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Survival Rate, Time in Hospital, More

The final months of pregnancy are full of prepping and planning. And, of course, planning is important. But be prepared: Many births don’t go according to plan.

For example, you might end up having a cesarean delivery (C-section) or other interventions that you weren’t planning on. Or you may find yourself with much less time to prepare if your baby decides to show up to the party earlier than expected!

About 11 percent of babies worldwide are born early (premature). This means that they’re born more than 3 weeks before their estimated due date. About 85 percent of these are born between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.

But if your baby is born even more prematurely — say, at 32 weeks — they still have very good odds at being healthy with some supportive medical care. Here’s what you need to know about a baby born at 32 weeks.

Yes, a baby can safely be born at 32 weeks, but they may need specialized care to help support their development as they navigate their early days in the world.

A baby who’s born before week 37 of pregnancy is considered to be premature. However, during pregnancy, every week — and even every day — makes a difference in a baby’s growth and development. This is why premature babies are grouped into four stages:

• late preterm, born between 34 and 36 weeks
• moderate preterm, born between 32 and 34 weeks
• very preterm, born between 25 and 32 weeks
• extremely preterm, born before 25 weeks

If your baby reaches 32 weeks of gestation (time in the womb) and is born at 32 weeks, they’re moderate preterm. Babies born at 32 weeks have a survival rate as high as 95 percent. They also have very good chances of growing into healthy babies and children without any complications.

Babies who are born very preterm and extremely preterm have a higher risk of complications and health problems than a baby born at 32 weeks.

How healthy and developed your baby is at 32 weeks also depends on what kind of pregnancy you have. If you’re carrying twins or other multiples they may be smaller than if you’re carrying a singleton baby.

At 32 weeks, babies still have a couple months to go before reaching their full birth weight, but they’re well developed. Your baby will look almost like a full-term baby, just smaller, thinner, and even more delicate.

They’ll have almost-there toenails and perhaps a few wisps of hair on their head. Most of the soft, downy hair (lanugo) that covered them earlier in the womb will have started falling off, but they’ll still be a little fuzzy.

They probably will not yet have fully formed fingernails. Their eyes, though developed, may be too sensitive to light to open just yet. By 32 weeks most babies are practicing breathing, and their lungs are in the final stages of development. Their skull and all their bones will still be very soft.

At 32 weeks, a baby may:

• weigh almost 4 pounds
• be between 16 and 17 inches long
• have a head size (circumference) between 11 and 12 inches

How long your baby needs to stay in the hospital after they’re born at 32 weeks depends on several things.

After birth, your premature baby will be taken to a special care nursery or the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in the hospital where you gave birth.

Most babies born at 32 weeks of pregnancy have only a few temporary health issues and need to stay in the NICU for only a few days to a few weeks. After birth, your baby may need extra help learning and developing the skills needed for feeding, staying warm, and breathing on their own.

Babies born at 32 weeks will generally not yet be strong enough to breastfeed because their sucking muscles are still weak and uncoordinated. They’ll likely need to be tube-fed for a few weeks.

That said, receiving breast milk is especially important for preterm babies. Compared to preterm babies who receive formula, those who receive human milk typically have higher survival rates, shorter NICU stays, and fewer serious health complications.

Even if you weren’t planning to breastfeed, you may consider expressing milk to help nourish your premature baby. You may also consider donor milk.

Most babies born at 32 weeks don’t have breathing problems, but your doctors and nurses will make sure they’re breathing properly.

Before your baby can safely go home with you, your doctor will make sure they don’t have any other health problems and are growing and developing enough to do well without NICU care.

Before they’re discharged, your baby will be evaluated on their:

• weight gain
• ability to suck and swallow milk on their own
• temperature regulation
• eye development and sensitivity

Babies born at 32 weeks might have some temporary health problems such as:

• low birth weight
• jaundice
• hypothermia
• feeding difficulties

Some long-term issues in babies born at 32 weeks might show up months to years later. These are not common, but can include slower development. In most cases, babies with learning or developmental delays catch up later in childhood with a little bit of extra help.

A 2017 medical study in France that followed 5,170 babies who were born between 22 to 34 weeks of pregnancy found that babies born at 32 to 34 weeks had very low risks of long-term health problems.

The researchers found that about 1 percent of babies born at 32 to 34 weeks had the neuromotor disorder cerebral palsy.

