By the 32nd week, your uterus has kept pace with the growing baby and measures approximately 5 inches above the navel. However, if you are carrying twins, the size of the uterus is similar to what mothers who are carrying single babies will be at the 40th week. It is only about 5 weeks before the baby is ready for outside world (early term).
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Baby’s growth and development in week thirty two
The baby is adding weight rather fast and has reached about 3.7-3.9 lbs and 16.8 inches by close of the 32nd week. This is because most of the organs are developed and are racing on maturing. In most of the cases, it is simply adding layers of fat to give the hands, legs, and skin the lovely outlook he/she will be born with.
By the close of the 32nd week, the amniotic fluid will have hit the maximum and will stabilize until weeks 37. From there, the amniotic fluid will start decreasing steadily until the last week.
While the last 4-6 weeks involved the development of skin cells through differentiation, the remaining weeks will involve cell multiplication and the addition of fat to all parts of the skin and outer organs. The skin appears more translucent and most of the internal organs are not clearly visible. This is one of the greatest contributors of faster weight generation. By the 38th week, the baby will have taken a cute outlook ready to be born.
Nails have sprout from the finger beds and reached the end of the fingers. However, the nails are still very soft so that the baby does not hurt him/her face when sucking the thumb or tear the umbilical cord. The face is maturing and the baby can even smile. Note that the facial expressions are still controlled by reflex because the baby smiles both when awake and asleep.
Changes to expect in Mom’s body during week 32
Just like the first trimester, most of the symptoms are now coming back and making you uncomfortable.
Fatigue: The extra weight you are carrying everywhere will cause you extra exhaustion and indeed fatigue. However, it could also be due to the high levels of progesterone. To address the problem, you should consider taking enough breaks and even naps between sessions of continuous work or anytime you feel like during the day. Pregnant Moms are also encouraged to understand sleeping positions and take what is less painful.
The heart palpitation: This is a feeling like the heart is beating more or racing. Though you may get concerned about it, it is nothing to worry much about. At around the 32nd week, the blood in your system is more in volume compared to any other moment since conception. The heart has to beat more times to circulate it which makes you feel like it is racing. If the elevated heartbeat is accompanied by sharp pain in the chest, make sure to notify the doctor.
Weight gain: At the 32nd week, the mother’s body continues to add weight at an average rate of 1 pound per week. By the close of the week, you will be approximately 25-26 lbs and you should expect to add more pounds before the baby is born.
A deeper loom at CS (C-Section delivery)
Knowing everything about vaginal delivery and C-Section is perhaps one of the most crucial things to assist you in making the right decision. While many prefer natural delivery (vaginal delivery), here is all that you need to know about C-Section.
Why would you need a C- section?
Even if everything has been progressing on well, complications can emerge during labor and warrant a C-section. These situations include;
- The heart rate of the baby slows rapidly. This indicates that the baby could be in distress that cannot wait for you to go through the normal delivery.
- The cervix ceases dilating such that the baby stops progressing down the birth canal.
- Umbilical cord gets out through the Vagina before the baby.
- The placenta starts peeling before full delivery (placenta disruption).
Fortunately, these conditions are rare and you have the option of delivering the baby where you want using vaginal delivery or C-section.
What exactly happens in C-section delivery?
If you choose to have C-section, the doctors will require you to sign a consent form authorizing them to go ahead with the process.
- The doctors will carry some tests such as blood pressure and review the progress of your pregnancy.
- On the delivery day, you will be taken to the delivery room accompanied by a partner.
- Regional or general anesthesia will be administered. The anesthesia to use is entirely dependent on the operational team.
- A Foley catheter is placed in the bladder to help the mother urinate. Note that you will not feel the process because you are numb under anesthesia.
- The lower abdomen is cleaned with an antiseptic so that the process can begin.
- A bikini cut is made just above the pelvic bone to make delivery easier. After the doctor commences, anticipate hearing your baby crying in the next 10 minutes.
- After the process, you will stay in the recovery room for about 40-50 minutes. Your baby will be brought to you after returning to your room.
- A nurse will keep checking on you every 1 hour to ensure that everything is progressing well. The uterus will be monitored to ensure there is no excess bleeding.
Remember that this was surgery and you should, therefore, anticipate incision discomfort, mild vaginal bleeding, and light uterus cramping. After a C-section, you MUST follow the following rules.
- Do not lift heavy items.
- Avoid strenuous activities.
- Take care of the wound to heal faster.
- Have the doctor check the progress regularly.
Things to do during the 32nd week
- Learn as much as possible about vaginal delivery and C-section delivery.
- Continue shopping for your baby’s clothes. Remember to select various sizes because the baby will grow very fast after delivery.
- Continue eating highly nutritious foods that have essential fats because the baby is putting on weight fast. The food will also prepare you for breastfeeding.
- Proceed with healthy exercises that do not make you uncomfortable. A good example here is yoga that helps you relax and prepare for labor contractions.
- Get the date when you should leave work for maternity leave. This is important because you require more relaxation and liaison with your doctor.
- As more symptoms such as fatigue, heart racing, and constipation, keep talking to your baby as many times as possible.
- Bond even more with your partner to get comfort and support when the going appears to get tougher. He will remind you that it is all about the adorable baby.
- Go for a regular massage at the local spa or have your partner do the presses at home.
