32 week gestation weight

Fetus size by week: Your baby's weight throughout pregnancy

Find out how big your baby is during each week of their development with our fetal growth chart. From early in pregnancy, babies grow at different rates, so your baby's actual size by week may vary substantially – but look how they grow! At 20 weeks your baby may be just over 10 inches long and weigh less than 12 ounces, but by 32 weeks they'll reach almost 17 inches and top 4 pounds. At 33 weeks they may be over 17 inches and closer to 5 pounds, and by 37 weeks they'll reach 19 inches and about 6.5 pounds.

How do you determine fetus size by week?

There are different methods for estimating how big a fetus is, which is why you'll find different numbers depending on the source.

Experts have formulas they use to come up with the estimated fetal weight (EFW) and height of a fetus, and the formulas aren't always the same. The measurements that are used in equations to estimate weight usually include biparietal (head) diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur (thigh bone) length (FL).

Height is a straightforward measurement, but the method of measuring it changes after the first trimester. For the first 13 weeks, the height measurement is taken from the top of the head to the baby's bottom. After the first 13 weeks, the measurement is taken from the top of the head to the baby's heel – explaining why, on the chart below, your baby appears to grow 3 inches from week 13 to week 14!

Hadlock, the main source we use in our fetal growth chart, provides one of the most commonly used – and most accurate – equations for estimating fetal height and weight. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal and Fetal Medicine (SMFM) use Hadlock's figures to diagnose and manage fetal growth conditions, such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

The numbers on our chart should coincide with the numbers your healthcare provider will be checking against when they measure your baby using ultrasound. (Providers don't measure height after 13 weeks, however, so don't expect to get those numbers at your ultrasound appointments. )

Note that the data used by Hadlock was gathered from middle-class Caucasian women with no history of maternal diseases known to affect fetal growth and no evidence of congenital anomalies. Your provider may make adjustments based on your individual circumstances.

Fetal growth chart

Wondering how big your baby is during each week of pregnancy? The numbers in our chart below can give you a sense of your baby's size. Keep in mind that your baby may be much smaller or larger than these averages. That's okay – after all, healthy babies can weigh less than 5 pounds or more than 9 pounds at birth.

Boy's measurements are different than girl's measurements, even this early. For the numbers on our chart, we've taken an average of boys and girls. And remember, the height measurements up to 13 weeks are head-to-bottom estimates, while the height measurements starting at week 14 are head-to-toe estimates.

Gestational age	Length (US)	Weight (US)	Length (cm)	Mass (g)
	(head to bottom)		(head to bottom)
8 weeks	0. 62 inches	0.71 ounces	1.57 cm	20 grams
9 weeks	0.91 inches	0.95 ounces	2.30 cm	27 grams
10 weeks	1.22 inch	1.23 ounces	3.1 cm	35 grams
11 weeks	1.61 inch	1.59 ounces	4.1 cm	45 grams
12 weeks	2.13 inches	2.05 ounces	5.4 cm	58 grams
13 weeks	2.64 inches	2.58 ounces	6.7 cm	73 grams
	(head to toe)		(head to toe)
14 weeks	5.79 inches	3.28 ounces	14.7cm	93 grams
15 weeks	6.57 inches	4.13 ounces	16.7 cm	117 grams
16 weeks	7. 32 inches	5.15 ounces	18.6 cm	146 grams
17 weeks	8.03 inches	6.38 ounces	20.4 cm	181 grams
18 weeks	8.74 inches	7.87 ounces	22.2 cm	223 grams
19 weeks	9.45 inches	9.63 ounces	24.0 cm	273 grams
20 weeks	10.12 inches	11.68 ounces	25.7 cm	331 grams
21 weeks	10.79 inches	14.07 ounces	27.4 cm	399 grams
22 weeks	11.42 inches	1.05 pounds	29.0 cm	478 grams
23 weeks	12.05 inches	1.25 pounds	30.6 cm	568 grams
24 weeks	12.68 inches	1. 48 pounds	32.2 cm	670 grams
25 weeks	13.27 inches	1.73 pounds	33.7 cm	785 grams
26 weeks	13.82 inches	2.01 pounds	35.1 cm	913 grams
27 weeks	14.41 inches	2.33 pounds	36.6 cm	1055 grams
28 weeks	14.80 inches	2.67 pounds	37.6 cm	1210 grams
29 weeks	15.47 inches	3.04 pounds	39.3 cm	1379 grams
30 weeks	15.95 inches	3.44 pounds	40.5 cm	1559 grams
31 weeks	16.46 inches	3.86 pounds	41.8 cm	1751 grams
32 weeks	16.93 inches	4.30 pounds	43. 0 cm	1953 grams
33 weeks	17.36 inches	4.77 pounds	44.1 cm	2162 grams
34 weeks	17.84 inches	5.24 pounds	45.3 cm	2377 grams
35 weeks	18.23 inches	5.72 pounds	46.3 cm	2595 grams
36 weeks	18.62 inches	6.20 pounds	47.3 cm	2813 grams
37 weeks	19.02 inches	6.68 pounds	48.3 cm	3028 grams
38 weeks	19.41 inches	7.13 pounds	49.3 cm	3236 grams
39 weeks	19.72 inches	7.57 pounds	50.1 cm	3435 grams
40 weeks	20.08 inches	7.98 pounds	51.0 cm	3619 grams
41 weeks	20. 39 inches	8.35 pounds	51.8 cm	3787 grams

