You may begin to experience Braxton Hicks contractions at this point. Some women may experience Braxton Hicks contractions as early as second trimester; however, frequency seems to increase in the third Trimester. Your Uterus may tighten for around 30–60 s or long as 2 min. As your baby continues to grow and space in your Uterus decreases each week, your baby’s movement may probably become less frequent.
Around week 32, you still may feel out of breath now and then as your growing Uterus presses against your diaphragm. You may also have heartburn and backache. Your blood volume has been increased by 40–50% till now.
Your growing baby Your baby is busy accumulating layers of fat under his/her skin. Your baby looks less wrinkly as each week progresses and he/she looks more like a newborn. However, your baby will continue to grow during the next several weeks. Now your baby weighs around 1.5 kg and has grown to over 41 cm from head to toe around week 31.
At week 32, your baby weighs around 1.7 kg and is about 41 cm long. Your baby’s lungs are continuing to mature but will not be fully developed for several more weeks. Your baby is gaining weight and his/her skeleton is fully formed. However, your baby’s bones are still soft.
Things to consider If you are having Braxton Hicks contraction, drink plenty of water and try to change positions, e.g., if you have been standing or sitting, try going for a walk or vice versa. All these should help you but if it becomes unmanageable for you, you should contact your doctor. Take plenty of rest. Relaxation and some breathing techniques may also help you. If you are feeling uncomfortable about the colostrum, try placing a nursing pad in your bra to absorb the fluid.
Around this time, your doctor may ask you to come for regular checkups for every 2 weeks. Earlier you may have been having regular checkups on monthly basis. After a few weeks from now you may have to visit your doctor once in a week.
Tip of the week Since your baby’s arrival is around the corner, it is time to make plans for the trip to the hospital. You should keep all the numbers with you—may be your partner’s or anybody’s number, whom you are supposed to reach, in case if you were to go into labor. You should always have a back up plan if you are not able to reach your partner.
Eat healthy. Continue having a balanced meal. Avoid junk foods. |