32 Week Pregnant | What to Expect at 32 Weeks Pregnant | Back Pain in Pregnancy

Summary

In this video, Diana, a physician assistant specializing in women's health, discusses what to expect at 32 weeks of pregnancy. She covers the baby's development, including their size, breathing practice, and head-down position. Diana also offers tips on managing common discomforts such as back pain and sleep challenges. She emphasizes the importance of good posture, physical activity, and proper footwear. Additionally, she encourages pregnant viewers to support each other through the comment section. The video provides helpful advice and reassures viewers about the final weeks of pregnancy.

Takeaways

• 👶 At 32 weeks, the baby weighs around 3.5 to 4 pounds and is about 18 inches long.
• 🌟 Babies born at 32 weeks typically do very well, especially with access to a neonatal ICU.
• 🤰 By 32 weeks, many babies have moved into the head-down (vertex) position, readying for birth.
• 💨 The baby is practicing breathing amniotic fluid to help develop their lungs, preparing for life after birth.
• 🛌 Pregnancy at 32 weeks often brings discomfort, difficulty sleeping, and increased tiredness.
• 🌙 Back pain is common due to the growing belly shifting the body's center of gravity forward.
• 👟 Wearing supportive shoes and avoiding high heels can help alleviate pregnancy-related back pain.
• 🛏 Using a pregnancy pillow and sleeping on the side can reduce discomfort during sleep.
• 💪 Staying active with light exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga helps strengthen the core and reduce aches.
• 🩺 Severe or unusual back pain could indicate other issues like kidney stones or contractions, so consult a doctor if needed.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video discusses what to expect when you are 32 weeks pregnant, including the baby's development, how the mother might be feeling, and tips for managing common problems like back pain.

Who is the presenter of the video and what is her professional background?

The presenter of the video is Diana, a physician assistant who specializes in women's health and gynecology.

How much does the baby typically weigh at 32 weeks, and how long is it?

At 32 weeks, the baby typically weighs about three and a half to four pounds and is about 18 inches long.

What is the likelihood of a baby born at 32 weeks surviving and developing normally?

A baby born at 32 weeks has a high likelihood of surviving and developing normally, especially if the hospital has an NICU. Statistically, by the age of five, there is usually no noticeable difference between children born at full term and those born at 32 weeks.

What position is the baby usually in by 32 weeks, and what should parents do if the baby is still in the breech position?

By 32 weeks, the baby is often in the head-down (vertex) position. If the baby is still in the breech position, parents should not worry too much as most babies (about 95%) will turn to the head-down position by the time of delivery.

What is the role of amniotic fluid in the baby's development?

Amniotic fluid allows the baby to move around in the uterus, which helps strengthen their bones and muscles, aids in lung development through practice breathing, keeps pressure off the umbilical cord, keeps the baby warm, and acts as a cushion against external bumps.

How do the baby's breathing patterns change around 32 weeks?

Around 32 weeks, the baby's breathing patterns start to change from quick, short, swallowing-like motions to slower and deeper breaths, resembling the breathing they will have after birth.

What are some common discomforts pregnant women experience around 32 weeks, and how can they alleviate them?

Common discomforts include back pain, difficulty sleeping, and frequent urination. Alleviating these discomforts can involve avoiding high heels, using a maternity belt, sleeping with a pillow between the knees, engaging in light physical activity like walking or water exercises, and ensuring good posture.

What should pregnant women consider when dealing with back pain?

Pregnant women should avoid high heels, use a maternity belt, ensure good posture, avoid lifting heavy objects, and engage in physical activities like walking or yoga. They should also use heat or ice packs to alleviate pain and consult their OB if the pain is severe or unusual.

Why is it important for pregnant women to stay hydrated, and what can dehydration cause?

Staying hydrated is important because dehydration can cause the uterus to contract, leading to discomfort or premature labor. Pregnant women should drink plenty of water to prevent these issues.

Outlines

00:00

🤰 Overview of 32 Weeks Pregnancy and Baby Development

This video discusses what to expect during 32 weeks of pregnancy, focusing on the baby's development and maternal changes. The baby now weighs about 3.5 to 4 pounds and measures around 18 inches. If born now, babies have a high survival rate with NICU care. Most babies move into a head-down (vertex) position, and if not, they still have time to do so before delivery. The baby's breathing becomes more regular, practicing with amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid supports movement, lung development, and provides cushioning. By 32 weeks, mothers may start counting down their remaining time, often confused by the overlapping months and weeks. The explanation clarifies how pregnancy weeks align with months. Physical discomfort, especially during sleep, is common due to the growing baby.

