32nd week of pregnancy. Changes in fetal development and the risk of preterm birth

In the 32nd week of pregnancy, the baby is constantly gaining weight. It occupies practically the whole uterus, which causes a feeling of discomfort in the future mother. The appearance of new discomfort causes her fatigue and impatience.

By the time of delivery, the symptoms may worsen or diminish. The psychological strain on the expectant mother is great. Relaxation and the thought of cuddling with her baby in a few weeks should ease the frustration.

The 32nd week of pregnancy - what month is it, what changes then in the mother?

The 32nd week of pregnancy marks the beginning of the 8th month. This is also the time when the mother can feel a little heavy - the uterus is now about 500 times larger and presses on internal organs, which is a completely new situation for the pregnant woman. It is worth giving yourself a lot of rest in these moments and talking to the attending doctor, who will advise you on how to deal with the discomfort and prepare for the birth of the baby in peace.

If you have discomfort in the 32nd week of pregnancy, you should not worry and you can easily manage it:

• If you suffer from shortness of breath, get more rest
• Heartburn can be relieved with pharmaceutical products that are safe for pregnant women and do not require a prescription. Another option is to lie on your left side, which prevents the stomach contents from flowing back into the oesophagus
• Leg cramps disappear in most women after taking magnesium and calcium supplements
• Leg swelling, if it occurs, can be eliminated by gentle physical activity in the form of walking, elevating the feet and, for example, taking relaxing baths
• To avoid renal colic, it is also advisable to drink plenty of fluids.

Pregnant women are also recommended to do relaxation and breathing exercises to get through the period of intense changes in the body and fully enjoy the time of waiting for the baby.

The appearance of the baby at 32 weeks of pregnancy

The baby is already quite big. In the 32nd week of pregnancy, the baby's weight should vary between 1.6 kg and even 2 kg. It measures about 40 cm.  It fidgets and struggles, and because it has less space, its movements can be somewhat painful for the mother. Fortunately, this is rare, because in the 32nd week of pregnancy, the baby's movements are not so frequent. This is not a cause for concern.

Your baby's skin will become less clear as he accumulates fatty tissue, which will turn his skin pink shortly after birth. His brain is also developing. Right now, he is still a very small newborn. The baby is preparing for life outside the womb by drinking the amniotic fluid. This activity allows him to take his first breath after birth.

Contractions at 32 weeks of pregnancy may be a sign of premature birth. If they are strong and the time between them shortens, you need to go to the hospital urgently. A baby born at 32 weeks of pregnancy is a preterm baby. It must be under specialist care. Premature births at 32 weeks usually occur in twin pregnancies.