Thanks to Dr. Mark Curran, maternal-fetal medicine specialist, for his help preparing this chart.

Fetal weight by week: How it changes

Your baby steadily gains weight over the course of your pregnancy, but it's not always at the same rate. If you're having one baby (not twins or multiples), your baby's rate of growth accelerates until 35 weeks, then decelerates.

Here are some highlights, based on estimations:

Up until 16 weeks, a fetus grows an average of about 19 grams per week, gradually increasing from 7 grams per week at 8 weeks to 15 grams per week at 12 weeks and 29 grams per week at 16 weeks.
By 20 weeks, a fetus is gaining about 59 grams per week (just over 2 ounces).
By 30 weeks, a fetus is gaining about 175 grams each week (more than 6 ounces).
At 35 weeks, a fetus is gaining about 215 grams each week, or about 7.5 ounces. At this point their growth rate peaks.
After 35 weeks, growth slows to about 188 grams per week, or 6.6 ounces. (Twins slow earlier, at around 28 weeks, and then average about 170 grams each week.)
In the last few weeks of pregnancy, the growth rate continues to gradually slow to about 168 grams (a little less than 6 ounces) per week by week 40.

Using a tape measure stretched over your belly, your provider will use a fundal height measurement to check your baby's size at your prenatal visits. Beginning at about 24 weeks, the measurement in centimeters should roughly match the gestational age of your baby. If you're 26 weeks pregnant, for example, your fundal height should be about 26 cm, give or take a centimeter in each direction.

If your provider is concerned that your baby is too small, they'll monitor your baby's size with ultrasound, which is more accurate. Using ultrasound, your practitioner can take various measurements (head circumference and diameter, abdomen circumference, femur length) and use them to estimate your baby's size. They may also use a Doppler ultrasound to look at the blood flow to your placenta.

If your baby's estimated weight is less than the 10th percentile for their gestational age, they may be diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), also called fetal growth restriction (FGR). IUGR can happen at any time during pregnancy. Some babies with IUGR just turn out to be small for their age, but sometimes there's a problem that's preventing the baby from growing properly.

At birth, a baby with IUGR is called "small for gestational age." While most SGA babies who are otherwise healthy grow just fine, some (especially those born prematurely) are at higher risk of problems such as c-section, jaundice, low blood sugar, and even long-term developmental and health problems.

Your baby's size by week

Here are some highlights of your baby's growth during pregnancy:

At 20 weeks, about the midpoint in your pregnancy, your baby is transmitting taste signals to their brain. And you may feel them hiccupping. Your baby's weight at 20 weeks is about 11.68 ounces, and they're about the length of a (10.12-inch) banana.

