in pregnancy Week 22).
Diarrhea is not uncommon in the third trimester as your body prepares for labor. If you’re experiencing runny, watery bowel movements, it’s important to stay hydrated. But always reach out to your provider if you have any symptoms of labor like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, pelvic pressure, low backache, or regular contractions (not to be confused with Braxton Hicks contractions), or if your water breaks.
Baby on Board
At 32 weeks, your baby is 16-17 inches long and weighs about 3.5-4 pounds.
Your baby at 32 weeks is most likely in the head-down position. Don't panic if your OBGYN or midwife says your little one’s still in the breech position (when your baby is positioned to come out butt first during birth). There's still plenty of time for them to turn. Fewer than 5% of babies stay breech.
Under Construction: Organs
All of your baby’s organs are fully developed at 32 weeks except for their lungs. Your baby is swallowing amniotic fluid and practicing breathing while their lungs continue to develop.
Under Construction: Genitalia
Your baby’s genitals are fully formed. If you’re having a boy, his testicles have started descending to the scrotum. If your baby is a girl, her uterus and ovaries are in place with all the eggs she’ll ever have.
Under Construction: Storing Minerals
Your baby is creating stores of minerals like iron, calcium, and phosphorus. The iron your baby stores in the womb will last for the first six months of life.
What to Wear This Week
Can’t stand the thought of wearing pants at this point in your pregnancy? Try our airy Eleanora Bamboo Maternity & Nursing Lounge Dress. This dress is comfortable in warm temperatures but also works great with a pair of our high-rise maternity leggings in the colder months. Did we mention it has pockets?
If you're finding bras uncomfortable at this point in your pregnancy, check out our French Terry Racerback & Nursing Sleep Bra. The super soft, stretchy fabric is perfect for your tender breasts.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice that has been medically reviewed. Please reach out to your midwife or doctor with any questions.
Checkout