Week 32 of your Pregnancy
Catching your breath
You’re nearly there now; just a few more weeks and your baby will be in your arms. Is it all moving so fast that you feel out of breath? Actually, your uterus has grown so high now that your lungs have less room to expand. You may be short of breath from time to time until your baby’s head moves down into your pelvis just before birth. If you feel short of breath, try moving a little more slowly, so your heart and lungs don’t have to work so hard. Sleeping with your head, shoulders, and chest raised up will reduce heartburn and also help you to draw fuller breaths.
That growing uterus is also putting pressure on your bladder, sending you to the bathroom more often. In the last weeks of pregnancy, you may find that the urge to urinate wakes you several times at night. A nap or two during the day or early evening will help you get the rest you need.
No need to shave
If you are in the habit of shaving your pubic hair, or near it, AORN, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, recommends that you stop at this point until after your baby is born. Shaving and other hair removal techniques can occasionally traumatize the skin and lead to infections. If a cesarean section is required, or any other procedure that might require hair removal, the removal should be done at that time according to the hospital’s policies and procedures.
Your Baby’s Development
* Approximate length 16 to 18 inches, weight 4 to 5 pounds.
* She is beginning to develop her own immunity to mild infections. If she were born now, she could survive outside the womb and resist some disease.
* Her appearance is similar to that at birth, but she will fill out more in the next few weeks.
* She may be positioning for birth with her head turned down toward the pelvis.
Parenting Q&A
Q:“My ankles, feet, and hands are so swollen. Is this normal or is it a sign that my blood pressure is too high? As a first-time mother, I’ve heard high blood pressure is common. What happens to the baby if my blood pressure goes up, and when should I be contacting my doctor?”
A:Most women experience some swelling of the hands or feet during pregnancy. Some women tend to hold more fluid than others even prior to pregnancy. Swelling is common during warmer weather, after a long time standing or sitting, and at the end of the day. If the swelling does not decrease after sitting with your legs raised and lasts longer than 24 hours, call your doctor. Be sure to tell your doctor if you also have shortness of breath, dizziness, or blurred vision. Depending on the date of your last visit, your doctor may want to check you for symptoms of preeclampsia; its symptoms include high blood pressure, protein in your urine, and rapid weight gain. High blood pressure can affect the vessels in your placenta and could restrict blood flow to the baby.
Courtesy: University of Virginia Health System
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