Pregnancy Week 32: What to Expect This Week

You’ve made it to Pregnancy Week 32, and your baby—and bump—are really starting to take up space. Turning over in bed now requires planning, momentum, and possibly a small pep talk. As you approach Pregnancy Week 33, you’re in the home stretch, but there’s still a bit of road (and rib-kicking) to go.

Let’s take a look at what’s happening this week.

Baby at Pregnancy Week 32

At Pregnancy Week 32, your baby is about 42cm long and weighs around 1.7kg. They’re now in serious growth mode, gaining around 200g a week from here on out.

Inside your womb:

Baby’s skin is becoming less see-through and more pink and plump
Toenails and fingernails are fully formed
They’re practising breathing, swallowing, and sucking
Their position might be shifting—most babies are head-down by now, but don’t panic if not

They can also now sense light and dark and may even be starting to recognise voices—including yours (yes, baby already knows who’s boss).

Your Symptoms at Pregnancy Week 32

At Pregnancy Week 32, everything is… just a lot. The excitement is building, but so is the discomfort. Common symptoms this week include:

Backache or hip pain (especially at night)
Heartburn or indigestion
Shortness of breath (thanks, squashed lungs)
Leaky boobs – your body is prepping for feeding
Braxton Hicks contractions – totally normal, as long as they’re irregular
Swelling in feet and ankles, especially at the end of the day

Midwife tip: If your feet are swelling, try elevating them when you can and staying well hydrated. It’s not glamorous—but it helps.

What to Do at Pregnancy Week 32

Now’s the time to focus on getting prepped—mentally, emotionally, and practically.

Book into any antenatal classes you haven’t yet started
Begin collecting colostrum from 36 weeks, so order your kit now
Finalise your birth preferences (and discuss them with your support team)
Start gentle perineal massage from around Week 34—oil at the ready!
Think through postnatal support—who’s on hand, what will help, and what to ignore on Instagram

Shop colostrum kits and massage oils

The Honest Midwife Thoughts

Pregnancy Week 32 can feel like a weird in-between. You’re visibly pregnant, heavily into the third trimester, but not quite close enough to start the final countdown. That’s why this is a brilliant time to focus on learning and prep.

Whether you’re feeling calm, nervous, or completely unprepared, that’s all normal. The more you understand what’s coming, the more in control you’ll feel when labour begins—no matter how it unfolds.

Feeling Ready? Join Us for a Class

At Week 32, it’s a great time to dive into:

Natural Labour & Birth – our free session to help you understand how birth works and what to expect
Hypnobirthing Course – practical tools to reduce fear and increase calm (no whale music required)
Instrumental & Instrumental Birth Workshop – know your options and your rights
Infant Feeding Workshop – get ahead with feeding knowledge and bust the myths

See all upcoming live classes