Pregnancy at week 32

Your baby

Although your baby is by now quite squashed inside your uterus, they should still move in their usual pattern, At any stage of your pregnancy, if you are concerned about your baby's movements, contact your midwife or doctor immediately.

Most babies are in the head-down position by 32 weeks, although some babies stay in the breech position (bottom down) until the last month.

Your baby’s weight has almost doubled in the past 4 weeks. From now, your baby’s weight will typically grow faster than their length.

Your body

There is now more amniotic fluid in your uterus and your bump is growing fast. This can cause pain in your pelvis, which can make it difficult for you to move around. If you have a lot of pain, talk to your doctor about whether seeing a physiotherapist might help. They can give you exercises and therapy to help ease the pain.

Your belly button might be stretched flat or stick out, and it’s a good idea to remove any piercings if you have them, at this point.

Things to remember

If your baby is born now they would be considered premature, but they would be unlikely to have any long-term health differences. Keep a watch out for any signs of premature labour, such as contractions, your waters breaking, bleeding, a ‘show’ of mucus from your vagina or a sudden decrease or change in your baby’s movements.

If you haven’t had your whooping cough (pertussis) vaccination yet, it’s very important to have it now. Whooping cough can kill newborn babies and they can’t have their own vaccination until they’re older. Having the vaccination now means you will pass on antibodies to protect your baby. Depending on the season, it’s also a good idea to have a flu shot too.

Both vaccinations are free for pregnant women under the National Immunisation Program. You can read more about the whooping cough and flu vaccination on the Department of Health website.

Resources and support

Speak to your doctor, midwife or obstetrician if you have questions about your pregnancy.

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby also has more information on:

• maternity care in Australia
• having a healthy pregnancy
• exploring the anatomy of pregnancy and birth
• checkups, screenings, scans and tests you can have during your pregnancy
• common conditions you might experience during your pregnancy
• looking after your mental health and wellbeing

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.