1. 32 weeks gestation - what happens in week 32 of pregnancy
2. How your baby develops in the 32nd week of pregnancy
3. This is how you feel
4. 32nd week of pregnancy - symptoms and complaints
5. What you should look out for in week 32 of pregnancy

32nd week of pregnancy - what happens in week 32

Pregnancy week 32! You are now in the last week of the 8th month. It's unbelievable how time flies, isn't it? The birth is slowly getting closer and closer and you're probably thinking more and more about this special moment. In this part of our pregnancy calendar, we will be looking at how to draw up a birth plan. What does a birth plan include and why is it so important for experiencing a self-determined birth?

How your baby develops in the 32nd week of pregnancy

Your little treasure is now about 41 centimetres tall and therefore about as long as a stick of rhubarb. He or she weighs a proud 1800 grams on the scales. Your baby will continue to grow and gain weight over the next few weeks. His or her fingernails are now fully grown and completely cover the nail bed. Many babies in this week of pregnancy also have thick hair, which can sometimes even be seen on ultrasound. Does your tummy twitch now and again? This is completely normal - your baby has hiccups. It is practising breathing, which it will soon be able to do on its own.

SSW 32: Good chances of survival in the event of a premature birth

Are you worried that your little one might be in too much of a hurry? Of course, it's best for the baby to stay in mum's womb until the due date if possible. However, we would like to reassure you. By the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy, your child would already have a survival probability of 98 % in the event of a premature birth. In addition, the risk of permanent damage is now only 3 %. This excellent chance is due to the fact that the lungs are almost fully developed and your little darling could therefore already breathe quite well on its own outside the womb. This is the most important thing for the prematurely born child.

SSW 32: Slower movements

As your baby now has less and less space in its tummy, it can no longer move as freely as it could a few weeks ago. The movements may not become less, but they will become increasingly slower. However, you will feel them very clearly. The baby will also find it increasingly difficult to turn in the tummy. Around 90 % of unborn babies have already assumed the ideal birth position with their head down in week 32. Is your baby still in the breech position? It's best to contact your midwife. She will certainly have some good tips for you on how to get your baby to turn.

Practical help for you:
Emergency service midwife Katharina explains the most important things about the maternity pass online.

How you feel in the 32nd week of pregnancy

In this week of pregnancy, the upper edge of the uterus is centred between your belly button and your breastbone. You continue to gain weight in line with your growing belly. In this phase of pregnancy Weight gain of 400 to 500 grams per week is quite normal. Your breasts may also be getting a little bigger now. It may be time to buy a new, more comfortable bra. Generally speaking, well-fitting maternity clothes can help you to feel more comfortable in your body.

32nd week of pregnancy - symptoms and complaints

SSW 32: Skin changes

The hormonal changes during pregnancy bring with them a wide variety of symptoms. Among other things, it has an influence on the appearance of the skin. For example, many pregnant women experience increased pigmentation and the development of the linea nigra. The linea nigra is also known as the linea fusca and is a dark line that runs from the navel to the pubic bone across your abdominal skin. These skin changes are harmless and disappear quickly after the birth. Some women also notice blotchy redness on their hands. These are often related to water retention and do not usually need to be treated. However, some other skin changes, known as pregnancy dermatoses, should be closely monitored and treated if necessary:

PUPP (polymorphous exanthema)
This dermatosis, which is relatively common in the second half of pregnancy, is characterised by an itchy skin rash that starts on the abdomen and can spread to the arms and legs. The exact cause is not yet known. Fortunately, PUPP can be treated very well with ointments (sometimes also tablets). The skin disease poses no danger to your unborn child.

Prurigo gestationis
Pregnancy prurigo usually occurs for the first time between the 25th and 30th week of pregnancy. Crusted papules form, which often leave scars. The rash is usually treated with creams and ointments.

