You may feel contractions more strongly this month and your breasts may leak colostrum, a yellowish fluid that precedes milk production. There may be an increase in constipation. Backaches may be more bothersome as the growing baby puts more stress on your body. Leg cramps, swelling of the ankles and feet, lower abdominal achiness, hemorrhoids and varicose veins continue. You may exhibit signs of clumsiness, since your center of gravity as changed. Your uterus now takes up a large part of your abdomen, and is now around 4 inches above your navel.

Rapid brain growth continues. At this stage, the baby’s eyes are almost always blue and can distinguish bright sunlight and artificial light through the uterine wall. The baby can hear distinct sounds now, like familiar voices and music. It is practicing opening its eyes. By the end of the month, your baby’s movements will peak. The baby is too big to move around now, but can still kick strongly and roll around. The baby is now around 18 inches long and weighs about 5 pounds.

Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the uterus and fetal growth will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of the baby. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing. Fetal heart monitoring is performed. By your 32nd week, you’ll probably visit the doctor every 2 weeks. A Group B streptococcus swab is usually performed between the 32nd and 36th week. This test involves a culture of the cervix to check for the presence of strept B infection. If the infection is present, the mother is treated with antibiotics. An ultrasound may be performed.  

Make sure you’ve collected all of the necessary baby items—clothes, car seat, furniture and other things you may need. Talk with your doctor about the delivery. You’ll learn the signs to predict labor and how far apart contractions should be before heading to the hospital.

 
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