mybabybase

Third trimester

32 weeks pregnant

Baby is about the size of a jicama.

Week 32 of 40 · in your third trimester · Updated

Your baby this week

Baby has fingernails, toenails, and real hair on the head.

  • Baby's fingernails reach the fingertips. Toenails are still growing.
  • Hair on the head is real and growing.
  • Baby's immune system is starting to take over from yours.

Your body this week

Braxton Hicks may be more frequent. They're irregular and stop with movement.

  • Braxton Hicks contractions can become frequent and uncomfortable — but they're irregular and don't get stronger over time.
  • Real contractions are timed, get stronger, and don't go away with rest.
  • Pelvic pressure increases as baby drops lower.

Common symptoms

  • More frequent Braxton Hicks
  • Heartburn
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Pelvic pressure
  • Linea nigra darker

Things to do this week

  • Time contractions if they feel different — 'real' if every 5 min for an hour
  • Pack hospital bag
  • Finalize childcare for older siblings if any

For partners this week

Contraction basics

  • Learn how to time contractions, and when they mean it's time to call.
  • Line up care for older kids or pets for when labour starts.

Typical visits around this week

Based on a typical schedule in Ontario. Your doctor or midwife sets the actual timing.

  • Tdap (whooping cough) vaccine

    Weeks 27–32

    Recommended in every pregnancy, whatever your vaccine history, ideally between 27 and 32 weeks. It helps protect the baby from whooping cough in the first months of life. If it's missed, it can still be given later in pregnancy.

    Questions to ask →
    • Can I get the Tdap vaccine at this visit, or where should I go?
    • I had it in a past pregnancy — do I need it again?
    • Can I get other vaccines at the same time?

  • RSV vaccine (if baby is due in RSV season)

    Weeks 32–36 · if it applies to you

    If your baby is expected during RSV season (roughly fall to spring), a vaccine in pregnancy is one way to protect them; the other is an antibody given to the baby after birth. Ontario offers the pregnancy vaccine free at 32–36 weeks (national guidance says it can be given from 28 weeks). Your provider will help you choose.

    Questions to ask →
    • Is my baby due during RSV season?
    • Should I get the vaccine, or should the baby get the antibody after birth?
    • Where can I get the RSV vaccine?
    • If I get it, does the baby still need anything after birth?

  • Routine check-ups (about every 2 weeks)

    Weeks 28–36

    From about 28 weeks, check-ups usually come every 2 to 3 weeks. Your provider keeps an eye on your blood pressure, the baby's growth and heartbeat, and will talk about feeling the baby move.

    Questions to ask →
    • How should I keep track of the baby's movements?
    • Which symptoms mean I should call right away?
    • When should we register at the hospital or plan our birth place?
    • Are prenatal classes available near us?

Coming up

  • Group B strep swab

    Weeks 35–37

    A quick vaginal and rectal swab, usually between 35 and 37 weeks, to check for group B strep bacteria. If it's positive, you'll be offered IV antibiotics during labour or if your water breaks.

    Questions to ask →
    • Can I do the swab myself?
    • How will I find out the result?
    • If it's positive, what happens when I go into labour?

  • Weekly check-ups

    Weeks 36–40

    From about 36 weeks, visits are usually weekly until birth. Your provider checks the baby's position and your health, and goes over signs of labour and when to come in.

    Questions to ask →
    • Is the baby head-down?
    • When exactly should we call or head to the hospital?
    • What's the plan if my water breaks before contractions start?
    • What happens if I go past my due date?

A flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine are recommended at any stage of pregnancy. The flu shot is given during flu season, so the timing depends on when you're pregnant.

When to call your doctor or midwife

Bleeding, fluid leaking, a bad headache or vision changes, or baby moving less than usual all need a call. See the warning signs and who to call →

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Further reading from health authorities