The change of pregnant women at 32 weeks

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

32 weeks pregnant women begin to appear physiological contractions with more frequency and heavier. The growing fetus causes many discomforts for pregnant women at 32 weeks, such as loss of appetite, constipation, skin irritation.

32 weeks pregnant women should have regular antenatal check-ups twice a week before the last month of pregnancy. Typical symptoms of pregnancy during this period are back pain and leg cramps. In addition, in some cases, there is oozing of colostrum from the breasts (in the form of a light yellow, slightly sticky liquid).
Baby 32 weeks old weighs about 1.8 kg and is the size of a cantaloupe. At this time, there is not much space left in the mother's womb, but it is still enough for the baby to move and move freely, but not as strong as the previous weeks. 32 weeks pregnant, the baby kicks a lot, showing that the baby in the womb is in the final stage, preparing to be born.

2.1. The appearance of Braxton Hicks contractions When pregnant to 32 weeks, the mother's body begins to change to prepare for the due date, one of these signs of change is Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions. false labor contractions. Braxton Hicks contractions are considered the warm-up before labor actually takes place. Accordingly, pregnant women feel the uterus as if it has been tightened or abnormally stiff since the middle of pregnancy. As time goes on, uterine contractions tend to increase in both frequency and intensity of pain. This manifestation usually appears earlier and with greater intensity in women who have been pregnant before.

When Braxton Hicks contractions appear, a pregnant woman feels a tightening sensation that begins at the top of the uterus, then spreads downward, lasting 15 to 30 seconds (sometimes up to two minutes).
So how to distinguish false labor from real labor?
If it is a physiological contraction, the uterine contractions will stop if the mother changes position. So, as soon as you notice the appearance of uterine contractions, if you are lying down or sitting, you should try to get up (and vice versa), to see if the contractions subside. In the case of real labor contractions, the symptoms of uterine contractions will become stronger and more regular and may not improve even if the mother changes positions. In this situation, the pregnant woman should be hospitalized as soon as possible.
2.2. Uterus grows bigger The 32nd week pregnant woman's uterus has grown quite large, surpassing the stomach. Therefore, when the fetus struggles in the womb, it can accidentally kick the surrounding organs and cause a lot of discomfort for the mother. Fetal enlargement is likely to lead to symptoms such as urine leakage, heartburn, nausea and shortness of breath that are relatively more severe than in the previous weeks. This also makes pregnant women 32 weeks lose their appetite, sometimes unable to eat, easily become weak, even faint.

3.1. Anorexia Symptoms of loss of appetite as well as food cravings are the result of changes in the hormone hCG during pregnancy. The amount of this hormone doubles after a few days, continuously throughout the first 3 months of pregnancy, then gradually decreases. However, the effects of hCG will continue to affect a woman's appetite throughout her pregnancy.
3.2. Constipation The growth of the uterus affects the functioning of the intestines and excretory system, causing this organ to slow down and motility to become irregular, resulting in constipation. To overcome, pregnant women at 32 weeks should exercise regularly (suitable exercises such as walking, prenatal yoga) and drink enough water every day.
3.3. Leg cramps Cramps are a common symptom in pregnant women at 32 weeks. This symptom is more common at night, significantly affecting sleep quality. The cause of cramps in pregnant women can be due to a lack of calcium and magnesium in the daily diet.
3.4. Dizziness, fainting During pregnancy, part of the mother's blood volume is transferred to the fetus, leading to a condition in which the mother has low blood pressure and insufficient blood flow to the brain. Consequences cause dizziness, lightheadedness, even fainting.
3.5. Hemorrhoids The pressure caused by the growing uterus increases quite a bit during the 32nd week of pregnancy. Moreover, the blood flow to the pelvic area increases, causing the veins in the rectal wall to swell, swell and cause itching, even causing hemorrhoids, especially for women who have been constipated for a long time.
3.6. Leaked milk Pregnant women at 32 weeks are at risk of experiencing colostrum leakage when the breasts grow larger and larger towards the end of pregnancy. Colostrum is pale yellow, is a precursor of breast milk, contains many proteins and antibodies necessary for the development of the fetus. If the flow of milk causes a lot of problems, you should consider using a milk absorbent pad.
3.7. Itchy skin Itching and skin irritation is a common problem for women 32 weeks pregnant. As the fetus in the abdomen grows larger, the pregnant woman's abdominal skin becomes more and more stretched. This causes the abdominal skin to lack moisture, becomes dry and easily leads to itching and discomfort. On the other hand, a pregnant woman's buttocks can also be itchy if this organ also increases in size with the abdomen.

4.1. Limiting stress: Pregnant women's belly grows large, which can leave stretch marks after birth. Sometimes this makes many mothers feel anxious and stressed. Besides, when pregnant to 32 weeks, pregnant women may feel afraid when they are about to give birth.
Stress negatively affects the health of the mother and the fetus. Therefore, relatives should support the mother to reduce the stress that may occur on a daily basis.
4.2. Learn the signs of early labor Pregnant women 32 weeks pregnant may experience symptoms that signal early labor. As such, pregnant women should be fully equipped with the necessary knowledge about early labor and the signs that require hospitalization, such as broken water, severe cramps, vaginal bleeding, severe diarrhea, and uterine contractions. unusual supply.
4.3. Eat well Pregnant women at 32 weeks may not feel hungry because the uterus grows large, causing pressure on the stomach, causing loss of appetite. Therefore, in the 32nd week of pregnancy, pregnant women should actively eat enough, can add snacks, instead of just main meals.
4.4. Drink enough water 32 weeks old fetus has grown quite large. The mother at this time not only eats and drinks for two, but is also responsible for the excretion problem of the fetus. Increasing water intake helps to increase circulatory volume, improve blood circulation, limit constipation, dissolve and eliminate waste products through the excretory system.
4.5. Moisturizes Skin Dry skin makes many women 32 weeks pregnant feel uncomfortable. Therefore, pregnant women in this week of pregnancy should focus on moisturizing regularly:
Use moisturizers that do not contain dyes or fragrances (to avoid skin irritation); Wear loose, light clothing (so skin can breathe); Use a mild cleanser that does not contain irritants. 4.6. Strengthens Pelvic Health The pelvis is very important for a smooth pregnancy and delivery. Pelvic tilt exercises help strengthen abdominal muscles, ease back pain during pregnancy, and aid in easier labor and delivery.
For peace of mind with pregnancy health, 32 weeks pregnant women can register to participate in the Maternity Care Program implemented by Vinmec International General Hospital with the aim of supporting and standing side by side with pregnant mothers until day "mother round and square child". The program includes the following service packages:
Maternity care program 2019 – 12 weeks Maternity care program 2019 – 27 weeks Maternity care program 2019 – 36 weeks Maternity care program 2019 – Labor Genetic screening service before embryo transfer The medical team at Vinmec are all experts with leading prestige in the field of obstetrics and gynecology; system of modern facilities to optimally support examination and screening techniques; A civilized, luxurious medical examination space and professional services - all these advantages have helped Vinmec become a hospital highly appreciated by experts for maternity care, the first choice of women. pregnant.

Consult professional information at: webmd.com