Week 32 of pregnancy

By the 32nd week of pregnancy, you have already reached the last week of the 8th month – if that’s not a reason to be proud of your body and what you have already accomplished, then what is! Here you will learn about the changes you can expect this week and what you should be thinking about now.

How big is your baby in the 32nd week of pregnancy?

Your baby measures about 28.5 centimeters from crown to rump this week, comparable to a red cabbage. The crown-to-heel length is approximately 41 centimeters.

32nd week of pregnancy: What's changing for you

The amount of amniotic fluid is decreasing and is proportional to the growth of your baby. Currently, there is still about one liter of fluid in your uterus. You may still experience shortness of breath, and you might now notice that you need to adjust your daily routine and take it a bit easier. If your baby is lying head down, the shortness of breath may become even more pronounced as its feet occasionally press against your diaphragm. From the outside, you can observe how your navel is gradually protruding outward. This is because your growing uterus is pressing more and more from the inside against the abdominal wall, causing it to bulge outward. However, this does not last very long; your navel will naturally return to its normal position within a few months after birth.

The third ultrasound is now due at the – the last time before you finally see your baby live and in color! After that, the prenatal check-ups will take place every two weeks until birth.

Many women now have an increased need for closeness to the partner. Feel free to indulge in this thoroughly and enjoy the togetherness to the fullest.

Week 32 of pregnancy: Development of your baby

Your baby is rolling further into the fetal position to make the best use of the remaining space. As movements become increasingly difficult with the tightening, it may even be in the birth position, with the head down. You might notice this from the outside by the changed shape of your belly. However, it is also possible that it changes its mind again and makes a turn. Ideally, your baby will be in the head-down position by the 36th week of pregnancy.

Your baby is not quite ready for the outside world outside the protective womb yet. Its lungs do not have enough surfactant, which helps it breathe independently, and its fat layer is not fully developed either. This will change soon, as your child is now gaining muscle and fat rapidly, gaining about 200 grams each week. Its muscles are becoming stronger overall, and your baby can control its head better and better. This week, the sensory cells of its retina are also developing, and its pupils are already constricting or dilating depending on the light exposure. The pinna of your child has almost reached its final shape and is in its final position on the head.

If you are expecting a boy, his testicles usually descend slowly into the scrotum. However, it is not uncommon for them to still be located inside the body at birth. They typically descend into the scrotum within the first few years of life – in this case, the pediatrician will check during the to see if this has already occurred.

The hospital bag

As the due date approaches, you are probably thinking about it more and more. It can help to take action: one of the preparations you can already make now is packing the hospital bag. LILLYDOO Midwife Sissi recommends having your luggage packed and ready between the 32nd and 34th week of pregnancy. This way, you ensure that you and your baby lack nothing during the birth and the possible subsequent hospital stay. But what exactly should go into the well-packed hospital bag? Sissi reveals this in the video.

In our magazine article "" you will also find a handy list of all necessary items available for download and check-off.

This is now important

• From now on, the check-ups will take place every two weeks. By the end of this week at the latest, also the appointment for
  the 3rd ultrasound, where you can get a glimpse of your baby.

• Now it is time to register for the birth. Even if you have planned a home birth or birth at a birth center ,
  you should also register at a hospital as a precaution.

• At the latest, now is the time to take care of as much organizational work as possible. You and, if applicable, your partner can already prepare parental allowance applications and inform your health insurance and employer about the estimated due date.

With our pregnancy calendar, we want to accompany you through this exciting time and provide you with relevant information, which also in exchange with our