05:03

🦶 Dealing with Pregnancy-Related Back Pain

At 32 weeks, many women experience back and leg pain due to the shifting center of gravity and hormones that relax pelvic ligaments. The video offers practical tips to alleviate back pain, such as avoiding high heels, using a maternity belt for support, and sleeping with a pillow between the knees. Physical activity like walking or water exercises is encouraged to strengthen core muscles. Women are advised to be mindful when lifting objects and children, ensuring they use their legs, not their back. Proper posture, rest, and good arch support in shoes are essential. The video also highlights that not all pain is related to pregnancy, cautioning viewers to consult their doctor for any unusual symptoms.

10:05

👶 Supporting Each Other Through Pregnancy

The final section emphasizes the importance of community support among pregnant women. The video highlights how viewers have been offering advice and encouragement to one another in the comments section, which the host finds heartwarming. She encourages viewers to continue supporting each other as they share similar experiences. The video concludes with a fun fact about baby development, noting that by this stage, a baby's fat cells are helping to keep them warm, and their eyes can now track light, responding by dilating or contracting based on light exposure.

Keywords

💡32 weeks pregnant

At 32 weeks, a woman is in the eighth month of pregnancy, and her baby is approximately 3.5 to 4 pounds and 18 inches long. This stage of pregnancy marks a time when the baby is preparing for birth, practicing breathing motions, and may have already moved into the head-down or vertex position. The video emphasizes that while delivery at 32 weeks would result in the baby being in the NICU, the chances of a healthy outcome are high.

💡Baby development

At 32 weeks, the baby is developing important skills such as breathing motions, swallowing amniotic fluid, and processing it through their kidneys. These developments are crucial for their survival after birth. The baby's lungs and other organs continue to mature, and their fat cells are developing to help them maintain body heat. These aspects are highlighted in the video as key parts of the baby’s preparation for life outside the womb.

💡Back pain

Back pain is a common discomfort for women around 32 weeks of pregnancy due to changes in posture and the growing belly shifting the center of gravity. The video explains that the body's natural response to the growing abdomen is to lean back, which exaggerates the lower back's curvature, leading to back aches. Additional causes include hormonal changes that relax ligaments in preparation for birth.

💡NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)

The NICU is a specialized unit in hospitals for babies born prematurely or with medical conditions requiring extra care. The video reassures viewers that babies born at 32 weeks, with access to a NICU, generally do well and that the long-term outcomes are very promising. Babies in the NICU may need to stay for a month or two depending on their health and developmental needs.

💡Braxton Hicks contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions are described as mild, irregular contractions that some women experience later in pregnancy, preparing the body for labor. The video mentions these in the context of discussing back pain and dehydration, explaining that contractions may sometimes be felt in the back rather than the stomach. Viewers are encouraged to monitor their symptoms and stay hydrated.

💡Amniotic fluid

Amniotic fluid surrounds the baby in the uterus and plays a vital role in their development. It allows the baby to move, which strengthens muscles and bones, helps develop the lungs through practice breathing, cushions the baby from external pressure, and regulates temperature. The video explains that the baby swallows and processes this fluid through their kidneys, contributing to its circulation.

💡Vertex position

The vertex position refers to the baby's head-down position in preparation for birth. Around 32 weeks, most babies move into this position to prepare for delivery, and they tend to stay this way until birth. The video reassures mothers not to worry if their baby is still in a breech position, as the majority will turn before delivery.

💡Pregnancy discomfort

By 32 weeks, many women experience increased discomfort due to the physical changes in their bodies. Common discomforts include difficulty sleeping, frequent urination, and fatigue. The video acknowledges that pregnancy becomes less fun and more uncomfortable during this time but encourages women to persevere through the last few weeks, noting that it will be worth it in the end.

💡Maternity belt

A maternity belt is a supportive garment worn around the abdomen to help alleviate the discomfort caused by a growing belly. The video recommends using a maternity belt to reduce pressure on the back and pelvis, distributing the weight more evenly. This can help relieve aches and pains associated with the shift in the body’s center of gravity.

💡Physical activity during pregnancy

The video emphasizes the importance of maintaining a moderate level of physical activity to reduce pregnancy-related aches and pains. Activities such as walking, swimming, stretching, and yoga are suggested to strengthen the core muscles, which in turn support the lower back and relieve discomfort. However, the video also cautions against strenuous exercise, suggesting light activity approved by a healthcare provider.

Highlights

Introduction to what to expect at 32 weeks pregnant, covering baby's development and common symptoms.

Diana, a physician assistant specializing in women's health and gynecology, introduces herself and the channel.

At 32 weeks, the baby weighs around 3.5 to 4 pounds and measures about 18 inches long.

Babies born at 32 weeks generally do well, with a stay in the NICU but good long-term health outcomes.

