Your Baby at 32 Weeks

A Closer Look at Week 32

At 32 weeks, your baby's toenails are fully visible and the fingernails have grown long enough that some babies actually scratch themselves in the womb. The soft, downy layer of hair called lanugo that has covered the skin throughout the pregnancy is now beginning to fall off. Some of this hair is swallowed by the baby and becomes part of the meconium — the dark, sticky substance that will form their first bowel movement after birth.

Breathing practice continues in earnest, with your baby's lungs becoming increasingly mature. The cells lining the lungs are beginning to produce surfactant, a crucial substance that prevents the air sacs (alveoli) from collapsing when the baby exhales. Surfactant production is one of the final and most important stages of lung development, and babies born before sufficient surfactant has been produced may require respiratory support.

Rib pain and discomfort under the ribcage are very common at 32 weeks, caused by your baby kicking and pushing against the lower ribs as they run out of room inside the uterus. The pain can be sharp and sudden, or a persistent, dull ache. Changing positions, sitting up straight, and gentle side stretches can help relieve pressure. Some women find relief by wearing loose, comfortable clothing that doesn't constrict the ribcage.

This is an important time to start actively counting and tracking your baby's kicks. Healthcare providers generally recommend performing a 'kick count' once daily — lie on your side after a meal and note how long it takes to feel 10 distinct movements. Most babies will reach 10 movements within two hours. If you notice a significant decrease in movement, contact your midwife or doctor for assessment. Reduced movement can sometimes indicate that the baby is not getting enough oxygen or nutrients.