Pregnancy week 32 - baby's development and your body

Things are getting pretty snug in your belly for both you and your baby! Your baby is growing and developing, preparing for life outside the womb.

Size

Your baby is about 42 cm or 16.54 inches long, from head to toe.

Weight

Approximately 1.7 kg or 3.75 lbs.

Fetal Development

Apart from the lungs and brain, most of your baby’s body parts and organs are fully developed and ready for birth. Your baby is also putting on more fat, and their skin is no longer transparent.

The uterus is getting tighter, so kicks may feel more like strong stretches or pushes now. The frequency of movements should stay consistent and remain just as strong.

In the coming weeks, most babies will turn head-down in preparation for birth. For now, there’s still enough space for your baby to be head-up, head-down, or even sideways.

Babies born at this stage almost always survive with intensive care, and the risk of lasting complications is very low.

Your Body

Your belly is getting larger, with the uterus now reaching the lower edge of your ribs. Things might feel tight in your abdomen as the uterus takes up more space, especially around the lungs, stomach, and bladder.

You may notice feeling more short of breath, dealing with heartburn, or feeling heavy and cumbersome, though this varies from person to person.

Pelvic pain after physical exertion is also common, as the hormone relaxin softens the pelvic joints in preparation for birth. Contractions at this stage are normal, too.