At 32 weeks, your baby's lungs are developing fast, and your baby's storing minerals like iron for their first 6 months of life. Your baby's weight at 32 weeks is 4.30 pounds, and their length is 16.93 inches, about the size of a jicama.

At 33 weeks, things are getting snug in there! Your baby's skin is becoming less wrinkled as they fill in – your baby's weight at 33 weeks is about 4.77 pounds. At 17.36 inches, your baby is now about the size of a pineapple.

At 37 weeks, your baby's brain and lungs are still maturing, and they're still moving a lot, despite the close quarters. Your baby's weight at 37 weeks is about 6.68 pounds, and they're about the length of a bunch of Swiss chard, 19.02 inches.

Once your baby is born, they'll be weighed and measured, and your provider will continue to monitor their growth. While the average newborn weight is a little over 7 pounds, most newborns lose about 5 to 10 percent of their weight in the first days. No worries – they gain it back by the time they're about 2 weeks old, and by 4 months they usually double their birth weight.

Learn more:

To-do lists for the first, second, and third trimesters
Pregnancy Due Date Calculator
Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator
How to understand pregnancy weeks, months, and trimesters

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Fetal Chart from Baby My Baby

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(crown to rump measurements)

Gestational Age	Length (inches)	Weight (oz/lb)	Length (cm)	Mass (g)
8 weeks	0.63	0.04 oz	1.6	1
9 weeks	.9	0.07 oz	2.3	2
10 weeks	1.22	0.14 oz	3.1	4
11 weeks	1. 61	0.25 oz	4.1	7
12 weeks	2.13	0.49 oz	5.4	14
13 weeks	2.19	0.81 oz	7.4	23
14 weeks	3.42	1.52 oz	8.7	43
15 weeks	3.98	2.47 oz	10.1	70
16 weeks	4.57	3.53 oz	11.6	100
17 weeks	5.12	4.94 oz	13	140
18 weeks	5.59	6.70 oz	14.2	190
19 weeks	6.02	8.47 oz	15.3	240
20 weeks	6.46	10.58 oz	16.4	300
21 weeks	10.51	12.70 oz	26.7	360
22 weeks	10.94	15.17 oz	27.8	430
23 weeks	11. 38	1.10 lb	28.9	501
24 weeks	11.81	1.32 lb	30	600
25 weeks	13.62	1.46 lb	34.6	660
26 weeks	14.02	1.68 lb	35.6	760
27 weeks	14.41	1.93 lb	36.6	875
28 weeks	14.80	2.22 lb	37.6	1005
29 weeks	15.2	2.54 lb	38.6	1153
30 weeks	15.71	2.91 lb	39.9	1319
31 weeks	16.18	3.31 lb	41.1	1502
32 weeks	16.19	3.75 lb	42.4	1702
33 weeks	17.20	4.23 lb	43.7	1918
34 weeks	17.72	4.73 lb	45	2146
35 weeks	18. 19	5.25 lb	46.2	2383
36 weeks	18.66	5.78 lb	47.4	2622
37 weeks	19.13	6.30 lb	48.6	2859
38 weeks	19.61	6.80 lb	49.8	3083
39 weeks	19.96	7.25 lb	50.7	3288
40 weeks	20.16	7.63 lb	51.2	3462
41 weeks	20.35	7.93 lb	51.7	3597
42 weeks	20.28	8.12 lb	51.5	3685
43 weeks	20.20	8.19 lb	51.3	3717

English

32 weeks of pregnancy what happens to the fetus

Contents

Signs that the baby will be born soon are already obvious at the 32nd week of pregnancy. At this time, the child takes the position for childbirth, usually head down, but there are other presentations. Mom and baby have most of the journey before birth behind them. A woman during this period feels how strong the connection she has with the baby.

