32 Weeks Pregnant: Baby is as big as a squash!

Week 32 at a glance

You’re 32 weeks pregnant and gearing up for your due date.

Both you and your little peanut are getting ready for the new chapter that awaits.

It’s all systems go!

At 32 weeks pregnant, you may feel like you’re getting into serious nesting mode.

You want to prepare both your emotional and physical environments for this new arrival, and you might be quite eager to slow down the pace of your life a bit.

Enjoy it.

The outside world will still be there when you get back.

So what happens at 32 weeks of pregnancy?

Let’s take a look.

In this article: 📝

Baby development at 32 weeks

If you have a 32 weeks pregnant ultrasound, it’s going to reveal something pretty striking: a little creature that looks amazingly human.

All the major systems are in place and functioning.

32 weeks fetus development is all about growing and packing on the pounds.

What’s incredible is that your little one can gain up to half of their body weight per week in just this last stretch!

A 32 week old fetus weighs a whole 4(ish) pounds.

That’s about as heavy as a bag of cat food.

Or the weight of a pair of boots.

Or a big Costco-size 64-oz bottle of ketchup.

Other things you can expect from a fetus at 32 weeks?

Well, it’s all about the finishing touches:

• Bottoms up! Guess what? Your baby might have turned head-down in preparation for birth. (Don’t stress if this hasn’t happened yet. There’s still time ‒ and not all babies are born head first.)
  
• Baby’s got a built-in thermostat. At this point, they’re getting rather proficient at regulating their own body temperature without too much help from mama. Way to go, little one!
  
• Hair and nails. We’re talking real hair, real fingernails, and real toenails. They’re starting to shed that fine hair (called lanugo) that was covering their body up to this point.
  
• Person practice. Your babe is getting the hang of this being-a-person thing. They’re practicing fun things like breathing, swallowing, kick-boxing, dancing, and peeing (yup).
  
• Counting baby sheep. Your baby has somewhat of a sleep cycle going on as they get to know one of life’s greatest pleasures.

Pregnancy symptoms at 32 weeks

At 32 weeks pregnant, the top of your uterus is approximately five inches higher than your belly button.

Your body is gearing up for birth, sometimes even practicing some contraction action with what is known as Braxton Hicks contractions.

Your belly may also be itching, and not just to meet your baby.

With the expansion of the skin comes dryness and sometimes a bit of discomfort. Keep that moisturizer close at hand.

If you experience severe itching of your abdomen, palms and soles, you could have a condition called Cholestasis of Pregnancy.

So, make sure you inform your doctor of any changes.

But it’s not just your belly that’s going through some changes.

Here’s some of what you may experience at 32 weeks pregnant:

• Dental disorder. Your teeth may feel looser thanks to some hormone changes that affect the ligaments holding your teeth in place. You also might experience bleeding gums and mouth sores. All of this should go away on its own post-pregnancy, but give your doc a shout if you’re worried.
  
• Dreams, dreams, dreams. Yes, you did just wake up from a dream where your cat was pushing your partner down the slide in a playpark. Totally normal. A combination of sleep disruptions and general anxiety over this massive life change that’s about to occur can cause all sorts of weirdnesses to bubble up from your subconscious.
  
• Your heart is on fire. And not just with love for this little being inside you. Like, it literally feels like it’s on fire ‒ thanks, heartburn! Try to pinpoint the foods that are making you feel this way, and then run far away from them ‒ as fast as your swollen feet will take you.

How many months is 32 weeks pregnant?

32 weeks pregnant in months is the 8th month of pregnancy.

That’s right.

Your due date is about 8 weeks away.

Eeeeeeeek!

Pregnancy tips at 32 weeks

Not long to go now, mama!

Not sure what you should be doing at 32 weeks pregnant?

Well, here are some ideas:

• Sort out plans for when you go into labor ‒ especially if you have pets or other children.
  
• Get a baby first-aid kit, and take an infant CPR class.
  
• Sort the finishing touches on baby’s nursery.
  
• Pack your hospital bag!
  
• Get the last baby gear you’ll need, along with some postpartum care bits for you.
  
• Get acquainted with your car seat – installing it, taking it out, packing it up and moving it about.
  
• Get informed about labor, but keep in mind that every labor experience is different.
  
• Don’t forget to practice your Kegels to prepare for labor and childbirth.
  
• Finalize your birth plan, and reach out to other moms for their advice and experiences.
  
• Track your baby’s movements and kick counts to make sure they are healthy and active. Consult with your doctor if you notice any changes or concerns.
  
• Keep up with your prenatal appointments and check-ups, as your doctor may want to see you more often now.
  
• Start prepping frozen meals to ensure proper nutrition for you and your baby when the little one arrives.

Okay.

Only two more months to go.

You’ve got this, mama!