As you complete the 32nd week of pregnancy, your body undergoes physical and emotional changes. This week, you will be busier looking for things to pack for the hospital and new things to buy for the little one. Several pregnancy symptoms accompany week 32, which you might have gotten used to. However, some of these symptoms can be annoying and worrying as the intensity increases. Let us discuss how does your body change during week 32 of pregnancy.
How Does Your Body Change During Week 32 of Pregnancy?
During week 32 of pregnancy, your baby may start taking the head-down position. Well, with that, your body is getting ready for labor. Let us look at various symptoms and what to do to ease the intensity of the symptoms.
1. Darker Nipples
One of the most common changes you may notice during pregnancy is that your nipples become darker. This is due to the increased hormones in your body, which stimulate melanin production. Darker nipples help your baby find your breast more quickly when it’s time to breastfeed.
What to do?
While there is no way to prevent this change, you can use nipple creams and pads to protect your nipples from irritation.
2. Itchy Tummy and Skin
As your baby grows, your skin stretches to accommodate the extra weight. This can cause itching and discomfort, especially around the tummy area. You may also develop stretch marks, which are pink, red, or purple lines on your skin.
What to do?
- You can use a moisturizer or an anti-itch cream
- Drink plenty of water and
- Eat a healthy diet to keep your skin hydrated and nourished.
3. Disrupted Sleep
During pregnancy, it is common to experience disrupted sleep. You may have the discomfort caused by the growing baby. Additionally, hormonal changes can lead to insomnia, vivid dreams, and nightmares.
What to do?
Try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs to improve your sleep quality.
4. Shortness of Breath
As your baby grows, it can push against your diaphragm and lungs, making breathing harder.
What to do?
Try to sit straight and take deep breaths to ease shortness of breath. Avoid activities that require a lot of energy, and rest frequently throughout the day.
5. Occasional Headaches
Headaches are common during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters. Hormonal changes, stress, dehydration, or changes in blood pressure can cause them.
What to do?
Try to rest in a quiet, dark room to relieve headaches and use a cold compress on your forehead. You can also try gentle stretching, massage, or relaxation techniques.
6. Swelling
During pregnancy, your body retains more water than usual, leading to swelling in your hands, feet, and legs. This can be especially noticeable during hot weather or after a long day of standing or sitting.
What to do?
To reduce swelling, keep your foot elevated, avoid tight clothing, and drink plenty of water. You can also try gentle exercises like walking or swimming to improve circulation.
7. Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are a common pregnancy symptom, especially during the third trimester. The swollen veins in the rectal area can cause discomfort, itching, and bleeding.
What to do?
Eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water to prevent hemorrhoids. You can also use a stool softener or laxative under your doctor’s guidance.
8. Frequent Urination
During pregnancy, your uterus puts pressure on your bladder, causing you to urinate more frequently. This can be especially noticeable during the third trimester when your baby is larger.
What to do?
To manage frequent urination, try to empty your bladder frequently. You may also want to avoid drinking fluids right before bedtime to minimize the times you need to get up in the middle of the night.
9. Clumsiness
You may feel a bit more clumsy than usual. This can lead to accidental bumps and bruises, so it’s important to be careful and take things slowly.
What to do?
It is advisable to take the help of people around you to avoid any undesirable events.
10. Vaginal Discharge
During pregnancy, it’s normal to experience an increase in vaginal discharge. This is due to the increased production of estrogen, which can cause the glands in your cervix to produce more mucus.
What to do?
The discharge is usually thin and white and has no strong odor. However, if you notice a change in the color or consistency of your discharge or a strong odor, it may be a sign of infection, and you should talk to your healthcare provider.
11. Leaky Breasts
You may notice that your breasts are leaking a small amount of colostrum, the first milk your baby will receive. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
What to do?
You may want to wear nursing pads in your bra to help absorb any leakage.
12. Leg Cramps
Leg cramps are a common pregnancy symptom, particularly during the third trimester. They can be very painful and usually occur at night. To help prevent leg cramps, try to stay hydrated and stretch your legs before going to bed.
What to do?
Stretch your legs gently or massage the affected area.
13. Dizziness
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy is also common during pregnancy, particularly in the later stages. This is due to hormonal changes, low blood sugar, and low blood pressure.
What to do?
To help prevent dizziness, try to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day and stay hydrated. If you feel dizzy, sit down or lie until the feeling passes.
14. Pregnancy Brain
Many women report feeling forgetful or absent-minded during pregnancy, often jokingly called “pregnancy brain.” This may be due to hormonal changes, lack of sleep, or simply the stress of preparing for a new baby.
What to do?
To help manage this symptom, try to make lists and use reminders, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you forget something.
15. Gas/Bloating
As your digestive system slows during pregnancy, you may experience more gas and bloating.
What to do?
To help manage this symptom, try to eat in small portions, frequent meals throughout the day and avoid foods known to cause gas, such as beans and cabbage. You may also want to avoid chewing gum or drinking carbonated beverages, which can lead to swallowing air and making gas worse.
As you approach the end of your pregnancy journey, it’s important to take care of yourself and be aware of the common symptoms during this time. From darker nipples to frequent urination to leaky breasts, these symptoms can be uncomfortable but are usually nothing to worry about. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or notice any changes in your symptoms. And remember, soon you will be holding your new baby in your arms, and all of these symptoms will be worth it.
Happy Pregnancy!
Read Also: How Does Your Body Change During Week 33 of Pregnancy?