Development and growth of a child

Almost all systems and organs are formed, the further task of a small organism is to grow stronger and continue to grow. At the 32nd week of pregnancy, the fetus weighs 1600 - 1900 g, and its length reaches about 40 - 45 cm. If the mother is expecting twins, their height will be slightly less - about 35 - 38 cm, and the weight is less than one and a half kg for each fetus.

Interesting! The size of each newborn is individual. Their height and weight depend on several factors: the parameters of the parents, the nutrition and diet of the mother throughout the pregnancy.

At this time, the fetus already becomes a real little man, with proportional body parts and facial features. He even has chubby cheeks. The skin brightens, becomes elastic, the number of folds and wrinkles decreases. There are other changes in the development of the baby:

Since the fatty layer is formed and protects the fetus well, there is no need for vellus hairs, they fall out.
The volume of the brain is 75% of the brain of an adult. But the size of the head still predominates in relation to the whole body. The child's brain continues to develop. And thanks to its parameters, the baby can move to the position of the head to exit the uterus, preparing for birth.
The most active work on the 32nd week of the immune system. It produces antibodies that will serve as a reliable protection for a small person immediately after his birth. nine0018
The bones of the whole body are strengthened, but the bones of the skull are more plastic, as the child has a difficult road through the birth canal.
The kidneys and liver function at full capacity and are able to remove harmful elements from the body.

The child not only hears the sounds and feels the mother's mood, but also analyzes what is happening, expressing his opinion in jerks. It becomes cramped in such a previously cozy space, so the movements become more tangible for mom. Within an hour, the fetus changes its position about 5-6 times. nine0003

Important! If the baby does not turn head down, the doctor will definitely see this on an ultrasound scan and give recommendations. Special exercises that a woman must perform daily will help the child to take the correct position, the most optimal for childbirth.

Feelings and well-being of the mother

The figure of a woman by the 32nd week of pregnancy changes greatly. The protruding belly presses on the diaphragm, so the mother experiences back pain, she often has heartburn and shortness of breath. By this time, a woman can gain about 10 kg, but weight gain depends on BMI. nine0003

Important! Keeping track of weight and controlling kilograms is a must. A woman should gain no more than 500 g per week. Therefore, her diet should include all the foods necessary for the growth of the child and her body, but nothing more.

Many mothers suffer from swelling, fatigue and heavy legs. Varicose veins are also not uncommon during this period. It is necessary to control the drinking regime. Special elastic stockings will help to cope with the problem. During the day, a woman should rest with her feet on a raised platform. nine0003

There is such a thing as “training bouts”. The stomach at this time becomes stony, and the uterus is in good shape. This phenomenon is short-lived, you should not be afraid of it. Thus, the mother's body prepares for future childbirth. But if there are severe prolonged pain, spasms and / or amniotic fluid comes out, you should immediately call an ambulance. This means that the birth process began ahead of time.

Baby's pushes become more active and sensitive. If the mother is calm, then the child does not disturb her much. When a woman is irritable and nervous, the child feels it and reacts to her mood. nine0003

Tests and examinations

Planned ultrasound, the third in a row, falls exactly on the 32nd week of pregnancy. During this period, visits to the doctor should be at least once every 2 weeks. Doctor's examination includes the following actions:

Determining the baby's heartbeat, its weight;
Measurement of blood pressure and body weight of the mother;
Determination of uterine tone;
Measurement of the volume of the abdomen of a woman;

Using ultrasound, the doctor finds out in what position the child is. Using special formulas, he finds out the circumference of the head, abdomen and chest of the baby, the length of the hips. On ultrasound diagnostics, the doctor determines the correct development of the fetus and states the absence of genetic abnormalities. Also, the doctor will find out if the amount of amniotic fluid, the tone of the uterus and the degree of maturation of the placenta are normal. nine0003

Important! In case of any deviations from the norm, the woman will be offered hospitalization. In order not to risk your health and your baby, the doctor's recommendations must be followed thoroughly.