The same study tested 2,506 2-year-olds who were born prematurely. In the group born at 32 to 34 weeks of pregnancy, 36.2 percent scored slightly lower than average on a questionnaire that was used to test brain development.

While this means that some babies born at 32 weeks may have delayed learning development and skills in early childhood, and early intervention can have a significant impact in improving skills.

If your baby is born at 32 weeks, they have very good chances of being born healthy and developing just fine.

They’ll be considered premature, specifically moderately preterm, and will need extra medical care to make sure they’re healthy and growing normally before they can go home. Your baby may be in the hospital or NICU for several days to weeks.

In rare cases, a baby born at 32 weeks may have neurodevelopmental (brain and learning) delays. In most cases, they’ll catch up with some extra help during early childhood.

Eight month pregnant | Bibikol

Childbirth in the eighth month is not uncommon.

Very little time is left before the main event - the birth of a child. Increasingly, the body pleases with training fights. Normally, they are painless, they are not frequent and do not last long. However, if the contractions are accompanied by pain, this is a reason to contact your doctor.

Childbirth in the eighth month is not uncommon.

Mother's body at the 8th month of pregnancy

Now it is very important for a woman to walk as much as possible and follow proper nutrition. The stomach at eight months seems huge, by the end of the eighth month the uterus will reach its maximum position. This makes breathing difficult, possibly even shortness of breath, and the child's thrusts often hit the ribs. By the way, at this time, despite the fact that a pregnant woman needs to rest, experts do not recommend sleeping on her back, because while sleeping on her back, the inferior vena cava is pinched, which can lead to dizziness and poor health.

Prevention of puffiness at the 8th month of pregnancy

In the body of the expectant mother, the amount of fluid increases significantly, which manifests itself in some swelling of the face and limbs. The “severity” and spread of edema must be monitored, as well as the blood pressure of a pregnant woman: severe swelling and high blood pressure may indicate the development of preeclampsia. For prevention at this stage, it is recommended to reduce salt intake, as well as avoid drinking before bedtime.

Development of the future baby at the 8th month of pregnancy

The baby is actively growing inside the mother: every week he can gain up to 200 grams.

By the end of the eighth month, the baby can weigh 2500-2700 grams, and the average height will increase to 45-46 cm.

During 32-33 weeks, the baby takes a position in which he will move through the birth canal. Ideally, this position is head down. However, there are babies who are conveniently located booty forward, and some even occupy a transverse position. It’s too early to be nervous about this: the baby has time to roll over and take a more comfortable position for birth.

A baby, not yet born, is already a full-fledged little man who experiences emotions, pain, reacts to light, hears, squints and blinks. He already has even skin, most often by this time the lanugo germinal fluff disappears.

Development of the future baby's brain

His brain continues to become more complex and improved, more and more new neurons and synapses are formed in it. Thanks to this, the baby immediately after birth has such necessary skills as coordination of sucking, swallowing and breathing.

During the last weeks of pregnancy, the baby receives maternal antibodies in the bloodstream. They will help protect the baby from many diseases and infections that the baby will face in the first months after birth. By the way, breastfeeding prolongs the “term of protection”: mother’s antibodies come with mother’s milk to the child. This is another argument for both breastfeeding and a healthy diet for moms.

Eighth month of pregnancy: from which week does it start, the development of the fetus and the abdomen at the 8th month of pregnancy

It's the middle of the third trimester, which means the birth is close. At 8 months, the pregnancy is already considered full-term, but if the baby is born now, he will be considered born prematurely.

What week does the 8th month of pregnancy start from? 8 months of pregnancy corresponds to 31-35 obstetric weeks. In the third trimester, each is different from the previous one.

Signs, symptoms and sensations

From 31 weeks, the expectant mother feels very tired and has lower back pain due to her growing belly. The uterus is already in its maximum position and supports the diaphragm. Because of this, pressure increases on the internal organs and lungs, which have little space left. The kid constantly pushes, kicks on the ribs and the liver area are especially noticeable.

