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🌳Third Trimester•Weeks 28-40
Week 32 of Pregnancy
Your baby is the size of jicama
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Length
16.7 inches
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Weight
3.8 pounds
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Size Comparison
Jicama
👶 Baby Development
- •Baby practices breathing movements regularly to strengthen respiratory muscles
- •Digestive system is nearly complete and ready to process breast milk or formula
- •Hair and nails continue growing rapidly
- •Soft downy lanugo hair is shedding in preparation for birth
- •Baby gains approximately 1/2 pound per week from now until delivery
- •Bones are hardening but skull remains soft for birth passage
- •Baby is developing sleeping patterns with REM and non-REM sleep cycles
💭 Common Symptoms
- •Frequent urination as baby presses heavily on bladder
- •Increased breast leakage of colostrum (pre-milk)
- •Possible carpal tunnel syndrome from fluid retention
- •Vivid, intense dreams related to pregnancy and parenting
- •Significant fatigue from carrying extra weight
- •Possible pubic bone pain (SPD)
- •Shortness of breath continues
🥗 Nutrition Tips
- •Eat 5-6 small, frequent meals throughout the day
- •Include healthy fats like avocado, nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish for brain development
- •Stay hydrated with water, limiting other beverages
- •Avoid lying down for 2-3 hours after eating to prevent heartburn
- •Eat protein-rich foods to maintain your energy
- •Include foods rich in B vitamins for energy
- •Focus on nutrient-dense foods as appetite may decrease
✅ To-Do This Week
- •Start weekly prenatal appointments (appointments increase in frequency now)
- •Review and pack hospital bag checklist completely
- •Prepare and freeze easy postpartum meals and snacks
- •Finalize your pediatrician choice and ensure they're accepting new patients
- •Install and have car seat inspected by certified technician
- •Discuss your birth plan in detail with your provider
- •Start doing daily perineal massage if planning vaginal delivery
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Did You Know?
Your baby is practicing all the skills they'll need for life outside the womb including breathing, sucking, swallowing, and grasping. These rehearsals are essential preparation!