32 Weeks Pregnant
You are well into your third trimester of pregnancy any may be feeling it. In about two months, you’ll finally hold your baby in your arms. If you have not yet shopped for baby supplies, such as a car seat, now is a good time. Another thing you might want to consider is taking an infant CPR class. Taking a CPR class, may help you feel a little bit more confident in the rare event of a life-threatening emergency.
What’s happening with your body?
Your little one is pushing up on your lungs, and you might notice you get short of breath pretty quick these days. Breathlessness is very common in the third trimester. Your uterus is compressing your lungs, which makes it hard for your lungs to fully expand.
Although you might be panting after walking up a flight of stairs, your baby is not affected and still continues to get plenty of oxygen through the placenta. Mild breathlessness with exertion is usually considered normal. But if shortness of breath comes on suddenly and is severe or you feel chest pain, that’s not normal, and you should seek immediate medical help.
You might also notice the way your carrying is changing. Some women carry high or low. You might also carry compact or wide, but it can shift as your pregnancy progresses. There is an old wives tale that you carry a certain way based on the gender of your baby. But the reality is the way you carry is most likely due to how much weight you gained and the size and position of your baby.
What happening with your baby?
Your baby is about four pounds and will continue to gain a couple more pounds before making his anticipated arrival. His organs and parts are just continuing to become more efficient. He is practicing activities, such as scratching, hiccupping, sucking his thumb and stretching.
Although he is doing his best to move around, your baby does not have a lot of room since he takes up most of the space in your uterus.
Because your baby is a bit more cramped, his movements may feel a little different, but you’ll certainly still notice them. In fact, you may notice a distinct pattern. For example, your baby may move a lot during the evening and a bit less during the day. The pattern may be because your baby is starting to get into a routine and have regular periods of wakefulness and sleep.
Some doctors recommend you do a kick count every day to monitor your baby’s health. It’s best to monitor movements at the same time each day. Lie on your side or sit up and count how long it takes for your baby to kick or move ten times. If you notice a significant change, call your doctor just to be on the safe side.
Your doctor may also measure your belly with a measuring tape to estimate your baby’s size. But an ultrasound is a more accurate way of determining how big your baby will be.
Things to keep in mind
Although when the time comes to have your baby, you can just show up at the hospital, but it may be better to plan ahead. Planning ahead may help things go smoother, faster and be less stressful. Once you go into labor, you’ll have other things on your mind besides filling out forms.
Most hospitals and birthing centers offer pre-registration. Your doctor or midwife is affiliated with certain hospitals. Before choosing the hospital you want to have your baby at, make sure you ask your doctor where she has privileges.
Once you decide where to deliver, call the hospital and ask about their pre-registration process. Although it can vary, the hospital may send you information to complete and return via email or regular mail. A week or so after you send in your information, call the hospital to confirm you are good to go.
You might also want to consider taking a trip to the hospital to map out your route. Make sure you have an alternative route to take in case of road construction or accidents slowing traffic. Time how long it takes you to make the trip.
Most hospitals also offer a tour of their birthing rooms and postpartum unit, along with the nursery. It’s helpful to tour the facility so you’ll know what to expect.
Pingback: PTE Academic Exam Question - SWT 43