Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 (Opens in new tab) or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
Pregnancy at week 32
Your baby
Although your baby is by now quite squashed inside your uterus, they should still move in their usual pattern, At any stage of your pregnancy, if you are concerned about your baby's movements, contact your midwife or doctor immediately.
Most babies are in the head-down position by 32 weeks, although some babies stay in the breech position (bottom down) until the last month.
Your baby's weight has almost doubled in the past 4 weeks. From now, your baby's weight will typically grow faster than their length.
Your body
There is now more amniotic fluid in your uterus and your bump is growing fast. This can cause pain in your pelvis, which can make it difficult for you to move around. If you have a lot of pain, talk to your doctor about whether seeing a physiotherapist might help. They can give you exercises and therapy to help ease the pain.
Your belly button might be stretched flat or stick out, and it's a good idea to remove any piercings if you have them, at this point.
Things to remember
If your baby is born now they would be considered premature, but they would be unlikely to have any long-term health differences. Keep a watch out for any signs of premature labour, such as contractions, your waters breaking, bleeding, a 'show' of mucus from your vagina or a sudden decrease or change in your baby's movements.
If you haven't had your whooping cough (pertussis) vaccination yet, it's very important to have it now. Whooping cough can kill newborn babies and they can't have their own vaccination until they're older. Having the vaccination now means you will pass on antibodies to protect your baby. Depending on the season, it's also a good idea to have a flu shot too.
Both vaccinations are free for pregnant women under the National Immunisation Program. You can read more about the whooping cough (Opens in new tab) and flu vaccination (Opens in new tab) on the Department of Health (Opens in new tab) website.
Resources and support
Speak to your doctor, midwife or obstetrician if you have questions about your pregnancy.
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby also has more information on:
- maternity care in Australia
- having a healthy pregnancy
- exploring the anatomy of pregnancy and birth
- checkups, screenings, scans and tests you can have during your pregnancy
- common conditions you might experience during your pregnancy
- looking after your mental health and wellbeing
Find out how we develop and review our content.
Last reviewed: August 2023
Need more information?
These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
Third trimester: pregnancy week by week | Raising Children Network
Pregnant? In our pregnancy week by week guide, you can find out what to expect and follow your baby's development during the third trimester.
The Fourth Trimester | Ausmed
The first 12 weeks postpartum, also known as the fourth trimester, should be seen as a continuum of pregnancy and an important period of recovery and family adjustment.
First trimester: pregnancy week by week | Raising Children Network
Pregnant? In our pregnancy week by week guide, you can find out what to expect and follow your baby's development during the first trimester.
Second trimester: pregnancy week by week | Raising Children Network
Pregnant? In our pregnancy week by week guide, you can find out what to expect and follow your baby's development during the second trimester.
Third and Fourth Degree Perineal Tears Explained | Ausmed
A perineal tear occurs when the perineum - the area between the vagina and anus - is injured during childbirth. Tears are caused by the fetal head stretching the vagina and perineum during delivery.
Pregnancy Acne - Acne During Pregnancy - All About Acne
Not all pregnancies lead to acne but if you have hormonal acne, it is likely to flare during the first trimester of your pregnancy.
Endometriosis | Your Fertility
About one-third of people with endometriosis have difficulties getting pregnant, but treatment options are available. Read more about endometriosis at Your Fertility.
Causes and Management of Bleeding in Early Pregnancy | Ausmed Article
Vaginal bleeding during the first trimester (first 12 weeks of gestation) is a common but often alarming symptom that occurs in up to 25% of pregnancies. Why does this occur and is there a cause for concern?
Minor Disorders of Pregnancy | Ausmed
During pregnancy, the body changes in many ways. The physical and hormonal changes that accompany each trimester can cause not only physical discomfort but also many mental and emotional challenges. Yet, for the most part, these changes are entirely organic and normal.
The Diabetes Eye Health Guide | The Fred Hollows Foundation AU
Diabetic retinopathy affects over one third of all people with diabetes and is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults. Globally the prevalence of diabetes is increasing rapidly, particularly in low and middle income countries, and without effective action, so too will the number of people with diabetic retinopathy.