By 32 weeks, most babies have moved into the head-down, or vertex, position in preparation for birth.

The baby is practicing breathing, although they are still receiving oxygen through the umbilical cord.

Amniotic fluid plays a crucial role in the baby's development, helping with muscle and lung growth, temperature regulation, and cushioning.

The greatest amount of amniotic fluid is present around 34 to 36 weeks, after which it begins to decrease.

Clarification on how pregnancy weeks and months correspond, with a breakdown of the eighth and ninth months of pregnancy.

Many women feel more discomfort at 32 weeks due to difficulty sleeping and increased back pain.

Back pain in pregnancy is often caused by the shift in center of gravity and the relaxation of ligaments, making the lower back ache.

Wearing supportive shoes and using a maternity belt can help alleviate back pain and distribute weight more evenly.

Physical activity like walking, water exercises, and yoga can help maintain core strength and reduce discomfort.

Be mindful of lifting heavy objects, including older children, to prevent strain on the back during pregnancy.

If back pain is severe or unusual, it could be caused by other conditions like kidney stones or infections, so it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.

Transcripts

in this video we are going to talk about

what to expect when you are 32 weeks

pregnant

we're also going to go over your baby's

development how you might be feeling

right now how to help with problems like

back pain and so

much more but first if you're new here

my name is diana

i'm a physician assistant i specialize

in women's health and gynecology

you're watching in the pink and if

you're new here and the pink means in

good health and spirit so if you like

being healthy and happy click subscribe

because you're in the right place

so at 32 weeks your baby is about three

and a half to four pounds and they're

about 18 inches by now

and if your baby were to be born today

assuming that your hospital has an icu

your baby will most likely do very well

they still have to stay in the nicu for

a while maybe a month or two

but they actually do really really well

and in fact statistically

if you were to look at two

five-year-olds you wouldn't be able to

tell the difference between

one who was born a full term versus one

who was born at 32 weeks they actually

do

really quite well at this point so you

can take a deep breath of relief of

course you really don't

want to deliver this early but it's

still nice to know often by now the baby

has moved to the head down position this

is called the vertex position

now if your baby still is head up or

breach don't worry you're stressed out

about it by the time you deliver

most babies about 95 percent of babies

will turn by the time you deliver and

once your baby finds the head down

position

they usually stay that way at this point

what they're doing is they're making the

most of the small space that they have

by

snuggling their head into the bottom

part of your uterus

giving more space for the rest of their

body in order to prepare for

life after birth your baby is practicing

breathing

only now their motions are starting to

change so before

their breaths were really quick short

kind of swallowing breathing motions but

now their breathing is starting to

become slower and deeper

moving closer to what their breasts will

be like when they are born which is

about

40 to 60 breaths per minute of course

they're not breathing

air they don't get oxygen from their

breathing they get that from you

through their umbilical cord instead

they're actually breathing

amniotic food and just not breathing it

they're swallowing it as well

and then the kidneys will process that

amniotic fluid and

excrete it in the urine where it becomes

the amniotic fluid again

so let's talk about why you even have

amniotic fluid first

it gives your baby to move around in the

uterus which helps to strengthen their

bones and their muscles

and like i mentioned earlier it helps

their lungs to develop through the

practice

it also keeps pressure off the umbilical

cord and it keeps them warm and it acts

as a cushion

from bumps from the outside of the tummy

the uterus fills with

more and more amniotic fluid throughout

your pregnancy with the greatest

amount of fluid around 34 to 36 weeks

and then it starts to decrease making

room for your growing baby so at 32

weeks

you are now in the eighth month of your

pregnancy and you only have eight weeks

left to go

and at this point a lot of people start

counting down and then they're like

wait a minute if i am eight months how

come i still have

eight more weeks to go

i mean it gets a little confusing so i'm

gonna break that down for you

so at the beginning of 32 weeks you are

at the beginning

of your eighth month so next week you

will be eight months and one week

and then two weeks and then three weeks

and then when you are

36 weeks you will be starting your ninth

month but to get to full

term you still have to go through your

ninth month

nine months and one week two weeks three

weeks and four weeks

and then that's what gets you to your 40

weeks does that make sense

and many of you are never actually going

to even make it

to 40 weeks and you're going to deliver

before your due date but i hope that

makes sense to help you understand

um where you are in weeks versus where

you are in months

as for you you are really gonna start

feeling

pregnant at this point pregnancy becomes

a little bit less fun and a little bit

more uncomfortable at around 32 weeks

oh don't make me come in there

many women find that they feel a lot

more tired because they're not getting

good

sleep it's hard to sleep when you're

really hot you can't find a comfortable

position

maybe you're a back sleeper like me and

you can't get comfortable on your side

maybe you're getting

up to go pee multiple times in the

middle of the night and i'm not gonna

