Everything you need to know about week 32 of pregnancy

Welcome to the 32nd week of pregnancy

You are now very close to the big moment when you will finally hold your little bundle of joy in your arms. Your baby is currently very active and continues to grow diligently, getting ready to face the world outside. You can feel the kicks and movements even more clearly now.

For you as an expectant mum, this time can be exciting but also a bit more tiring. Your baby bump is now beautifully round and your body is doing everything it can to take good care of both you and your baby. Your little one is now about the size of a white cabbage – crazy, isn’t it?

From now on, check-ups with your gynaecologist or midwife will take place more frequently. From week 32 until the birth, the interval between appointments is reduced from four weeks to just two weeks. In this article, you will find everything you need to know right now: how your baby is developing, what is happening in your body, and which tips can make the 32nd week of pregnancy even easier for you.

Your baby at 32 weeks pregnant:

• Your baby is now about 42–43 cm long, weighs up to 1900 grams, and is as big as a white cabbage.
• The skin becomes smoother and rosier, and the fine hairs almost completely disappear.
• The fingernails and hair are already well developed.
• Lung development is in full swing, and your baby is diligently practising breathing.
• Your baby hears your voice, responds to sounds, and recognises light and darkness.
  
  

Your body at 32 weeks pregnant:

• Your baby bump is growing nicely and your uterus now extends about twelve centimetres above your belly button.
• Back pain, heartburn and shortness of breath may become more pronounced as your body adapts.
• Water retention is normal: give yourself breaks, put your feet up and wear comfortable shoes.
• Your blood volume continues to increase, which can make you feel tired.
• Practice contractions and more frequent urination show that your body is busily preparing itself for the birth.

The pram you've always wanted.

Tips for the 32nd week of pregnancy

💡 1. Optimise your sleep: As your baby bump grows, getting a good night's rest becomes increasingly challenging. Try to sleep on your side, ideally on your left, to improve blood flow to the placenta and baby. A nursing pillow or several cushions can support your bump and legs, helping to relieve pressure.

💡 2. Pay attention to a nutrient-rich diet: Your child now needs especially high amounts of iron for blood formation. Make sure to provide a balanced intake of iron-rich foods such as red meat, pulses, and leafy green vegetables to prevent fatigue and anaemia. Your doctor can recommend iron supplements if necessary. Also ensure an adequate fluid intake.

💡 3. Maintain gentle movement and take breaks: Light activities such as walking, pregnancy yoga, or swimming can help relieve pregnancy discomforts like back pain and water retention. Listen to your body and make sure to take regular breaks, as your body is currently performing incredible feats.

💡 4. Continue your birth preparation: If you haven’t booked a course yet, now is the perfect time. In an antenatal class, you’ll learn everything important about childbirth, discover breathing techniques, and start getting attuned to those first moments together with your little one. It’s also lovely if your partner can join you.

💡 5. Prepare your hospital bag: You can now have your hospital bag fully packed and ready to go. This way, you’ll be completely relaxed when the time comes. It’s best to use a small checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything and have everything important for you and your baby to hand. That way, you can look forward to the big moment without any worries. The checklist in our my junior® guide can be very helpful here.

💡 6. Parental allowance application: Find out about the exact deadlines and prepare all the necessary documents for applying for parental allowance. You can find helpful information on this in our my junior® guide.

The most frequently asked questions about the 32nd week of pregnancy

How much weight gain is normal in the 32nd week of pregnancy?

From the 32nd week of pregnancy, many expectant mothers gain between nine and thirteen kilograms. However, this can vary greatly from one mum to another. Your gynaecologist will ensure during check-ups that everything is as it should be. Continue to maintain a balanced diet so that you and your little bundle of joy feel completely well.

Which examinations are important in the 32nd week of pregnancy?

From the 32nd week of pregnancy onwards, antenatal check-ups will now take place every two weeks. Between the 29th and 32nd week of pregnancy, the third ultrasound scan is scheduled, during which the organs are examined, the head and abdominal circumference are measured, the approximate birth weight is recorded, and the amount of amniotic fluid is checked. Sometimes a blood test for hepatitis B or other values is also part of the preparations for the birth.

What does it mean if the baby's movements decrease in the 32nd week of pregnancy?

You should still be able to feel your baby's movements regularly at this stage. Even though space in your belly is getting tight, your little one remains active, sometimes even with a little bout of hiccups. If you notice significantly fewer movements or none at all, please contact your doctor or midwife at the hospital immediately. This way, you and your baby will be safe, and you can breathe easy again.

What is colostrum, and is it normal that my breasts are producing it now?

Colostrum is the nutrient-rich first milk that your breasts can start producing during pregnancy. It is completely normal if you notice colostrum leaking at 32 weeks pregnant or in the last weeks before birth. This shows that your breasts are preparing for later breast milk production and the delivery of your baby.

How can I best prepare for childbirth?

You can now calmly prepare for the birth: Sign up for a childbirth preparation course, pack your hospital bag, and talk to your doctor or midwife about your wishes. There’s also a bit of paperwork involved – just as important as regular breaks for you and your wellbeing. A look at your pregnancy calendar will help you keep track of everything. It’s also lovely if your partner can join you for appointments. All of this will give you confidence and take away some of the nerves.

Is a premature birth at 32 weeks of pregnancy viable?

Yes, if your baby is born in the 32nd week of pregnancy, the chances are already very good today thanks to modern medicine. The muscles and organs are already well developed – your little bundle of joy just needs a bit of support to get used to the world. Breathing is often still assisted until everything works completely on its own.

What role does the umbilical cord play now?

The umbilical cord continues to reliably supply your child with all the necessary nutrients and oxygen and removes waste products. It is your baby's lifeline in the womb and is still working at full capacity to support your foetus's development.

Can the baby already perceive light at 32 weeks of pregnancy?

Yes, from the 32nd week of pregnancy, your baby is increasingly able to react to light stimuli that penetrate through your abdominal wall. Its eyes are often open now, and it can perceive differences between light and dark – another step forward on the journey to exploring the world.

The dream buggy you always wanted.

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