32 WEEKS PREGNANT

• There's not much to report on your baby's developmental milestones this week.
• Much of the growth is strictly adding weight through fat layers that will insulate the maturing organs.
• He/She'll need plenty of fat tissue to keep him/her warm upon leaving the home in your womb and entering the world, where the environmental temperature is not as controlled.
• Although you can't see it in this image, your baby has probably been attempting to breathe this week, though his/her lungs still need more time to mature.
• Another development you can notice in this scan -- look closely, and you might spy the edges of the baby's toenails, which are now fully formed.

• As your baby is accumulating fat under his skin with each passing week, he/she now weighs almost two kilograms. It is not just the weight that is increasing though he/she is already almost as big as 17 inches by week 32.
• As your baby is filling out and has grown significantly over the past few months, there is not much space left for him/her in the womb to freely move about. This is why at week 32, the baby's legs are drawn up to the chest, assuming the classic fetal position.
• Here is some big news at week 32. Your baby's digestive system has completely matured and can function properly. All that practice of sucking and swallowing over the weeks is really going to come in handy for your little one.
• However, even though the digestive system is now in order, he/she still gets all the nourishment from the umbilical cord.
• By week 32, your little soldier's skeleton has completely formed although the bones are still rather soft and brittle. His/her fingernails and toenails continue to grow along with the hair on their tiny head.
• As he/she is putting on more weight through fat, the skin is starting to look a lot less translucent.
• If you were to do a brain scan of your fetus, it would reveal that your baby has rapid eye movement. This suggests that your baby is dreaming. One can only wonder what he must be dreaming about. Your baby continues to be the sleepiest sleepy-head of all time as he/she is asleep almost 75% of the time (seriously though, that is way too much sleeping; don't you think?).
• While your baby's lungs continue to develop, his/her crazy heartbeats have finally slowed down their pace. As your baby will continue to grow, the amniotic fluid will subsequently decrease.

• Braxton Hicks contractions : Are you feeling those irregular, painless, tightening sensations in your stomach? Known as Braxton Hicks contractions, they are just practice sessions for your uterus. Understand the pattern well so that you can differentiate them from the real ones when they kick in.
• Leaky breasts : Your breasts may now be leaking a yellowish fluid called colostrum, which is the precursor to breast milk. Try wearing nursing pads if it is uncomfortable.
• Itchy tummy & skin : Itchy belly and skin? Don't you worry. This is just the skin stretching to its maximum capability and causing all this itching. Use some nourishing lotions prescribed by your doctor or simple, plain coconut oil.
• Constipation : Your growing uterus is pressing against your bowels, leaving a mark on your bowel movements. Do remember to have small meals and drink plenty of water. Don't sleep soon after eating, go for a walk instead and then get to bed.
• Leg cramps : Now that you are at this stage, it is only natural to feel severe leg cramps. Your body is carrying all that weight day and night. Take rest and relax your legs as much as you can. We hope your calcium levels are okay.
• Dizziness : Your body is suddenly working on overload, and it is probably still getting used to all the blood that has been cruising inside. So, it is only natural to feel a little dizzy now and then. Always keep some snacks (granola bars, soya chips, etc.) that boost your energy levels instantly.
• Haemorrhoids : Varicose veins can pop up anywhere in your body. The ones in your rectum are called haemorrhoids. Ensure to keep the area clean and wipe with warm water and toilet paper. You could use gentle wet wipes too.

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• Are you nervous about the big day that is going to come soon?
• It will be a good idea to take a hospital tour where you are planning to deliver, along with your partner.
• We hope you are regular with your antenatal classes.
• You could also prepare yourself for D-day by reading about the delivery process, understanding pain relief methods if you want to go for them, or just by talking to friends who have gone through all these.