Feelings of the mother at 8 months of pregnancy:

• heaviness in the legs and back pain;
• the uterus presses on the bladder, often wants to go to the toilet;
• the uterus tightens the stomach, which leads to heartburn after eating;
• often suffer from constipation and hemorrhoids;
• Practice contractions may occur but are painless;
• the skin on the abdomen is stretched, itchy and itchy;
• it is difficult to take a comfortable position for sleeping, insomnia may disturb;
• Vaginal discharge may increase if it is white or colorless and odorless - this is normal;
• excessive emotionality on a hormonal background;
• many develop varicose veins in the legs and pelvis due to pressure on the arteries;
• fatigue during long walking, shortness of breath.

The described symptoms are considered normal in the last months of pregnancy and should not be cause for concern. A woman needs more rest and positive emotions. The feeling that the long-awaited baby is almost ready for birth and will soon be born gives the expectant mother the strength to cope with her condition.

8 month pregnant belly

By 31 weeks it has already grown significantly. Compared to previous months, weight gain and abdominal volume increase are faster. The skin stretches even more, and the weight of the abdomen presses on the lower back. To improve the condition and relieve the back, it is recommended to wear a prenatal bandage.
The size of the belly is different for all pregnant women. There is no standard for centimeters at a particular time. The volume at 31–34 weeks depends on the volume of amniotic fluid, the complexion of the expectant mother before pregnancy, and her diet.
A gynecologist from the 8th month of pregnancy conducts an examination every 2 weeks. At the reception, the height of the abdomen in the prone position and the waist are measured. The measurements are compared with the previous ones and with the norm.
If the increase is within the normal range, there is no suspicion. A belly that is not large enough can be a sign of oligohydramnios, too large - polyhydramnios or multiple pregnancies.

Mother's weight during pregnancy

Normally, for a singleton pregnancy, add about 8-10 kg by the 8th month. For multiple pregnancy, the increase will be in the region of 10 - 15 kg. There is no standard in weight gain, since everyone is individual.

What influences the weight of a pregnant woman:

• the build of the future mother before pregnancy and her weight before conception;
• diet and well-being of women. Some are constantly hungry, while others suffer from late-term nausea and eat less;
• fetal weight and volume of amniotic fluid;
• the amount of fluid in the body. With edema, more weight;
• increase in blood volume in the body (average 1–1.5 l).

From the 8th month of pregnancy, a woman should normally gain 300-400 g per week. For control, it is necessary to weigh yourself every week and report the numbers at the next visit to the gynecologist. If the increase is more than 400 g per week, this is a reason to reconsider the diet.

Stretch marks during pregnancy

Rapidly growing belly, hips and buttocks provoke stretching of the skin and micro-tears. In these places, keloid scars are formed - striae. Stretch marks appear where the skin stretches quickly and does not have time to adapt. Stretch marks first look like bluish or red-blue lines, up to 5 mm thick and up to 10 cm long. They look like parallel stripes on the skin. Over time, they turn pale, but they do not go away on their own.

It is impossible to get rid of stretch marks after pregnancy without chemical peels and special cosmetic abrasive procedures, so prevention is the best way.

How to prevent or stop stretch marks:

• take a contrast shower
• lightly massage problem areas using mild, hypoallergenic hygiene products
• apply to the abdomen, flanks, thighs, buttocks and breasts special creams and oils for stretch marks for pregnant women (they are safe for mother and child)

Unscented Stretch Mark Cream improves skin's resistance to stretch during pregnancy at 92% of cases ¹

If you take care of the skin regularly, it will not stretch during the process of intensive increase in volume and weight. You need to use creams or oils from the end of the first trimester until childbirth.

How the fetus develops

At the 8th month of pregnancy, the organs and systems of the embryo are almost completely formed. During this period, the birth of a baby is already possible, and he will not be considered premature from 32 to 33 weeks.
At this time, the fetus can be placed head down and remain in this position until delivery. If the baby does not roll over, the doctor ascertains the breech presentation or transverse position. In most cases, by the end of pregnancy, the baby turns his head.

Fetal development at 8 months

• at 31 weeks the baby weighs about 1600 g, its height is about 40 cm, at 34 weeks it grows to 45 cm and 2400 g;
• the skin is even, abundantly covered with a protective primordial lubricant;
• lungs are formed, in case of premature birth at this time, the baby can breathe on his own;
• the brain is well formed, there are sucking, swallowing and breathing skills, the baby reacts to light, sounds, can blink, hiccup, make faces;
• nails grow to the tips of the fingers, and there are hairs on the head;
• skull bones still soft to pass through the birth canal;
• internal organs fully formed and functioning;
• fluff on the skin disappears, and subcutaneous fat grows and begins to perform the function of thermoregulation;
• the baby is cramped in the uterus, the movements become more rare, but strong;
• the child has already formed a sleep and wakefulness regimen, the mother feels it;
• the liver and adrenal glands work in full force, participate in hematopoiesis.