32 weeks pregnant - what's going on, ultrasound and fetal development, baby's weight and belly at 32 weeks pregnant

WHAT'S HAPPENING

The immune system of the fetus is actively working. The baby develops its own antibodies that will protect it after birth. The nervous system functions well, thanks to which the little man is already able to experience emotions, feel pain, hear, see and taste. nine0003

At the 32nd week of pregnancy, the development of the skeleton continues. The bones of the whole body grow and strengthen, but the skull must remain flexible so that it is easier for the fetus to move through the birth canal.

Now the height of the child is about 42.5 cm, and the weight is about 1700. By this time, the uterus has become too tight for free movements, and you feel the crumbs moving even more clearly. Anything can provoke a baby to push, from loud noises to bright lights. But the excessive activity of the child at 31-32 weeks is sometimes due not only to external stimuli, but also to a lack of oxygen, so the mother needs to monitor the frequency and nature of his movements. Normally, during wakefulness, the baby should make from 4 to 6 movements per hour. nine0003

YOUR WELL FEELING

At the 31st - 32nd week of pregnancy, the feeling of fatigue intensifies in expectant mothers. Due to the increase in the abdomen and the displacement of the internal organs, you have to experience many inconveniences. This period is characterized by pain in the hypochondrium and lower back, with the latter often given to the buttocks and legs. It is difficult for you to walk, it is almost impossible to choose a comfortable position for sleeping, and besides, the frequent urge to urinate is bothering you. Laughing, sneezing and coughing are sometimes accompanied by mild urinary incontinence. Exercises aimed at strengthening the pelvic muscles will help get rid of this problem. nine0003

Due to compression of the digestive organs at 32 weeks of pregnancy, bitterness in the mouth, heartburn, belching and bloating appear. Almost every pregnant woman is familiar with constipation and hemorrhoids. Another problem that expectant mothers face is difficulty breathing. In a sitting position, the pressure of the uterus on the diaphragm and lungs increases, because of which you may experience a feeling of lack of air, vomiting and dizziness.

You probably already have swelling. At the 31st - 32nd week of pregnancy, the problem may worsen. If the swelling is insignificant, there is no particular reason for excitement, it is enough just to adjust the diet - for this you need to reduce salt intake and drink at least 1.5 liters of fluid every day. But if the swelling does not go away for a long time, tell your doctor about it, as they can be a sign of preeclampsia, impaired kidney function, or high blood pressure. nine0003

RISK FACTORS

The main dangers of the period of 32 weeks of pregnancy are premature birth, preeclampsia and placental abruption.

Preterm labor usually starts suddenly. Unexpected severe diarrhea, watery vaginal discharge (amniotic fluid may come out in streams or drips), abdominal pains around the waist, and more frequent contractions are sure signs of a threatened pregnancy.

Brown, spotting should also alert you. In combination with a sharp or throbbing pain in the lower abdomen, they may indicate placental abruption. At 32 weeks of pregnancy, this pathology occurs in 0.5 - 1.5% of women. And its occurrence may be associated with physical or emotional overstrain, bad habits of a pregnant woman and over 40 years of age, but most often in the third trimester this is due to high blood pressure. If the placenta has exfoliated by 30% or less, then there is practically no threat to the life of the fetus, and in this case, you can get by with the use of special medications; if by 50%, then the baby has hypoxia and developmental delay occurs. With complete detachment of the placenta, fetal death almost always occurs. nine0003

As with other periods, at the 32nd week of pregnancy there is a risk of infection entering the birth canal. This is indicated by purulent, mucous or unusual discharge in color and smell. If the disease is not cured, the baby may become infected during childbirth, which will cause big problems in the future.

