In the 32nd week of pregnancy, both the mother’s and the baby’s bodies prepare at a frantic pace for the moment of giving birth, which is increasingly imminent. If a premature labor were to occur, the chances of it developing successfully are very high, but the administration of certain medications would be necessary.
Many babies are now placed in the position they will be at birth. The vast majority do it with their heads down, but don’t panic if yours isn’t positioned yet, as it will still move and change positions several times. In fact, it is common for the doctor to ask you to keep a record of their movements. At week 32 of gestation, the little one weighs between 1,600 and 1,800 grams and measures about 42 centimeters.
At this time, the baby looks very similar to what it will have when it is born. The lanugo –fine hair that covers its body– has almost completely disappeared, although some are born with remains of it. He already has hair on his head, eyelashes and eyebrows and his fingernails reach the level of his fingers. For this reason, they may need to be filed down or trimmed at birth to prevent scratching of the face. Also, her skin has smoothed out thanks to fat gain and is already dull.
Their organs continue to develop at full speed. However, although your lungs have been producing surfactant – the substance that keeps the alveoli open – for several weeks, they are not yet ready to breathe on their own in the event of a premature labor. If that were the case, it would be necessary to administer corticosteroids to mature his lungs before he reaches the world.
It will still gain around half a kilo per month until the end of the pregnancy. Therefore, the belly will continue to grow and increase the discomfort for the mother derived from the weight and pressure of the uterus.
During the 32nd week of pregnancy it is common to experience gastrointestinal problems. It may be that you suffer from constipation or, at the opposite extreme, diarrhea. Consult with your doctor how to regulate your intestinal transit to reduce both discomforts. It is also common to suffer from hemorrhoids, caused by a dilation of the veins of the rectum.
Likewise, you can suffer from leg cramps, tension in the pelvic area and back pain, especially in the lower back. Another recurring symptom is varicose veins in the legs, especially if it is not your first pregnancy.
Finally, you may have discomfort in the mouth area, such as sensitive gums, bleeding gums, and mouth sores. Remember to brush your teeth regularly and go to the dentist to check your oral health during pregnancy.
