Your baby now weighs the same as a Chinese cabbage 1.7kg and measures 42.4cm (head to heel)…
YOUR GROWING BABY
You’re gaining about 450g (1lb) a week and roughly half of that goes straight to your baby. During the next seven weeks your baby will gain between a third and a half of birth weight whilst fattening up for survival outside the womb.
Your baby is practising all the skills needed to survive outside the womb, from swallowing and breathing to sucking and kicking. The digestive system is fully functioning. Toenails, fingernails, and real hair have formed and the skin is becoming soft and smooth.
Your baby’s movements may change as the amount of space inside the uterus decreases. But there should still be a regular pattern of movement. If you notice any change, or lessening of your baby’s movements you should go straight to the maternity unit, as this could be a sign your baby is in trouble.
WHAT’S HAPPENING TO YOU
To accommodate your baby’s growing needs, your blood volume has increased 40 to 50 percent since you became pregnant.
Your uterus is pushing up near your diaphragm and crowding your stomach increasing the likelihood of shortness of breath and heartburn.
Braxton Hicks contractions are likely to be more noticeable now and will continue to increase in both frequency and strength until real labour begins. You will feel a painless, tightening sensation, starting at the top of the uterus and spreading downwards, which can last anything from15 seconds up to two minutes. They are irregular and will stop if you change position.
NEED TO KNOW
Things for you to consider during week 32 of your pregnancy:
To help relieve any discomfort caused by shortness of breath and heartburn, try sleeping propped up with pillows and eating smaller, more frequent meals.
Practise some deep breathing or relaxation techniques in preparation for labour and birth.
If you haven’t already made a birth plan, think about doing one now. It will help you decide how you would like your labour and birth to be managed.
Delivery of larger items of baby equipment, such as a pram or car seat, can take a number of weeks so if you haven’t placed an order yet, you should do it now. Check that the items can be delivered in time for your baby’s arrival.
Practise putting the car seat into the car so that you know how it works before the baby arrives.