Fetal development in pregnancy week 32:
Your baby now weighs about 4 pounds and measures about 17 inches. If you’re feeling kicks in your ribcage it probably means that baby has finally moved into the head down position that 96% of babies are born in. Don’t worry if this hasn’t happened yet, you still have a few weeks left for baby to move.
During baby’s awake times their eyes are open and looking around. When they are sleeping their eyes are closed. Eye color is usually blue right now, but this will change with exposure to light, and then it can change again a few months after birth.
Little boys testicles are descending into the scrotum now. Sometimes this doesn’t happen until after birth, but this condition usually corrects itself. Baby’s immune system is starting to develop now and sometimes the fingernails are so long that they will scratch themselves.
White fat is continuing to accumulate now. This helps baby’s skin appear more pink and diminishes the wrinkly appearance of your little one’s skin.
If you haven’t already gotten a list together of the things you need to take with you to the hospital you should start now. Ask your health practitioner what signs to watch for to indicate you are in labor and when they would like for you to call their office. Be sure and ask what the procedure for contacting them is once you think you are in labor.
Maternal Changes
Most women are quite large during pregnancy week 32. If you are carrying twins you’ll find your uterus is already the size a singleton moms would be at 40 weeks pregnant! If carrying one baby your uterus should measure roughly five inches above your navel by 32 weeks pregnant. You may find that your baby is placing more pressure on your abdomen now, which can contribute to heartburn and indigestion throughout your pregnancy.
By pregnancy week 32 you should be drinking plenty of water and consuming foods with plenty of fiber. This will help ward of constipation and the associated side effects (like hemorrhoids). Your body is also preparing for labor and delivery, as your hips expand and your ligaments continue to stretch in the upcoming weeks.
Every woman wants the best for herself and her baby during labor and delivery. You should prepare yourself for any situation however during birth. While most deliveries go as planned, sometimes the unexpected does occur. If you go into delivery well informed however and educated regarding your choices, you’ll find the birthing process less fearful and anxiety ridden.
If you need a cesarean section you should also know what to expect. You should have some knowledge of a cesarean even if you plan a natural birth, as you never can tell what will happen when it is finally time to deliver. During a C-section your bay is birthed through a small incision in your abdomen and uterus. It is a surgical procedure that must be performed in an operating room. At times c-sections are planned, particularly if the mother’s or baby’s health is at risk. Other times cesarean sections are the result of an emergency that may arise during delivery or even before you go into labor. Roughly one of every four babies are born via cesarean section every year in the United States. What should you know about this procedure?
First, some women plan to have a cesarean delivery. This may be due to a number of factors including:
- Previous delivery by c-section.
- Obstruction of the birth canal due to physical problems.
- Active herpes or other infections that may harm the baby.
- Placental abnormalities that necessitate c-section delivery.
- Multiple births where the first baby isn’t presenting head down.
There are other instances when a cesarean section happens in an emergency. Some examples of times when this may occur include:
- If labor isn’t progressing and the health of the mother or baby is at risk.
- If the baby is not responding well to labor suggesting a problem.
- If the baby is in breach position and cannot be turned or birthed successfully.
- If bleeding is present in the vagina caused by placental abnormalities.
- If the umbilical cord has prolapsed into the vagina, which can result in fetal death.
While there are risks associated with a cesarean delivery, in many cases the risks of not performing surgery may be even greater. Be sure you talk about your health and the health of your baby with your doctor. Together you can make the choice that is best for you both.
Dad
Are you ready for baby? What do you have left to do? Sit down and make a list of things that are left to be done before the birth. Do you have a car seat? Have you picked a pediatrician?
Maternity Clothes
Breastfeeding is difficult enough to master without having to worry about finding clothes that easily lend themselves to the process. Fortunately there are a variety of maternity outfits that help make breastfeeding much easier. New arrivals at Destination Maternity are readily available to help make feeding your baby easier in the first few weeks of life and beyond. Many women start looking for breastfeeding maternity wear while still pregnant, particularly nursing bras. This is an exceptional idea, particularly if you find your breasts growing and in need of more support during your pregnancy. Your breastfeeding experience should be easy, feminine and above all else comfortable.
Think cotton is the best choice for your nursing bra? Think again. Over time, cotton can stretch out or lose its shape. When looking for nursing bras from Destination Maternity to complement breastfeeding, consider a bra with a cotton/Lycra or spandex and nylon blend. When it comes to breastfeeding, you have a wealth of options available to you.
Pregnancy Health Tips
Each and every woman who is expecting should prepare herself for the possibility of a cesarean birth. By doing so, if the need arises, you will feel more informed, educated, and relaxed about the procedure. This birthing process can sometimes induce fear and anxiety in women who are uninformed.
So what exactly does a cesarean entail? Cesarean delivery (C-Section) is the birth of the baby through an incision made on the mother’s abdomen and uterus. It is a surgical procedure that is performed in the operating room. Sometimes cesarean sections are planned, while others are performed as the result of an emergency that develops. Typically 1 in 4 babies are born by cesarean every year. Whether or not you are planning a C-section, it is a good idea to educate yourself about the procedure. Knowing what to expect will help relieve any fear or anxiety you might experience should the need arise to perform a C-section.
Twin Tips
The majority of triplets will be born by now. If you haven’t already looked for postpartum help, now is a good time! While the old fashioned thing to do was to have a baby nurse, now there are other professionals designed to help new families, called a postpartum doula. A postpartum doula will help you with all things baby related and home related, whether that be fixing meals, or learning to breastfeed, even taking an older child for a walk. Contact local doulas as soon as you can to learn schedules and prices. Some of these gems even spend the night!