At the 8th month of pregnancy, the expectant mother should listen to the number of fetal movements. If there are less than 10 distinct movements or tremors per day, this is an occasion to urgently consult a doctor and check the condition of the fetus.

Ultrasound and tests at the eighth month of pregnancy

Starting from the 31st week of pregnancy, the gynecologist prescribes the following examinations:

• ultrasound. At 32 - 34 weeks to measure the baby, confirm its compliance with the norms for gestational age and to establish a preliminary date of birth;
• Third screening and Doppler ultrasound
• Complete blood count and biochemistry to detect anemia or inflammatory diseases;
• Urinalysis and 24-hour urine for protein to test for preeclampsia and check kidney function;
• Additional individual tests if you suspect some diseases - hormones, infections.

The doctor measures the volume of the abdomen and weight, probes the fundus of the uterus, checks blood pressure and pulse, listens to the abdomen with a tube. The specialist makes sure that there is no severe swelling of the arms and legs.
If there are complaints of discharge, dizziness, constipation, swelling and pain in the legs, hemorrhoids and varicose veins, the gynecologist can refer you to a general practitioner for additional tests, take a swab from the vagina, and prescribe treatment.
When examining on the chair, the gynecologist checks the condition of the cervix, it should still be closed and firm. With multiple pregnancy, a woman undergoes a more thorough examination.
On ultrasound, the expectant mother can already see not only the outlines of the baby's body, but also his face, print a photo from the ultrasound machine as a keepsake. If desired, you can do a 3D study.

Recommended restrictions for expectant mothers

At 8 months, a pregnant woman feels tired, she may worry about the upcoming birth, the health of the baby, experience stress. In order to feel good and be calm for the health of the unborn child, it is recommended that a pregnant woman eat right, walk more in the fresh air and relax.
Expectant mothers in the last months need to get enough sleep. Take a comfortable position on your side and put a pillow between your legs. It is impossible to lie and sleep on your back for more than 10 minutes, since the uterus presses on the vena cava and blocks the access of oxygen to the child. He will make it clear with sharp kicks and stirring.

Excessive exercise is contraindicated. Do not lift more than 1 kg. Gravity brings the uterus into tone and can provoke early contractions, discharge of water.

To maintain normal muscle tone, pregnant women in the last trimester can do a warm-up, simple stretching exercises, yoga without overexertion.

How to Eat Properly at 8 Months of Pregnancy

There are some dietary restrictions for expectant mothers to help prevent complications.
At this time, the uterus is already very large, it puts pressure not only on the diaphragm, but also on the stomach and intestines, because of which they are displaced. You need to eat fractionally, balanced, in 5 - 7 doses per day.

What should be in the diet at 8 months:

• Fruits and vegetables. Rich in fiber, helps with constipation and saturates with vitamins;
• Iron products. Include spinach, nuts, beef, seeds, legumes, dried fruits and cocoa in your diet. For better absorption of iron, do not mix it with dairy products, tea and coffee;
• Foods rich in calcium. These include milk, hard and sour milk cheese;
• Clean drinking water , its volume per day should be about 1 - 1.5 liters, including juices and compotes.

In the last months of pregnancy, it is not recommended to eat food that leads to increased gas formation. Give up allergenic, fried, fatty and smoked foods that provoke heartburn and stool problems.
The expectant mother should eat a balanced diet so that the diet always contains proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Food should be nutritious, but not too high in calories. Refuse salty and sweet foods, they retain water and lead to edema, cause excessive weight gain, both in mother and fetus.
A pregnant woman should take a multivitamin prescribed by her observant gynecologist or therapist. This will help the body strengthen the immune system, not waste all the reserves on the baby, resist SARS and stress.

