Written by

Gina Conley, MS

March 13, 2025

Week 32: What to Expect During Your Pregnancy

Motherhood, Pregnancy

Welcome to Week 32 of your pregnancy journey! We’re in the final stretch of pregnancy with just about two months left until your baby’s arrival! As you approach the final stretch, you may be experiencing a mix of excitement, anticipation, and a few discomforts. Here, we’ll cover what to expect for both you and your baby during this week, along with some personal insights from my own experience as I navigate my fourth pregnancy.

What's Happening with Your Baby

At 32 weeks, your baby is approximately the size of a bunch of celery, or a Care Bear stuffed animal. Here’s a glimpse into your baby’s development:

Organ Development: By week 32, all major organs are fully developed. The lungs, however, continue to mature. Your baby is busy practicing breathing and swallowing to prepare for life outside the womb, a crucial practice session for that very first independent breath.
Kick Counts: Keeping track of your baby’s movements—whether on paper or with a dedicated app—helps you monitor their well-being as they develop these important reflexes. Count the Kicks is an excellent resource for keeping track of baby’s intuitive movement patterns and helping take the guesswork out of tracking baby’s movements.

Changes You Might Experience

As your baby grows, your body continues to adjust. Here are some common experiences during Week 32:

Managing Discomfort and Body Changes: As your body adjusts, you may notice discomfort in areas such as the right SI joint. This is common as your body shifts to accommodate your growing baby. Simple adjustments like extra rest, supportive pillows, or modified movements can go a long way in easing this discomfort. Check out this pelvic stability workout, focusing on the back of the pelvis and targeting the SI joint area.
Sleep Patterns & Vivid Dreams: It’s not unusual for sleep to become more challenging. Many expectant parents experience vivid, sometimes wild dreams and irregular sleep patterns. Some find it helpful to jot down these dreams to better understand and reflect on their sleep patterns, even if it means waking up feeling a bit more fatigued. If you are experiencing anxiety and sleep disturbances, check out this anxiety relief practice featuring three exercises aimed at resetting the nervous system to promote relaxation and restful sleep

Preparing for Baby

As you inch closer to your due date, it’s a great time to start preparing for your baby’s arrival:

Parenting Classes: Now is an excellent time to sign up for newborn care classes or infant CPR courses. These can provide valuable skills and confidence for when your baby arrives.
Baby Shower and Registry: Many expectant parents plan their baby showers around this time. If you haven’t yet, creating a baby registry can help friends and family know what you need. This is a great way to connect you to friends and family who want to support you and your new arrival. I’ve been thinking a lot about what Baby #4 will actually need and you can read more about what I’m preparing in this blog.
The Nesting Instinct: Many expectant parents experience a strong urge to prepare their environment. This instinct drives you to clean, organize, and create a safe space for your baby. Nesting is not just about physical tasks; it’s also a way to mentally transition into your new role as a parent.
Decluttering, Cleaning, & Preparing for Baby: Deep cleaning and decluttering become top priorities. You might find yourself reordering closets, cabinets, and even every room where your baby will soon spend time. For me, this means sorting through baby supplies and ensuring that every essential—from clothes to receiving blankets—is easy to find and ready for use. Beyond cleaning, this phase is perfect for decorating and setting up the nursery. Think about furniture placement, storage for baby items, and making the space warm and welcoming.

Instructors

ROXANNE

Postpartum And Newborn Care

This course breaks down what to expect postpartum from the moment your baby is born to the first few weeks postpartum! Learn what options you have available to you in your care!

My Personal Experience in Week 32

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A post shared by Gina, MS, & Roxanne, RN, BSN (@mamastefit)

Navigating the 32nd week of pregnancy while already being a mother to three has been a unique journey filled with its own set of challenges and joys. Here are some more personal insights:

Self-Care: I’ve been visiting a Webster Certified Chiropractor to help balance my pelvis and support uterine positioning—an approach that eases discomfort and prepares me physically for labor. In addition, sessions with a cranial sacral therapist have provided a gentle massage that resets my nervous system, offering much-needed relief.
Customizing My Workouts: My MamasteFit strength program is designed to sync with each week of pregnancy, offering modifications to keep the workouts safe and effective. For instance, I’ve transitioned from standard back squats to box squats and adjusted deadlifts to an elevated version. These modifications ensure that I maintain strength without compromising comfort. You can check out one of my third trimester workouts in this video.
Birth Preparation Exercises: As part of my routine, I incorporate exercises that enhance hip mobility and release tension in the pelvic floor—both crucial for a smoother labor process. These exercises also target specific areas like the SI joint, aiming to minimize discomfort and build endurance for labor. You can check out this birth prep mobility flow designed for late pregnancy and early labor.
Home Birth Readiness: As I approach the final weeks, my home birth kit has arrived, and I’m beginning to nest. This involves organizing the house, setting up the baby’s space, and mentally preparing for the upcoming birth. It’s an exciting time as we get everything ready to welcome our new family member.

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A post shared by Gina, MS, & Roxanne, RN, BSN (@mamastefit)

Additional Tips & Resources

Vaccinations and Immunizations

RSV Vaccine: Around week 32, your healthcare provider might discuss the option of the RSV vaccine. This immunization helps build antibodies that can protect your baby for up to six months after birth.
Building Immunity: Similar to the TDAP vaccine, the RSV vaccine is an important step in preparing your baby’s immune system for the world outside.

Recognizing Signs of Labor

Early Labor Indicators: It’s essential to be aware of signs such as regular, painful contractions, heavy bleeding beyond spotting, or the sudden loss of fluid (indicating a ruptured bag of water).
When to Act: If you experience any of these signs, contact your healthcare provider immediately to ensure everything is progressing safely.

Educational Resources and Birth Preparation

Childbirth Education Courses: Exploring online childbirth education can demystify labor. These courses break down the science of birth and offer practical tips for both you and your partner.
Supplementary Programs: In addition to fitness programs, MamasteFit also offers standalone birth prep workouts you can add to your existing workout routine, as well as comprehensive pre/postnatal education to support your journey.

Conclusion

Every pregnancy is unique, and Week 32 can bring its own set of experiences and challenges. It’s essential to listen to your body, take care of your mental and physical health, and prepare for the exciting changes ahead.

If you’re looking for more support during your pregnancy, consider exploring our online prenatal fitness programs and childbirth education courses. You can bundle these for additional savings!