MEDICAL SUPERVISION

The 32nd week of pregnancy is the time when the third planned ultrasound is performed. Don't be surprised if this time you don't see the child on the screen in full growth: he is already so big that you can only see him in fragments. nine0003

An ultrasound examination will show the state of the placenta, what position your baby has taken, and will allow you to determine its height and weight. In addition, ultrasound will reveal problems that may affect the course of pregnancy:

FETOPLACENTAL INSUFFICIENCY

These are structural changes in the placenta, in which its function is impaired. This condition can cause fetal hypoxia, delaying its growth and development. In addition, in this case, the child is highly susceptible to infection and exposure to harmful metabolic products. And if the hormonal function of the placenta is disturbed, the risk of preterm birth and anomalies in labor activity increases. nine0003

PLACENTA PRESENTATION

Normally, at 32 weeks of gestation, the placenta is located 7 cm above the edge of the internal os, but it happens that the fetal egg is attached lower than necessary, and then, as it grows, the placenta reaches the pharynx or even completely covers it. This happens with multiple pregnancies, after a caesarean section, and in women who give birth frequently. The cause of placenta previa can also be anomalies in the relief of the uterus and the presence of diseases of the heart and kidneys.

PELCH OR LATERAL PRESENTATION OF THE FETUS

The incorrect position of the child causes difficulties in the process of childbirth, especially for women who are carrying twins. And if one baby, after performing certain exercises by the mother, has a chance to roll over, then the twins will remain in this position until childbirth. In this regard, presentation is a common indication for caesarean section.

HIGH OR LOW WATER

In the first case, oxygen starvation and a violation of intrauterine development of the fetus may occur, the second option is fraught with the danger of placental abruption, infection of the birth canal. In both scenarios, there is a risk of preterm birth. nine0003

cervix pathology

At 32 weeks pregnant, the cervix should be completely closed.

UMBILICAL PATHOLOGY

Its insufficient or, conversely, excessive length, impaired blood flow, entanglement of the fetus with the umbilical cord can be detected. If any pathology is detected during ultrasound diagnostics, in addition to the usual urine and blood tests, the doctor prescribes additional studies.

RECOMMENDATIONS

At the 32nd week of pregnancy, it is very important to improve your emotional state. Communicate constantly with your child. Not only mom, but also dad needs to talk to the baby and stroke the tummy: the voices and touches of the parents are different, and the baby reacts to them differently.

If you are afraid of childbirth, talk to your doctor about it. The specialist will answer all questions, and you will be able to assess the situation more objectively, without surrendering to the power of your imagination. To save your nerves, try to protect yourself from negative information, do not communicate with overly emotional people and do not watch scary films. Tune in to the fact that childbirth will be easy. Fitness or yoga for pregnant women, hobbies, pleasant meetings with friends will help to distract from bad thoughts. nine0003

31 - 32 weeks of pregnancy - it's time to choose a maternity hospital (many have not done this yet). If you are going to give birth under a contract, it is especially important to find a good doctor. Read the reviews, and even better - talk to women who delivered the specialist you are interested in. And when choosing an institution, specify what things you need to take with you. Each maternity hospital has its own list, but, as a rule, it contains hygiene items and clothes for mom and baby, diapers and much more. It is also necessary to prepare documents: a referral or an agreement with the maternity hospital, an exchange card, test results and ultrasound, a passport and insurance. nine0003

The child is gaining weight intensively, therefore this week it is important to monitor nutrition so as not to “feed” him, otherwise injuries cannot be avoided during childbirth. No matter how much you want something tasty, give up eating sweets and starchy foods. Eat fractionally, in small portions. At the 31st - 32nd week of pregnancy, you need foods that contain magnesium, zinc, iron and vitamin D. During this period, it is recommended to completely exclude pork from the diet, and to remove excess fluid from the body and normalize intestinal motility, it is advisable to drink dried fruit compotes . Tormented by bouts of flatulence? Enter a "moratorium" on legumes, cabbage and rye bread, and also try not to drink 30 minutes before meals and for the same time after. nine0003

Starting this week, rest 2 to 3 hours more than before. Avoid infectious and colds, since drug treatment during this period is undesirable. Sex at a period of 31 - 32 weeks of pregnancy is not prohibited and even necessary (but only in the absence of contraindications), because intimacy is a wonderful way to get emotional release. In addition, during orgasm, the uterus contracts, which means that a kind of prenatal preparation takes place. But keep in mind that semen contains prostaglandins. These biologically active substances help soften the cervix, therefore, in order not to provoke labor, you must use a condom. nine0003 Pregnancy and childbirth