At 32 weeks pregnant, your baby weighs approximately 3.75 lbs (1.7 kg) and measures around 16.7 inches (42.4 cm), rapidly gaining fat reserves that will account for one-third to one-half of total birth weight over the following seven weeks. Common symptoms at this stage — including heartburn, shortness of breath, back pain, and a protruding belly button — are driven by a uterus that is displacing the diaphragm, shifting the body's centre of gravity, and loosening pelvic ligaments in preparation for birth, alongside a blood volume increase of 40–50% since early pregnancy. Chickpeas are highlighted as a particularly valuable food at this stage, offering dietary fibre, iron, folate, magnesium, and a very low glycaemic index of 28–32, making them a protein-rich, heart-healthy option that helps stabilise blood sugar and supports the elevated nutritional demands of the third trimester.
- At week 32, a baby weighs approximately 3.75 lbs (1.7 kg) and measures around 16.7 inches (42.4 cm) in length.
- Between week 32 and birth, the baby will gain between one-third and one-half of its total birth weight over approximately seven weeks.
- By week 32, blood volume in the pregnant body has increased by 40% to 50% since the beginning of pregnancy.
- A single cup of chickpeas supplies approximately 84.5% of the daily requirements for the essential trace mineral manganese.
- Chickpeas have a glycemic index (GI) value of 28–32, which is considered very low, meaning their carbohydrates are digested and broken down slowly.
- Chickpeas contain folate, which helps lower homocysteine levels, and significant amounts of magnesium, contributing to heart-healthy benefits during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Diary Week 32
Discover your pregnancy journey
Pregnancy Diary Week 32
When you get the feeling as if you cannot move anymore, think about your baby inside of you that is running out of room daily. The movement while in the womb is important because it helps build muscle mass and strengthens bones.
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How your baby is growing
What you can expect at this time
A beneficial food for your pregnancy nutrition
Pregnancy Diary Week 32: How Is Your Baby Growing?
When you are 32 weeks pregnant, the baby weighs about 3.75 lbs (1.7 kg) and is around 16.7 inches (42.4cm) in length, which takes up a good deal of space in the uterus. You will be gaining a pound each week and most of that will go to the baby.
The baby will put on between one third to about a half of birth weight in seven week’s time while getting fatter to survive outside of the womb. The baby will have fingernails, toenails, and hair. The baby’s skin is soft and smooth now while becoming plump to get ready to be born.
What you can expect
At pregnancy week 32 do not worry about a protruding belly button because it can be attributed to the fact that your uterus is growing and will be back to normal a few months later. Keep hydrated and eat as healthy as possible.
Because of your baby’s need to continue to grow, you have experienced a significant increase in blood volume – imagine it has increased between 40% to 50% since the beginning of your pregnancy. Your uterus is pushing your diaphragm, which is making your stomach area rather busy, and you may get heartburn and shortness of breath from it. To lessen the discomfort sleep with pillows propped up under your head and eat smaller meals.
Assuming you are not experiencing pre-term labour, it is important to look to your growing uterus and changes in your hormones for your back pains. Your enlarged uterus shifts around your gravity to stretch and weaken abdominal muscles, playing with your posture, which puts a strain on the back. Your joints loosen and also the ligaments attaching the bones of your pelvic area to the spine have become looser due to hormonal changes, in preparation for baby’s birth. This creates an unstable feeling causing some pain when you are sitting, walking, standing for long time periods, as well as when you are getting out of the bath, lifting, or bending.
Chickpeas For Pregnancy Nutrition
Chickpeas also known as garbanzos have many benefits for you.
Fibre and Weight Loss Advantages: Like other types of beans, chickpeas are high in dietary fibre, this includes soluble as well as insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre lines the digestive track with a sticky substance which can snare bile (containing cholesterol), and carry it away to be eliminated by the body. Research has shown insoluble fibre to not only help in increasing the bulk of stool but also in the prevention of constipation; however, it can also provide an effective preventative against digestive disorders.
Protein Source for Vegetarians: When it comes to finding a good source of protein, chickpeas are certainly an excellent option. When eaten in combination with whole-grains, chickpeas can provide an amount of protein that is equivalent to consuming meat or dairy products but without the saturated fats and a high number of calories.
Manganese Helps with the Production of Energy: Garbanzos or chickpeas offer an excellent source for the essential trace mineral manganese, a vital co-factor in many enzymes that are crucial in the production of antioxidant defences and energy. A single cup of chickpeas can supply approximately 84.5% of the daily requirements for this important mineral.
