By the 32nd week of pregnancy, you’ve already reached the last week of the 8th month—if that’s not a reason to be proud of your body and everything you’ve accomplished so far, what is? Here, you’ll learn what 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 your baby’s growth. Currently, there is still about one liter of fluid in your uterus. You may still experience shortness of breath, and you might notice that you need to adjust your daily routine and take things a bit easier. If your baby is lying head down, the shortness of breath may become even more pronounced, as its feet may occasionally press against your diaphragm. From the outside, you may notice your navel gradually protruding outward. This happens because your growing uterus is pressing more and more against the abdominal wall from the inside, causing it to bulge outward. However, this doesn’t last long; your navel will naturally return to its normal position within a few months after birth.
The third ultrasound is now due—the last one before you finally see your baby live and in color! After that, prenatal check-ups will take place every two weeks until birth.
Many women now feel an increased need for closeness with their partner. Feel free to lean into this and enjoy your time together to the fullest.
Week 32 of pregnancy: Development of your baby
Your baby is curling further into the fetal position to make the best use of the remaining space. As movements become increasingly difficult due to the limited room, your baby may already 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’s also possible that your baby changes its mind and turns again. Ideally, your baby will be in the head-down position by the 36th week of pregnancy.
Your baby isn’t quite ready for the outside world beyond the protective womb yet. Its lungs don’t have enough surfactant, which helps it breathe independently, and its fat layer isn’t fully developed either. This will change soon, as your child is now gaining muscle and fat rapidly—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 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 appointments to see whether this has already occurred.
The hospital bag
As the due date approaches, you’re probably thinking about it more and more. It can help to take action: one preparation you can already make now is packing your hospital bag. LILLYDOO Midwife Sissi recommends having your bag packed and ready between the 32nd and 34th week of pregnancy. This way, you can make sure that you and your baby won’t be missing anything during the birth and any possible hospital stay afterward. But what exactly should go into a well-packed hospital bag? Sissi reveals this in the video.
In our magazine article "" you’ll also find a handy list of all necessary items available to download and check off.
This is now important
From now on, check-ups will take place every two weeks. By the end of this week at the latest, you should also schedule 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.
Tip from LILLYDOO Midwife Sissi
Have you already considered whether you want to breastfeed? Even though it is completely natural, it unfortunately doesn’t always seem to be taken for granted in our society. I always advise my expectant mothers to consciously observe breastfeeding women in public during their pregnancy, to realize how many there are. You can also start looking for breastfeeding groups in your area now, so that after the birth you’ll have a suitable point of contact, even if you do not have a midwife.
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
