32weeks
pregnant

Written by The BabyCenter Editorial Team

IN THIS ARTICLE

Highlights this week

Staying active is still important! Exercise safely in the final weeks.

Baby development at 32 weeks

If your baby's a boy, his testicles have probably moved into his scrotum. Sometimes, one or both testicles don't get into position until after birth but don't worry. Undescended testicles often correct themselves before the first birthday. Read more information on your baby's development this week

Your baby's fingernails have formed and will keep growing until birth
Hair covers your baby's scalp, and its colour and texture are visible
Your baby is starting a final growth spurt before birth

Advertisement | page continues below

Your baby is as long as a stalk of kale

length

42.4

head to toe

weight

1.7

Pregnancy symptoms at 32 weeks

You're probably gaining around 450g /1 lb a week now, and roughly half of that goes straight to your baby. In fact, he gains a third to half of their birth weight during the next seven weeks, fattening up for survival outside the womb. Thanks to these fatty deposits, their skin is getting plumper and healthier looking. Follow our tips for eating well over the next few weeks.

It's hard enough to get to sleep when you're pregnant without worrying about whether you're disturbing your partner too. Follow our tips for a safe night's snooze. If you're concerned that sex in the final months will harm your baby, stop worrying. For most women, sex during pregnancy is fine right up until their waters break and may even help jump-start labour, if the baby's overdue. So go for it!

Balance may be a challenge as your bump shifts your centre of gravity
You're gaining about a pound a week, and half of that goes to your baby

Pregnancy Tips

Midwives often recommend staying at home for as long as possible in the early phase of first stage labour. You could use a TENS machine to take the edge off the pain as the strength of the contractions increases -- why not rent one from a local physio clinic and give it a try?

"I had Braxton Hicks contractions in spades starting at about 26 weeks. My doctor advised me to go to the bathroom when they started and drink plenty of water. This helped tremendously. I now get only one or two a day, and they are much more manageable." -- Sandy

Pregnancy Video: What happens inside your belly during your third trimester?

Watch the amazing changes that take place in your body and in your baby's body between your 28th and 37th weeks of pregnancy.

Pregnancy connections

Connect with other Canadian women who are in the final stages of pregnancy at BabyCenter Canada's community.

Other hot topics this week

Gestational diabetes -- self-help tips for controlling the disorder.

How much is your baby moving at this stage of pregnancy?

How does being an "older" mom affect pregnancy and birth? Find out.

Planning to return to work after maternity leave? Try reading some good books on balancing work and family now before you're too exhausted to concentrate on reading.

The BabyCenter Editorial Team

BabyCenter’s talented team of editors and writers has decades of experience creating inspiring content.

Opens a new window Opens a new window Opens a new window

Advertisement | page continues below