Childbirth preparation courses

8 months pregnant is the time to start preparing for childbirth and learning how to care for your baby. It is especially helpful for first-time mothers to attend special birth preparation classes or a maternity school. In the classroom, you can learn how to prepare for childbirth, what to take with you to the hospital, how to behave in the event of labor. If the birth is partner, you can take the future dad with you to the lessons.
At the maternity school, they will also teach the basics of caring for a newborn - how to bathe him, dress him, what hygiene products to use. Now there is a huge selection of hygiene products for babies, but you do not need so much: a product for bathing, for moisturizing the skin and for protection under the diaper.

For convenience, Mustela has collected the first 3 products in a special gift set. Each tool can also be purchased separately.

Possible complications and deviations

Pregnant women often have comorbidities that can adversely affect the fetus. For example, thrush and other bacterial infections of the vagina, influenza and SARS.

Worrying symptoms (make an appointment with a doctor immediately):

• vaginal discharge - bloody, yellow, thick, with an unpleasant odor;
• increased blood pressure;
• sharp pain in abdomen;
• temperature increase;
• absence of fetal movements during the day.

At the appointment, the doctor conducts an examination, prescribes ultrasound and tests. With any pathology for a period of 8 months, a woman can be admitted to a hospital for preservation. In case of contractions with pain or discharge of water, an ambulance should be urgently called.

Frequent urination

Frequent urination is not considered an abnormality, this is the norm at the eighth month of pregnancy. The uterus presses hard on the bladder, and it cannot be filled completely.
To avoid discomfort, use urological disposable pads or make sure that the toilet is within walking distance.

Heartburn

An unpleasant symptom often torments pregnant women in the third trimester. It appears because the uterus presses on the stomach, and gastric juice is thrown back into the esophagus.
To avoid discomfort, do not eat fatty and salty foods, do not lie down immediately after eating.

Edema and varicose veins

With fluid retention, edema appears in the body. Heaviness in the legs may appear, the hands and feet swell, rubber bands from clothes remain on them, it is difficult to put the ring on the finger.
Severe swelling is an alarming symptom. Together with high blood pressure, this may be a sign of preeclampsia or late toxicosis. For the fetus, this is dangerous due to oxygen starvation and various pathologies.
Preeclampsia can pass without pronounced edema, and be accompanied only by an increase in pressure. To exclude pathology, at home you need to regularly measure pressure and record readings.
Edema provokes water retention in the body, which occurs due to salt intake. Pregnant women need to exclude pickles, cook unleavened food, adding salt in a plate. To prevent swelling, drink no more than 2 liters per day, including liquid food, tea, water.
Varicose veins may first appear during pregnancy due to the enlarged belly. This is one of the complications of pregnancy, there is a threat of rupture of veins or arteries, the formation of a blood clot during childbirth. Because of the pathology, it becomes more difficult to move around. Heavy weight, heavy stomach and pain in the legs interfere with walks, the expectant mother gets tired faster.
Varicose veins in pregnant women appear on the lower extremities and in the small pelvis. To prevent complications, wear stockings or tights for pregnant women with the desired compression. The required degree is determined by the doctor when examining the condition of the veins. He can prescribe an ultrasound of the veins and an analysis for a coagulogram.

Hemorrhoids

Persistent constipation and increased weight provokes the appearance or aggravation of hemorrhoids in pregnant women in the third trimester. Pathology is accompanied by itching and pain, often ruptures and bleeding from the anus. This causes discomfort, pain and stress to the pregnant woman.
To prevent the formation of hemorrhoids or its complications, you should establish a diet and exclude food that leads to constipation. Eat more fiber foods, drink water and fresh yogurt, prepare liquid meals.
Medications can help with acute hemorrhoids and constipation. The doctor prescribes harmless syrups for constipation, which are suitable for pregnant women, cream or suppositories for hemorrhoids.

Insomnia

Sleep disorders in pregnant women are most often provoked by hormonal imbalance, stress and uncomfortable body position at the time of rest. The stomach does not allow to lie down comfortably, the child begins to kick at night, it is uncomfortable to lie on one side for a long time. This prevents the expectant mother from relaxing at night, becomes the cause of depression, nervous breakdowns, severe fatigue.
In the last weeks before giving birth, a pregnant woman needs to sleep well and gain strength. To alleviate the situation, you can try to relax during the day, and before going to bed, do yoga exercises, meditate.
Choose a comfortable bed for sleep, use a pregnancy pillow that allows you to comfortably place your arms and legs, put your stomach.

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