7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138 • (901) 682-9222 • Open Weekdays 8:00 - 5:00
PREGNANCY TIMELINE: WEEK 32
Eight weeks to go and counting! The baby's movements will become less frequent now. There is just not enough room in your uterus to do aerobics anymore. That does not mean that the baby should not move at all. You just will not feel quite as much as you did a few weeks ago.
Occasionally women go into premature labor. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following warning signs. Be prepared to get to a hospital quickly.
- Persistent or rhythmic low back pain that feels different from what you are used to
- Menstrual-like cramps
- Intestinal cramps with or without diarrhea
- Pelvic pressure or tightening that feels difference from what you are used to
- Watery discharge or a gush of fluid from your vagina
- Vaginal bleeding
It's important that you receive medical attention right away if any of the above signs occur. If action is taken quickly, it's possible to halt premature labor by using labor-stopping drugs. In the event the labor is stopped, your doctor may prescribe bed rest and complete relaxation. If labor cannot be stopped, your premature infant will be cared for in a specially-equipped neonatal care facility.
Baby's Physical Development
- Crown-to-rump, baby measures 11.6 inches long and weighs about 4.0 pounds
- Total length is approximately 18.9 inches
- Baby can now turn its head from side to side
- Baby continues to grow and add weight
- Baby's bladder is passing water ? practice for urination later.
- Chance of survival in lieu of a pre-mature birth is good
Your uterus is about 5 inches above your bellybutton. Until this week, your doctor visits have probably monthly. At week 32, they should be every two weeks. Make sure you are taking your prenatal vitamin supplements. Delivery is natural, but a weak or under-nourished body will sustain more damage during birth. Lacerations of the vagina and cervix are common, but postpartum hemorrhage does not have to be. Postpartum hemorrhage is defined as post-delivery bleeding in excess of 17 ounces. By keeping your blood rich with iron and vitamins, you give uterine blood vessels a better chance of withstanding the trauma of delivery and adequately compressing in order to stop bleeding when it occurs. Other post-delivery factors may contribute to postpartum hemorrhage, such as, genital tract trauma, a tear of the uterus, very rapid or long labor, having several previous deliveries, uterine infection, an over distended uterus due to multiple births or some agents used for general anesthesia. Retained placental tissue may also cause excessive bleeding. In some cases, bleeding can last for weeks or even months after delivery. Take your prenatal vitamins!
Leg cramps are a common problem at this stage. Leg cramps usually occur at nighttime and are probably due to the slowing of blood circulation in the legs. The pressure baby is putting on the large blood vessels in the lower abdomen deprives the legs of oxygen and they seem to ache. Leg cramps may also be induced by a lack of calcium in your diet. Eat more dairy or take a calcium supplement. Stretching your calf muscles will help alleviate the cramping. To properly stretch the calf, extend your leg while pulling your toes toward you (holding a towel around your toes will you accomplish this. Try warming the area first with a warm bath or oils. Messaging the muscles with relax them too. Drink plenty of water.Time to Start Thinking About
Things could start hopping any minute now. Pack a bag for yourself. Your bag should include a bathrobe and warm socks or slippers (not your favorites, they may not be usable after going through labor and delivery), a tape player and some favorite tunes to help you relax during labor, a favorite picture to focus on during labor, a change of clothes to wear home (loose and comfortable, not pre-pregnancy clothes), plus toiletries.
Tips for Mom
Proper nutrition is vital in these final weeks, not just for baby. Taking a prenatal vitamin every day is an important key to a healthier labor, delivery and recovery. Vitamins and iron are essential to your well-being and the well-being of your baby. If you are anemic at the time of delivery, a low blood count could have a negative effect on your baby. Your chance of needing a blood transfusion increases. Also, a lack of iron may contribute to weak blood vessels which could lead to postpartum hemorrhage - a loss of blood in excess of 17 ounces.
If you are planning to have a vaginal birth, watch a video and explore other birth options, including cesarean section so you'll be prepared in the event of a complication.
Tips for Dad
Your bag should include comfortable clothes, snacks, camera and film, telephone numbers of all the people you want to notify from the hospital, phone credit card and lots of change for the pay phone. Most important - Don't forget to buy the infant car seat for the baby!
Leg cramps will be affecting your partner. Try helping her stretch her calves by gently pivoting her foot and toes upward toward the front of her shin. This will lengthen the calf muscles.
Complications to Watch For
Most pregnancies occur without any complications or problems. But there are times when your physician should be contacted immediately. The following list contains symptoms to be aware of during pregnancy.
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe swelling of the fingers and face
- Severe abdominal pain
- Loss of fluid from the vagina, usually a gush of fluid, but sometimes a trickle or continual wetness
- A big change in the baby's movements or a lack of movement
- High fever (more than 101.6F;38.7C) or chills
- Severe vomiting or an inability to keep food or liquid down
- Blurring of vision
- Painful urination
- A headache that won't go away or a severe headache
- An injury or accident, such as a fall or automobile accident, that causes you concern about the well-being of your pregnancy
7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138
Phone: (901) 682-9222; Fax: (901) 682-9505