32 Weeks pregnant: Baby development, symptoms & signs

Your body at Week 32

Darker nipples

You might notice some changes in your breasts during the third trimester, including the darkening of your nipples and the skin around your nipple, or areola. This is due to changes in hormones that affect skin pigmentation [1]. You might also notice little bumps, like little goosebumps, on and around your nipples. These are oil-producing glands known as Montgomery’s tubercles that commonly appear during pregnancy and lactation. All of these changes are normal and generally not a cause for concern during pregnancy. 

Continuing breast self-exams during pregnancy is important, though changes in breast size and texture along with soreness or tenderness might make assessing changes in your breasts more challenging. If you notice unfamiliar lumps, find that your breasts are especially painful, or if you are experiencing pain that is sharp or burning [2], inform your healthcare provider. 

Sex in the third trimester

Not feeling in the mood? It is completely normal during the third trimester to experience changes in your sex drive, arousal, or desire. Intensifying nausea, heartburn, exhaustion, and physical discomfort can all affect your ability to both want to have sex and to receive pleasure from sex. You also might be worried — can having sex cause me to go into labor? 

For women with healthy, low-risk pregnancies, most sexual activity remains safe through the third trimester [3, 4]. This includes sexual intercourse, as well as oral sex and penetration with fingers or sex toys. If your doctor has already informed you that sex is safe during your pregnancy, you can feel assured that the amnionic sac and uterus are protecting your baby during intercourse. There is no scientific evidence that suggests having sex can cause or help induce labor [4].

Check out our guide for sex during pregnancy. It includes useful information about sexual health and changes that go on throughout pregnancy, as well as a guide for different sexual positions that can help you and your partner connect during this special time. 

Decreased appetite

After months of feeling like you are constantly hungry, or needing to eat frequently to stave off nausea, it is not uncommon for your appetite to decrease in the final weeks of pregnancy. As your baby grows larger, they might push on your stomach and make you feel less hungry. You might also be less able to consume medium or larger portions of food. Despite any decreases in appetite, try to continue eating smaller balanced meals more frequently.

Intensifying pregnancy symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, and nausea can also worsen at the end of your pregnancy. Foods that are higher in carbohydrates and lower in fat, like bread, rice, crackers and pasta can help stave off hunger while also alleviating digestion issues. Also remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Your baby’s development at 32 weeks

At 8 months pregnant, your baby is in its final stages of development, gaining body fat, and preparing to enter the world. Though space is tight, you should feel your baby moving around as much as ever!

Your baby’s position will likely start to change around week 32 from breech, or head up, to occiput, or head down. Head down is the most common position for birth [5]. Your midwife or OBGYN will likely be checking the baby’s positioning at your upcoming appointments. If the baby is not yet head down, there is no need to worry, as there are likely many weeks left to go! Most babies typically move to a head down position by around 37 weeks [6].

At 32 weeks your baby is about the size of a cantaloupe. They weigh between 4 and 4.5 pounds (between 1.7 and 2 kilograms) and are about 16 to 16.5 inches long (40.6 to 42 centimeters).

Pregnancy Symptoms during Week 32

Bleeding gums 

It is not uncommon to experience greater sensitivity in your gums, particularly in your third trimester. You might even notice blood when you brush your teeth or floss. Hormonal changes and increased blood flow during pregnancy, especially late in pregnancy, are often the culprit [6]. Increased blood flow affects the membranes in your mouth and can make gums more sensitive. Hormonal changes, particularly rising progesterone levels, can also contribute to greater plaque build-up on your teeth, leading to inflammation or even pregnancy gingivitis [6].

It is important to continue to maintain good oral health to help prevent gum disease. Brushing twice a day, daily flossing, and using a mouthwash with fluoride can help. Also, continue to see a dentist regularly. Teeth cleanings and most dental appointments are safe during pregnancy.

Vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge tends to increase and thicken the closer you are to giving birth [7]. This is normal, but does not happen to everyone. Fluid or mucus discharge that is clear or white in color continues to help keep your vagina clean by preventing infection [8]. Before going into labor, it is also possible to experience a “show”, which is when the discharge changes to a more jelly-like consistency, and might contain streaks of pink [7, 8]. This discharge is sometimes referred to as the mucus plug, which is the mucus that has been just inside your cervix throughout the pregnancy.

If you are ever worried or unsure about your vaginal discharge, or if your discharge turns to fluid, contact your primary healthcare provider. Similarly, if you have a show or suspect you have discharged your mucus plug before 37 weeks, contact your midwife or obstetrician.

Lightning crotch 

Though not a medical term, ‘lightning crotch’ refers to sharp vaginal or pelvic pains you might experience late in the third trimester. While it tends to be felt in the pelvic area, this pain can also extend to the groin and into the thighs. For some women it can be a burning sensation, others feel more pins-and-needles [9]. Though sudden and sometimes intense, this pain usually only lasts a few seconds. 

Doctors believe that lightning crotch is linked to the pressure your baby is exerting on the lower part of your uterus as they grow larger and move further down into your pelvis [9]. Unlike labor contractions, lightning crotch is not a sign of labor. You can try to ease discomfort by changing positions or by wearing a maternity support band, which can help relieve pressure on your pelvis [9].

Tips in week 32

• Stay up-to-date on vaccines: Tdap, RSV, flu and COVID are all recommended for pregnant women, as well as close family and friends who will be in contact with your newborn baby.
• Think about breastfeeding: Whether or not to breastfeed is one of the most important decisions you can make when it comes to caring for your newborn. While research shows that breastfeeding can have health and developmental benefits for your baby, it can be challenging for new mothers [10]. Even if you already know that you want to breastfeed, it can be helpful to do some research in order to be more prepared to face any challenges that might arise.  
• Stock up at home: while you still have weeks to go, the truth is that your baby can come at any time. In preparation for those early days at home with your new baby, it is a good idea to make sure you are stocked up with toilet paper, toiletries, and any medicines you take regularly, along with non-perishable pantry staples for meals.
• Postpartum tool kit: there are also new staples that you will need in those early days! These can include diapers, wipes, sanitary pads, and postpartum underwear. Remember that babies grow really fast, and you do not know how big your baby will be, so no need to buy too many diapers ahead of time.
• Stay aware of your posture: as your belly grows and your center of gravity changes it can be easy to slip into poor posture, which can worsen back and pelvic pain. Check your posture by ensuring that your earlobes are in line with your shoulders, your shoulder blades are back and down, your head is held tall towards the ceiling, and your spine is neutral.

Following your pregnancy with Natural Cycles

Natural Cycles broke ground as the first FDA Cleared birth control app, offering a non-invasive, hormone-free alternative to standard birth control. But did you know that Natural Cycles also has tools for navigating your pregnancy and postpartum journey? Use NC° Follow Pregnancy in the Natural Cycle app to access weekly guides that explain the physical and mental changes going on in your body and the stages of development of your baby.