For more information about week 32 in a twin or multiple pregnancy, tap here.
With every day that passes, Baby is closer and closer to joining your family! And your little one is working on some very important tasks right now, like rotating into their birthing position and maybe even sucking their thumb.
How’s Baby?
As Baby gets closer and closer to being born, they now measure in at 17-18 inches, are the size of a pomelo, and weigh about 4 pounds. Your little one’s head also may have a coating of fuzz this week. Baby is still a little ways away from their first mani-pedi, but they already have a full set of fingernails and toenails. In fact, one of your baby’s favorite activities right now is sucking their fingers, which is not only cute but actually improves their coordination and familiarizes them with their body.
Baby is really practicing for the big stage, breathing and “swimming” like crazy. Your baby is also probably in the head-down position, with their head moving closer to your pelvis as they prepare for birth.
What’s new with you?
You know your unique symptoms pretty well this late in your pregnancy. Symptoms are different for every pregnant person, but one of the most common symptoms of the third trimester is the increased need to pee. There is so much pressure on your bladder it can be tempting to cut down on hydration. But drinking enough water is so important. Hemorrhoids, flatulence, and constipation might continue as well. And you’ve probably reached a peak in the increased blood flow that’s, by now, been contributing to any number of symptoms. That extra 50% of blood does have a purpose, though — currently, it’s helping to keep Baby snug and safe, and it’s also going to help make up for the blood you lose during birth and postpartum.
It’s time to start thinking more about your hopes and plans for labor, birth and postpartum, including thinking about if you may want to use any pain management. Talk to your provider, or ask during a hospital tour, about your options and what makes most sense for you. Epidural anesthesia is among the most common pain management options, though many opt for other IV or inhaled medications or elect to have medication-free births. It is also possible to labor without medication for pain but need other labor medications like pitocin and/or antibiotics. It helps to go into labor with an understanding of your options and keep in mind that you can always ask more questions when in labor and change your mind based on the circumstances. Everyone’s desires and needs are different, and your provider and care team will help you do what’s best for you.
It’s also essential to prepare for life after Baby is here as the newborn period can be extremely busy!
If you’ve finished with some of your baby prep basics — Crib? Check! Diapers? Check! — you could get a headstart on babyproofing. Although Baby won’t be mobile for some time, you may have furniture that’s easier to secure to the wall now or pets you need to make contingency plans for. Have a cat who might crawl into a crib? You’ll need to cat-proof Baby&;s bedroom. Have a dog who loves to lick aggressively? You may want an elevated and safe space to put Baby down while you’re in the restroom or have your hands full making a meal. A little bit of extra planning can save you the work when you’re in full newborn mode.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Read more
Sources
- “Lesson 10: Fetal Positions and Adaptations.” Brookside Press. Brookside Associates Medical Education Division. https://brooksidepress.org/ob_newborn_care_1/?page_id=97.
- “Common discomforts of pregnancy.” March of Dimes. March of Dimes. May 2016. https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/common-discomforts-of-pregnancy.aspx.
- Mark A Curran, M.D. “Fetal Development.” Perinatology.com. Perinatology.com. March 31, 2019. https://www.perinatology.com/Reference/Fetal%20development.htm#1.
