32 gestational week

32 gestational week corresponds to the 8th month of pregnancy and falls in the third trimester. With each passing week, the pregnant woman becomes heavier. The child inside her is more active and this is felt with the regular kicks. One by one the days to term are slipping away. The gynecologist’s checkups are now less frequent and this is quite understandable – the birth may come very soon. During this gestational week of pregnancy, you can reduce the consumption of carbohydrates and milk.

Fetal size and development in the 32nd gestational week

• Height – 42.4 cm.
• Weight – 1.7 kg.
• Head circumference – 28.8 cm.
• Abdominal circumference – 28.3 cm.

The child continues to gain weight. By 32 gestational weeks it already weighs about 1700 grams. Its body length exceeds 42 cm. The head circumference is 28.8 cm and the abdomen – 28.3 cm.

As before, it extracts all the necessary nutrients from the placenta. It will gradually begin to age, a process that is associated with a deterioration of its blood supply due to the calcium salts that are deposited on the blood vessels.

Consequently, nutrients will reach the child less easily. This can provoke abnormalities in its development and, consequently, a disruption in the functioning of its organs and systems. The child may stunt its growth. This condition is known in medicine as feto-placental insufficiency. To avoid such consequences, the gynecologist will carefully monitor the condition of the placenta.

At this stage of pregnancy, the child’s skin begins to lighten. The fuzz on his head turns into thin soft hairs. The endocrine system is actively developing, and during an ultrasound examination, the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, etc. can be noticed.

What does a pregnant woman feel during the thirty-second gestational week?

With each passing week, the anxiety and worry build up. The approach of the term is normal to provoke such emotions and reflections. Try not to get unnecessarily excited. If you have questions, ask them to the supervising gynaecologist.

The fundus of the uterus is now 32 cm from the pubic bone. Because of the pressure it puts on the internal organs, a pregnant woman may complain of heartburn. Even a strict diet is not able to relieve them. To combat the risk of constipation, consume more foods containing fiber.

It will not be the first time that you will feel pulling sensations in the abdominal area. They are accompanied by tension in the uterus. These are so-called preparatory contractions, known as Braxton Hicks.

They prepare a woman’s body for the upcoming birth. They do not provoke painful sensations – this is how you will distinguish them from real contractions.

At this stage of pregnancy, the struggle with the appearing stretch marks can continue. Do not stop treating them with creams. Massage the affected areas to relieve itching. Usually stretch marks appear on the abdomen, thighs, breasts, etc.

With each passing day, the nights become more agonizing. A seriously grown belly makes finding a comfortable sleeping posture almost impossible. In addition, it is advisable not to sleep on your back, which further limits the options. Doctors advise pregnant women to sleep on their side, so the blood supply to the placenta will be optimal.

Keep elevating the legs slightly using a pillow. This will increase blood flow to the veins. Putting special socks on your feet after waking up is a way to protect yourself from varicose veins.

One of the symptoms that most often manifest during this period of pregnancy is increased bleeding from the gums. It may be a case of periodontitis. It is due to the deficiency of vitamin C and calcium.

During pregnancy, a woman’s gums are more sensitive. It is due to hormonal changes in her body.

If you have problems with your teeth, solve them right now. It is difficult for a woman who has just given birth to find time to visit the dentist.

There are at most two and a half months until the birth. It’s time to get down to picking out a bed for the baby and a stroller. Prepare the luggage for the delivery room and the necessary documents.

And during this 32 gestational week, continue to observe the characteristics of the vaginal currents. Any change could be a sign of a problem.

If you develop candidiasis, the only treatment allowed at this point is topical. Any antifungal preparations are too strong and will affect the child’s organ function and development.

Bleeding may signal placental abruption or prematurity. See a doctor immediately.

The menu of a pregnant woman in 32 gestational week

From now on, it is inadvisable to put on extra weight. The weight of a pregnant woman should rise as the child grows, i.e. by about 200-300 grams per week.

Excessive weight gain can provoke late toxicosis and worsen the problem of edema.

If the physician registers unplanned weight gain, he may possibly recommend offloading days. In no case is fasting recommended.

If this way of eating does not suit you, you can temporarily exclude bakery products and sweet foods from the menu. Replace them with fruit.

What is seen on ultrasound?

The child is already quite large. This can also be seen in the pictures. If it has not already taken a head-down position, it will soon do so. The doctor will carefully examine the child’s entire bone system. It is already well developed and strengthened. Calcium has been actively accumulating in the bones over the past weeks. You can look at the joints, the spine and the clearly distinguishable vertebrae. The child already looks completely like a baby. It even has formed bracelets.

Move on to the 31st gestational week or the 33rd gestational week