32 weeks pregnant

At 32 weeks pregnant the baby is nearly 4 pounds and nearly 19 inches long. You are wondering how something so tiny can have such a huge affect on your body! Remember you are creating another human being. It is no small task for a body.

MOM

Heartburn and indigestion are becoming more common. Eating smaller and frequent meals will help. Keep a journal to see which foods are common triggers. It will not subside until after the baby is born, so it is best to learn to manage it. Increasing fiber will help with constipation and the added discomfort. Increasing fluids like water or juice will help also.

Your hips will expand and your ligaments will relax, this is how your body prepares to make some changes to make room so the baby can exit and be delivered. If everything remained in the same place and in the same inflexible position, the baby would not be able to fit.

BABY

As the baby grows and the living quarters become tight, the baby should begin to settle into a heads down position. The baby nails are completely formed. The baby is gaining weight consistently and will continue to do so until the birth. He or she will make faces, grabs, is looking around, and blinking. Excretion (urine) occurs regularly. Baby’s hair varies but at 32 weeks the baby could have a full head of hair. It will be easy to feel baby limbs and other parts poking outward and inward.

LIFE

The prenatal visits will be increasing in frequency. Finalize birthing plans, back up birthing plans, and emergency birthing plans. Also finalize after care and maternity leave.

There should be good progress on the baby’s area, clothing for the baby, and bedding. Your medicine cabinet should start being stocked for your baby’s needs. A baby thermometer, infant pain reliever, and anything else your doctor suggests. Take all the baby items offered to you. Used baby clothes are usually like new. The more blankets and clothes you have, the less often laundry will need to be done. This can be important; you will be busier than you think once the baby is born. Be sure to have one of those zip net bags to put all the little things in to be washed so they don’t get caught in the drum or in the drain.

Take time for yourself. Be sure to rest and eat properly even though it is becoming difficult to do both.

Enjoy the changes in lifestyle due to the physical changes because they are preparing you for the changes when the baby comes.