32-Week pregnant: Development and diet

WEEK 32 DEVELOPMENT

Have you found that your digestive system is working more slowly lately? Once again, you can direct a big thank you toward your hormones. Help your bowels to function better and improve your general feeling of wellbeing by eating dried fruit, nuts, whole grains, and other foods rich in fibre. The end is in sight! From now on there may be an antenatal check-up every two weeks. This helps to ensure that everything is exactly as it should be with your little one.

Her bones are nearly 100% finished and her nails are in place in her little fingers. Very soon her skin will lose its redness and become that lovely pink. Her adrenal glands are large for the moment. They secrete steroid-like hormones, including cortisol, (natural cortisone). Cortisol plays an important role - not only to help induce labour when the time comes, but also to help mature organs such as the lungs. After birth, her adrenal glands will decrease dramatically and be proportional to the size of your child.

NUTRITION

Your child’s delicate skin will be put to the test both during and after birth as it will no longer be protected by the amniotic fluid. When you breastfeed your little one, he’ll get all the nutrients he and his skin need from you. Unless you have a current food allergy, there is no need to avoid foods that you think might bring an allergy, such as the common skin condition of eczema, to your child.

TIPS

Thinking about what to pack to bring to the hospital or delivery clinic? Don’t forget to include written notes about breastfeeding. Writing down your breastfeeding intentions will help hospital staff understand you wishes and offer you the support you need.