32weeks
pregnant

Medically reviewed by Clare Herbert, Senior midwife and team leader

Written by Chess Thomas

IN THIS ARTICLE

Highlights this week

Staying active is still important! Exercise safely in the final weeks.

Baby development at 32 weeks

Your baby now weighs about 2kg (4.3lb) and is around 43cm (16.9in) from head (crown) to heel (Hill 2019a).

From 32 weeks, babies born early have a good chance of surviving and thriving, although they will need help to breathe at first (Boyle et al 2015, Field et al 2016, Tommy's 2016, 2017). This is because their lungs won't be fully developed until just before birth (Tommy's 2017).

Your baby's fingernails are fully formed and have reached the tips of their fingers (Hill 2019b, Moore et al 2019, Visembryo 2014a). Their toenails grow to full length later than their fingernails, but they are just visible at this stage (Hill 2019b, Moore et al 2019, Visembryo 2014a). If they get an itch, they may gently scratch themselves (Visembryo 2014a). Their hair is getting thicker (Visembryo 2014b), although it may thin out after birth (Hill 2019c, Moore et al 2019).

By this stage, your baby may be getting ready for birth by lying in your womb (uterus) with their head pointing downwards (NHS 2018). If they’re not this way round yet, don't worry. Most babies move into a head-down position by 36 weeks, so there's still plenty of time for them to turn (RCOG 2017).

Your baby's fingernails have formed and will keep growing until birth
Hair covers your baby's scalp, and its colour and texture are visible
Your baby is starting a final growth spurt before birth

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Your baby is as long as a kale

length

head to toe

weight

kilograms

Pregnancy symptoms at 32 weeks

Have you experienced any Braxton Hicks contractions yet? If this is your first baby, it's easy to confuse them for the real thing. The clue is that real contractions get gradually stronger and more frequent with time, while Braxton Hicks are likely to be irregular and stop after a while.

These "practice contractions" are normally short-lived and shouldn't be painful, but they can still be uncomfortable and distracting. When they strike, you may find that changing your activity helps to stop them in their tracks. So get up if you've been sitting down, or vice-versa. A warm (not hot) bath may also help.

Wondering what it will feel like when the real thing happens? Check out our expert advice on what contractions feel like.

Balance may be a challenge as your bump shifts your centre of gravity
You may be gaining about 0.5kg (1lb) a week, and half of that goes to your baby

What you need to know at 32 weeks pregnant

Many pregnant women worry about whether they will be able to give birth vaginally. This is a perfectly natural concern, particularly if you're expecting your first baby.

One way to increase your chances of a straightforward birth is to try different positions for labour. Be prepared to give upright positions a go, which will help to open up your pelvis and encourage your baby to move down when the time comes.

Now is also a great time to start practising other techniques for labour, such as breathing exercises, massage and natural pain relief methods. You could also listen to our free hypnobirthing audio, designed to help you stay calm and in control during the birth.

Hypnobirthing really worked for me. I was lucky enough to get my dream water birth at home, and all the techniques I’d learned in the classes were so helpful for dealing with the pain. I’d recommend them to anyone!

Liane

Your pregnancy to-do list at 32 weeks

See the best positions for labour and get practising now so you're ready for the big day.
Pick out some affirmations for pregnancy and birth to create a positive mindset.
How often should you feel your baby move now? Get the lowdown.
How about throwing a baby shower? Or asking a friend to throw one for you? We've got lots of ideas to make your baby shower a success, including plenty of brilliant games to make sure the party goes with a swing.
As your bump grows, pelvic pain can be an increasing nuisance. See our expert midwife's advice on how to relieve the symptoms.

Check out the BabyCentre podcast!

The Parent Pod is BabyCentre’s brilliantly entertaining and informative podcast series. Join hosts Claire and Lucy as they walk your exciting journey with you each week from early pregnancy until your baby is 12 weeks old. Subscribe now on the usual channels. Learn more

Sources

BabyCentre's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organisations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.

Boyle EM, Johnson S, Manktelow B, et al. 2015. Neonatal outcomes and delivery of care for infants born late preterm or moderately preterm: a prospective population-based study. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 100(6):F479-85. fn.bmj.comOpens a new window [Accessed November 2019]

Field D, Boyle E, Draper E, et al. 2016. Towards reducing variations in infant mortality and morbidity: a population-based approach. Programme Grants Appl Res 4(1):1. lra.le.ac.ukOpens a new window [Accessed November 2019]

Hill MA. 2019a. Fetal development. University of New South Wales Embryology. embryology.med.unsw.edu.auOpens a new window [Accessed November 2019]

Hill MA. 2019b. Integumentary system: nail development. University of New South Wales Embryology. embryology.med.unsw.edu.auOpens a new window [Accessed November 2019]

Hill MA. 2019c. Integumentary system: hair development. University of New South Wales Embryology. embryology.med.unsw.edu.auOpens a new window [Accessed November 2019]

Moore KL, Persaud TVN, Torchia MG. 2019. Integumentary system. Chapter 19 in The developing human: clinically oriented embryology. 11th ed. Elsevier

NHS. 2018. You and your baby at 32 weeks pregnant. NHS, Health A-Z, Pregnancy and baby. www.nhs.ukOpens a new window [Accessed November 2019]

RCOG. 2017. Information for you: breech baby at the end of pregnancy. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. www.rcog.org.ukOpens a new window [Accessed November 2019]

Tommy's. 2016. Gestational age and medical needs. www.tommys.orgOpens a new window [Accessed November 2019]

Tommy's. 2017. Breathing support for premature babies. www.tommys.orgOpens a new window [Accessed November 2019]

Visembryo. 2014a. 32 weeks post ovulation: fetus begins to develop immune system. www.visembryo.comOpens a new window. [Accessed November 2019]

Visembryo. 2014b. 30 weeks post ovulation: rapid brain growth; head size increases. www.visembryo.comOpens a new window. [Accessed November 2019]