32-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby is still developing as you head into the final lap, but it’s mostly perfecting and polishing from here on out. He or she is getting ready to meet you! Read on to learn what happens in week 32 of pregnancy.
Baby development
Their bones are nearly 100% finished and their nails are in place in their little fingers. Very soon their skin will lose its redness and become that lovely newborn baby pink. Their adrenal glands are large for the moment. They secrete steroid-like hormones, including cortisol, (natural cortisone). Cortisol plays an important role - not only to help induce labour when the time comes, but also to help mature organs such as the lungs. After birth, their adrenal glands will decrease dramatically and be proportional to the size of your baby.
Your body
Have you found that your digestive system is working more slowly lately? Once again, you can direct a big thank you toward your hormones. Help your bowels to function better and improve your general feeling of wellbeing by eating dried fruit, nuts, whole grains, and other foods rich in fibre. The end is in sight! From now on there may be an antenatal check-up every two weeks. This helps to ensure that everything is exactly as it should be with your little one.
Nutrition
Your baby’s delicate skin will be put to the test both during and after birth as it will no longer be protected by the amniotic fluid. When you breastfeed your baby, they will get all the nutrients they and their skin needs from you. Unless you have a current food allergy, there is no need to avoid foods that you think might bring an allergy, such as the common skin condition of eczema, to your baby.
Tips
Thinking about what to pack to bring to the hospital or delivery clinic? Don’t forget to include written notes about breastfeeding. Writing down your breastfeeding intentions will help hospital staff understand you wishes and offer you the support you need.
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