Take your time with this information
Week 32
You are now entering month 8 of pregnancy!1
Your body
By 32 weeks gestation, the body is preparing for labour. One of the symptoms associated with this is Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as false labour pains. They are random contractions of the uterine muscle that may feel similar to mild menstrual cramping, or may present as a tightening sensation around the abdomen. However, unlike true labour, they will not increase in frequency, duration or intensity.2
If you are concerned about any cramping or possible Braxton-Hicks contractions, speak to your healthcare provider.
Symptoms1
- Sciatica3
- Leg cramps1 and restless leg syndrome4
- Frequent urination
- Varicose veins
- Dizziness
- Haemorrhoids and constipation
- Colostrum (precursor fluid to breast milk)
- Braxton Hicks contractions
- Foetal movement
Your baby
Your baby is reaching nearly 2 kg in weight, and should measure approximately 43 cm.1
To prepare for labour, your baby should now be moving down towards the pelvis.1 However, between 3–4% of babies are breech at term (39 weeks gestation). This means they present with their bottom-down towards the pelvis.5
If you have been told your baby is breech at 32 weeks gestation, there is still plenty of time for them to change position. The prevalence of breech presentation declines as each week advances towards your due date.5
Your healthcare provider will be able to provide you with further support and information if it is likely your baby will be breech at term.
Things to remember this week
- Try to remember your prenatal vitamins6,7
- Staying active and keeping a healthy weight can help support overall health8
- Try to avoid alcohol consumption and smoking9,10
- Nourish your body with pregnancy-safe foods. Try to avoid foods high in mercury, such as mackerel and tuna, raw seafood, undercooked meat, poultry and eggs, unpasteurised foods and cheese with a mould rind such as brie, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and any herbal tea11
- Ensure any meat, fish or poultry is fully cooked through12
As a guide:12
Chicken or turkey (whole, ground, or breast): 74 °C/165 °F
Beef, veal, lamb, and pork roasts, chops, and steaks: 63 °C/145 °F
Ground beef, veal, lamb, and pork: 71 °C/160 °F
Fish: 63 °C/145 °F
Precooked ham: 60 °C/140 °F
- Limit caffeine consumption to no more than 200 mg per day13
- If you are between 32–36 weeks gestation in November to January, you will be eligible for a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This vaccine helps to protect your baby in their first 6 months after being born from severe respiratory disease associated with RSV1
- Count the kicks14
At this point in pregnancy, you should be seen by your antenatal healthcare provider every 2 weeks from 28 to 36 weeks gestation. Please ensure you have scheduled your appointments so they can adequately monitor the progression and health of your pregnancy.15