Pregnancy - week by week: Week 32-33

Pregnancy - week by week: Week 32-33

Week 32:

Your baby's senses are working well by now.  If you could see a picture of your baby now and compare the picture to one when he or she is born you will see many similarities.  If they are going to have hair on their had, some should be there now.  The baby also had eyelashes and eyebrows.  By now your baby might be as big as 3 pounds and 11 ounces and sometimes even at or near four pounds.  Continue to take notice of your baby's movements each day.   

Your doctor may be carefully watching for any signs of pre-eclampsia.  Typically during your prenatal visits your doctor will check your urine for any protein (a sign of pre-eclampsia).  If you see any spots in your vision or flashing lights, you would consult your doctor.  Also contact your physician or midwife if you have a very severe headache. 

During this time you may also notice that you have more Braxton Hicks.  Again, this is a good time to practice some breathing and relaxation techniques in preparation for contractions during labor. 

Week 33: 

The baby is depositing even more fat under their skin.  This is why the coloring of the skin begins to become even pinker.  When checking Amniotic fluid levels, that are at a high right now.  In fact they should be the highest they have been throughout the pregnancy.  The baby further prepares for their birth.  Part of the baby's function of breathing involves surfactant on the alveoli of the lungs.  At this time that will continue to form, preparing the baby for his/her first breaths of air when born. 

At this point, your baby already his billions of neurons in the brain.  They are already trying to learn and absorb what they can about the world around them.  So far, the baby is using their senses for the world they are in right now (the womb).  The baby can take in sounds, see light, and hear his/her mother's voice and the voice of others close by.    In addition, the baby has distinct times that they are sleeping.  In fact, your little one already experiences REM during sleep.  By now your baby should be nearing the four-pound mark. 

With the due date approaching sooner and sooner, you may begin to think more about labor and delivery.  You are sure to have questions and are probably starting to be a little nervous.  Feel free to ask your practitioner about any questions or concerns you may have.  You might be taking or planning to take childbirth classes soon.  Decide what methods you want to use to manage pain during delivery.  For example, will you use breathing and relaxation techniques?  You can also start thinking about whether or not you would want an epidural or any pain medication.  There is no need to make a final decision on any of these things, just start giving them some thought.