Iron Boost: Garbanzos also have the ability to boost your energy level because they contain high levels of iron. This can be an important benefit for women who are menstruating, pregnant or lactating, as well as growing children. The presence of iron in haemoglobin is crucial, especially given the fact that haemoglobin is necessary to help transport oxygen to the cells of the body and is a crucial part of the enzyme system which is responsible for metabolism and energy production.
Managing Blood Sugar Levels and the Low Glycemic Index (GI): When it comes to stabilizing blood sugar levels, soluble fibre can be very helpful. Additionally, if you have hypoglycaemia or diabetes that is insulin resistant, beans such as chickpeas can help balance blood sugar while also providing a slow-burning, steady source of energy.
Garbanzos have a 28 – 32 GI value, which is very low and is indicative of the fact that the carbohydrates in them will be digested and broken down slowly. This can be beneficial for anyone trying to lose weight because it helps to control the appetite.
Heart-Healthy Benefits: Chickpeas health benefits can include a lowering of the LDL (bad), as well as total cholesterol. Garbanzos also contain significant amounts of magnesium and folate. Folate can help lower homocysteine, an amino acid while strengthening blood vessels. Studies show that chickpeas can also lower a person’s risk for heart attack.
Benefits for Women: Garbanzos contain phytochemicals known as saponins, which act as antioxidants. Saponins can lower a woman’s risk for breast cancer, reduce hot flashes for post-menopausal women and protect against osteoporosis.
They are versatile and can be eaten as a delicious snack if you make some hummus. This can be eaten as a dip, or with some healthy crackers. Alternatively, chickpeas can be served along with main courses for a Middle Eastern feel, just pop them on the plate, cover with some olive oil and chopped coriander. Really delicious, and really healthy!
Pregnancy Diary Week 32
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DISCLAIMER
All articles on the blog and website are intended as information only. Please do not consider any of the information provided here as a substitute for medical advice. At all times seek medical advice directly with your own doctor and medical team.
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This website was formerly Merrion Fetal Health. The clinic has undergone a rebrand and is now known as Merrion Ultrasound.
How big is a baby at 32 weeks pregnant?
At 32 weeks pregnant, the baby weighs about 3.75 lbs (1.7 kg) and measures around 16.7 inches (42.4 cm) in length. The baby's skin is soft and smooth, and it has fingernails, toenails, and hair.
How much weight does a baby gain between week 32 and birth?
Between week 32 and birth — approximately seven weeks — the baby puts on between one third to about half of its birth weight. This weight gain helps the baby become plump enough to survive outside the womb.
Why do pregnant women get shortness of breath and heartburn at 32 weeks?
At 32 weeks, the growing uterus pushes against the diaphragm, which can cause both heartburn and shortness of breath. Sleeping with pillows propped under the head and eating smaller meals can help lessen the discomfort.
What causes back pain at 32 weeks of pregnancy?
Back pain at 32 weeks is caused by the enlarged uterus shifting the body's centre of gravity, which stretches and weakens abdominal muscles and strains the back. Hormonal changes also loosen the joints and ligaments connecting the pelvic bones to the spine, creating instability and pain during sitting, walking, standing, lifting, or bending.
Why does blood volume increase during pregnancy?
Blood volume increases significantly during pregnancy because the growing baby requires increased circulation. By around week 32, blood volume has increased between 40% to 50% compared to the start of pregnancy.
Is a protruding belly button normal at 32 weeks pregnant?
Yes, a protruding belly button at 32 weeks is normal and is caused by the expanding uterus pushing outward. It typically returns to its usual appearance a few months after birth.
What are the nutritional benefits of chickpeas during pregnancy?
Chickpeas are high in dietary fibre, iron, manganese, magnesium, and folate, making them especially beneficial during pregnancy. They also provide a protein source comparable to meat or dairy but without saturated fats, and their low glycaemic index of 28–32 helps stabilise blood sugar levels.
How much manganese do chickpeas provide?
A single cup of chickpeas can supply approximately 84.5% of the daily requirements for manganese. Manganese is an essential trace mineral and a vital co-factor in enzymes responsible for energy production and antioxidant defences.
Why are chickpeas a good protein source for vegetarians during pregnancy?
When eaten in combination with whole grains, chickpeas can provide an amount of protein equivalent to consuming meat or dairy products. Unlike animal proteins, chickpeas deliver this protein without saturated fats or a high calorie load.
Why is fetal movement important in the womb at 32 weeks?
Movement in the womb is important because it helps the baby build muscle mass and strengthen bones. At 32 weeks, the baby is running out of space in the uterus but continues to move to support healthy physical development.