lie

these last few weeks get a little bit

tougher but you got this

and when all said and done it is so

worth it

so let's talk a little bit about back

pain and there are a lot of different

causes

for back pain and leg pain when you're

pregnant there's lumber strains

there's sciatica there's symphysis pubis

pain

but in general when your tummy gets

bigger it shifts

the center of gravity forward so that

you don't fall

forward your body naturally adjusts

by leaning back that makes the curvature

in your low back

exaggerated it makes it bigger and that

can really leave your back achy and

tired

and on top of that the same hormones

that your body is releasing

to relax the ligaments in your pelvis so

that your baby can

pass through your birth canal during

labor those are the same hormones that

relax

your pelvis that causes pain so here's a

few things that you can do to help first

off

think about what you were wearing on

your feet so avoid high heels because

that just shifts your

center of gravity even more forward

consider

getting a maternity belt and there are

lots of variations of maternity

belt they can strap over your shoulders

they can go around your belly

they can go over your belly they can go

in between your legs

or they can be just as simple as this

one right here

which i wore with all four of my

pregnancies belly bands can help

stabilize your pelvis and they can help

evenly distribute

the weight of your enlarging tummy which

might help reduce

pressure and aches and pains and i will

link to a few of them in the video

description down below

check them out i mean there is some

evidence that they can help you with

pain

when you sleep sleep on your side and at

this point i really recommend that you

put a pillow in between your knees

this offers a lot of support to your

hips and back you could either buy

pregnancy pillows like this

or like this or you can just fold up a

regular pillow and put it between your

knees honestly

whatever is the most comfortable for you

be sure to be engaging in physical

activity

now i'm not talking crazy strenuous

workouts

now is not the time to begin training

for a marathon but

with your obs okay you can do walking

water exercises which i personally love

because the pool takes the weight off

your belly

you can do stretching and yoga all these

things

help to keep your core strong which

helps reduce

aches and pains be sure to be careful

with

lifting things and this includes your

older kids if you have them so for my

last pregnancy

i had a one-year-old that wanted to be

held all the time and it's hard i get it

i did a lot of sitting and then

scooching my toddler up on my lap

just do the best you can just be aware

and avoid

lifting with your back only lift with

your legs and ask for

help if you need it

now if you have to do a lot of standing

make sure to focus on

good posture if you are standing in one

place for a long period of time like for

your job

try getting a low stepping stool so you

can rest one foot on it be sure to rest

frequently

and also make sure that your shoes have

good arch supports if you are dealing

with pain you can use

heat or ice packs on your low back to

help alleviate the pain

now i want to point out there are

other things that can cause pain in this

area

besides just the typical aches and pains

of pregnancy

so you could have kidney stones that

could cause back pain a kidney

infections can too

um gallbladder disease can cause pain

that radiates to the back

bladder infections contractions some

people feel contractions

in your back and not in your tummy so if

you are having severe pain or if it's

just

different than what you've been

experiencing before

be sure to talk to your ob to let them

know what's going on don't just make the

assumption that

all pain is just typical pregnancy pain

okay

be sure to be drinking lots of water

because dehydration can cause your

uterus to contract

and we'll be talking about braxton hicks

and contractions

in the next video week 33 so be sure to

hit subscribe

and also hit the notification bell so

you won't miss when that video comes out

also be sure to be doing your kick

counting and if you don't know what that

is

i talked a lot about that in week 8 28

29

and 30. so again if this is your first

time here

i highly recommend that you go back to

some of my earlier second trimester

videos

go check them out they really have a lot

of good information i can't cover

everything in every single video so i

break it up

and talk about what's important and

what's going on each week but check out

some of those earlier videos and i will

actually put a link

to that playlist right here click on

that and i will see you over there

so one more thing that i wanted to point

out most everybody that's been watching

these week by week pregnancy videos are

pregnant which means all the people that

are commenting down below

are going through the exact same things

that you are and one thing that i wasn't

expecting

that has made me so so so so happy is

that

i'm seeing you guys offering support to

one another when you guys

comment about questions or concerns or

just things that you're going through

you guys are all chiming in

and offering support to each other and i

just

i wasn't expecting that and i cannot

tell you

how amazed i am and so i encourage you

guys to continue to do that

to read the comments of other people

going through exactly what you're going

through right now

support each other talk to each other

because you're all here doing this

amazing amazing thing and you guys

can be there for one another so thank

you thank you from the bottom of my

heart

for your support to each other and uh

keep it up their fat cells are now

helping to keep them warm

something cool that we've learned is

that the baby's eyes

can now track light and one of the ways

that we know this

is that their irises will dilate and

contract depending on how much light

they're seeing