Fetal development 32 weeks of pregnancy • hello healthy

Embryo growth

How is the development of the fetus at 32 weeks of gestation?

Launching from the Baby Center, the development of fetal size at week 32 of pregnancy has increased. Approximately the fetus is the size of a large jicama with a weight of about 1.7 kilograms and a length of 42.5 cm from head to heel.

Lanugo started to thin

In the third trimester or 32 weeks of pregnancy, the eyelashes, eyebrows and hair on your baby's head have started to appear clearly growing according to the development of the fetus.

The fine hair all over the baby's body known as lanugo is also starting to thin. However, at birth, the lanugo on his back and shoulders may still be present.

The position of the fetal head is below

Quoting from What to Expect, at 32 weeks of gestation, the baby's head position is already below. Only less than 5 percent of babies are in position bottom down or buttocks below.

However, there is no need to worry because the baby's position will change if you do some exercises. Some possible exercises or movements such as bending or prostrating.

Changes to the Body

How is the change in the mother's body at 32 weeks gestation?

The belly of a pregnant woman gets bigger along with the development of the fetus at 32 weeks of gestation. Of course you are very aware that there are many changes that occur in the mother's body, some of which:

Changes to the breast

As the development of the fetus begins to complete at 32 weeks of pregnancy, the mother's body will also perfect itself before childbirth.

Changes in a pregnant woman's breasts can indicate that you are ready to breastfeed. One noticeable sign of change is that the color around the nipple or areola becomes darker.

At 32 weeks pregnant, enlarged breasts can also indicate that colostrum production has started.

That's why breast milk can start to come out of the mother's breast at this gestational age, which sometimes soaks clothes.

Back pain

Entering the 32nd week of pregnancy, the mother can experience low back pain.

These symptoms signal a growing uterus and hormonal changes that can shift your center of gravity while dilating and weakening your abdominal muscles.

Pregnancy can also change your posture and put strain on your back.

Hormonal changes in pregnancy will have an impact on loosening of the joints and ligaments that tie the pelvis to the spine.

Even so, this condition can make pregnant women feel unstable and cause pain when walking, standing, or sitting for long periods of time.

Even when rolling in bed, standing up from a low chair, or lifting things can also make a pregnant woman's back ache.

However, if you experience it suddenly, notify your doctor immediately. Especially if you've never had back pain before.

Sudden back pain can be a sign of preterm labor and interfere with fetal development at 32 weeks of gestation.

Another change

Another change that occurs at 32 weeks of gestation is the increase in the mother's blood volume during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

To meet the needs of the mother's body and the fetus, blood volume will increase by 40 to 50 percent since pregnancy.

In addition, symptoms of shortness of breath and a burning sensation in the gut can occur due to the uterus pressing on the mother's diaphragm.

Both of these conditions can make it difficult for pregnant women to sleep. But there is no need to worry because this is natural.

To help relieve this discomfort, you can try sleeping on your left side.

Support your back with thick pillows so that you don't roll on your back or on your stomach in the middle of the night.

The wrong sleeping position can interfere with the development of the fetus at 32 weeks of gestation.

What should I pay attention to in the development of the fetus at 32 weeks of gestation?

At 32 weeks of pregnancy, the mother is at risk for preterm labor. Signs and symptoms of preterm labor include:

Contractions that are less painful, but make the stomach feel tight.
Contractions plus back pain and excess pressure in the pelvis or thighs.
Vaginal discharge in the form of spotting or bleeding.

If you have more than six contractions in an hour and each contraction lasts at least 45 seconds, call your doctor or go to the hospital.

Especially if the contractions you feel don't hurt. This needs to be more aware of, especially if you experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramps that can interfere with fetal development.

Visit to Doctor / Midwife

What should I discuss with my doctor about fetal development at 32 weeks of gestation?

At 32 weeks pregnant, your stomach is getting bigger and bigger due to the development of the fetus. There are several things you need to discuss with your doctor, namely:

Looking for a pediatrician

Entering the third trimester, you can start looking for a pediatrician for your little one later.

Ask your gynecologist, friends, neighbors, colleagues or relatives about trustworthy pediatricians. This is an important decision as a parent before giving birth for the health of the baby.

What tests need to be done at 32 weeks of pregnancy?

To monitor the development of the fetus at 32 weeks of your pregnancy, the doctor may ask the mother to check twice a week.

The doctor can provide tests based on the needs of your health condition. The tests include the following:

Weighing the mother's weight and blood pressure test
Urine test to check sugar and protein levels
Fetal heart rate test
Examination of the size of the uterus by touching the outside to check the readiness for birth
The height of the fundus (top of the uterus)
Check for varicose veins, as well as swelling of the feet and hands
Pregnant women glucose screening
Blood test for anemia
Group B streptococcal screening

Consult your doctor if you have a problem or allergic reaction to certain tests.

Health and Safety

What do I need to know to maintain the healthy development of the fetus at 32 weeks of gestation?

At 32 weeks pregnant, you need to maintain the health and safety of the fetus and pregnant women. There are several ways you can do this, such as:

Do prenatal yoga

Yoga can be an ideal way to maintain the health of the mother and help the development of the fetus to stay healthy.

Yoga exercises can help you learn to breathe more deeply and relax. Of course this will be useful when you face physical demands for the birth process and when you become a new mother.

Yoga can relieve body and soul, neutralize physical and emotional stress during pregnancy.

Attending yoga classes is also a great way to meet other pregnant women and support each other.

Treats nail fungus

During the fetal development that reaches 32 weeks of age, the mother's body can be susceptible to nail fungus due to hormonal changes in the body.

If you have nail fungus, it is better to stick with topical anti-fungal creams. This medicine is not dangerous to use during 32 weeks of pregnancy, because the drug does not absorb into your bloodstream and causes problems with fetal development.

So after 32 weeks, how will your fetus develop in the next week?

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.