Pregnancy cholestasis
Pregnancy cholestasis also usually only occurs from the 25th week of pregnancy. It is characterised by individual reddish or skin-coloured nodules that are very itchy and mainly appear on the abdomen, arms and legs. This skin condition is not only unpleasant, it can also damage the liver. It is therefore essential that you seek medical treatment. Taking ursodeoxycholic acid and vitamin B as well as exposure to UV light can provide relief.

Gestational herpes
Herpes gestationis is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the last trimester. Reddish wheals spread rapidly from the navel to the limbs and sometimes also to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The disease is treated with cortisone ointments. The baby is not usually affected. Rarely, however, the disease spreads to the unborn child and the baby is born with a rash. However, this disappears on its own after a few weeks.

If you notice any changes in your skin, it is best to consult your doctor or midwife. This is the only way to know whether it is a harmless phenomenon, an allergy or a condition that requires treatment.

What you should look out for in week 32 of pregnancy

Create your birth plan

A birth is not an event that can be completely planned. When does it start? When will the labour pains start? How painful will they be? Will there be complications? Nobody can predict all this with certainty. Nevertheless, it makes sense to think about how you imagine this very special event in the run-up to the birth. In a Birth plan you then record all your wishes in writing. By writing them down, you will realise what is important to you for the birth. The plan will also help you to make the right decisions in an emergency. After all, everyday life in hospital can sometimes be hectic and in stressful situations such as a birth, it can be difficult to articulate your wishes correctly.

It is best to give the birth plan to all those who will be accompanying you during the birth, such as the midwives and doctors at the clinic. This way, everyone involved will know what is important to you and what you definitely don't want. This will help you achieve your goal of having a self-determined birth. The birth plan is also helpful for your partner when it comes to making quick decisions.

At the same time, this plan is of course not set in stone. If you realise at the birth that something is not right for you, you can let us know at any time.

But what belongs in a birth plan?

You should think about the following things and record your wishes in the birth plan:

– Birth companionWho should be present at the birth? Is your Companion with you in the delivery room? Are there certain situations in which he or she should leave the room?
– Increase well-being: Do you have any specific wishes for the delivery, such as music, massages or dimmed lighting?
– Birth processDo you want to move around as much as possible or would you prefer to lie down? Would you like a birthing tub? Which positions are suitable for you? Would you prefer the midwife to leave you alone or actively guide you? Would you like a birthing stool or exercise ball?
– Pain treatmentWhich pain therapies (e.g. epidural, drip or alternative pain treatment using acupuncture and acupressure) are suitable for you?
– Interventions: If necessary, have you been fitted with an artificial Induction of labour do you agree? Are you allowed to have an episiotomy?
– Your newborn babyWhen should the umbilical cord be cut? Does your partner want to do this? Should the baby be washed straight away? Do you want your child breastfeed?
– Caesarean sectionShould your partner be present in the operating theatre? What type of anaesthetic would you like? What do you want in the event of an emergency caesarean section?

You can find many templates for creating your birth plan on the internet. Are you unsure about certain topics and would like some expert support? Then take a look at our Birth plan" workshop on. Midwife Katharina will help you to make the right decisions for you and your baby.

How your partner can prepare for the birth

Birth is a unique event in life, not only for you, but also for your partner. For most couples, the father-to-be present in the delivery room today. At the same time, fathers often don't know how they can best support their partner. For this reason, it is worth taking the antenatal course together with your partner. Ideal for this is our Online birth preparation course. You can watch the individual lessons again and again at the time that suits you best.

A wonderful addition is the Team partner" workshop. Midwife Katharina shows you how to give birth as a Strong team and how the father-to-be can be a real support to his partner. Alternatively, you can of course also do the workshop with your mum or best friend. In other words, with the person who is accompanying you through this important life event.

New rhythm for preventive check-ups

It's getting exciting and the birth is getting closer and closer. For this reason, prenatal care appointments take place every fortnight from the 32nd week of pregnancy. You can continue to attend these with your gynaecologist as well as with your midwife.