Week 32: Your Baby Weighs About 1.7kg
Breathlessness is common as your uterus is high up under your ribcage. You may feel like you can never take a deep enough breath. Braxton Hicks contractions may be more frequent and stronger. Your nipples may have darkened significantly.
Your baby at week 32
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Size of a Large jicama
Baby Development
The baby's toenails and fingernails are now fully formed. The skin is becoming smoother and less wrinkled as fat accumulates. The baby is practising breathing, swallowing, sucking, and kicking. Most babies have settled into a head-down position by now, though some may still turn. The lungs are one of the last organs to fully mature.
Week 32 Highlight: Your baby's fingernails and toenails are now fully grown - some babies are even born needing a nail trim!
Common Symptoms
Tips for Week 32
If your baby hasn't turned head-down yet, ask about techniques to encourage turning.
Sleep slightly propped up to ease heartburn and breathlessness.
Prepare a list of important phone numbers for labour day.
Discuss your maternity leave handover plan with your employer.
South Africa Specific Info
In the public sector, your antenatal visits are now every two weeks or more frequently if there are complications. Your healthcare provider will check the baby's position (presentation) at each visit. If the baby is breech, discuss options with your doctor. Some SA hospitals offer external cephalic version (ECV) to turn breech babies.
All Pregnancy Weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Due Date Calculator SA Editorial Team
Our content is reviewed by healthcare professionals familiar with South African maternal health practices. We combine evidence-based medical information with local knowledge to support South African mums throughout their pregnancy journey. Our team includes contributors with backgrounds in midwifery, obstetrics, and maternal health education.
Last reviewed: February 2026