32 weeks pregnant
Your baby is about 42 cm and 1.7 kg; most babies turn head down.
At week 32, your baby practises breathing movements and sucking. Many babies turn head down around this time.
This week’s ultrasound image
Expected ultrasound appearance and measurements at week 32 (illustrative, to-scale drawing).
Abbreviations on the screen
- GS
- Gestational sac diameter
- YS
- Yolk sac
- CRL
- Crown–rump length
- NT
- Nuchal translucency
- BPD
- Biparietal diameter (head width)
- HC
- Head circumference
- AC
- Abdominal circumference
- FL
- Femur (thigh bone) length
- EFW
- Estimated fetal weight
- FHR
- Fetal heart rate (beats per minute)
- GA
- Gestational age (weeks + days)
- UA PI
- Umbilical artery Doppler resistance (PI)
Length (head to heel)
42.5 cm
Head diameter
82 mm
Head circumference
297 mm
Femur length
62 mm
Estimated weight
1702 g
Heart rate
136 bpm
UA PI
0.9
How big is your baby this week?
About the size of a pineapple
What can be seen on the ultrasound?
BPD is about 82 mm, HC about 297 mm, AC about 283 mm and FL about 62 mm. Your baby’s position, the location of the placenta and Doppler are assessed.
Your baby’s development
Your baby is about the size of a pineapple. The nails reach the fingertips. Your baby exercises the lungs with breathing movements.
Changes in your body
Pelvic pressure, passing urine more often and sleeplessness increase. Shortness of breath may continue.
Check-ups at this stage
- Growth scan, baby’s position and Doppler
- Routine check: blood pressure, weight, urine
- Check-ups usually every 2 weeks
Tips for this week
- Pack your hospital bag and keep it by the door
- Plan your support after the birth
- Read up on breastfeeding and baby care
When should you see your doctor?
Contact your doctor if you have reduced baby movements, bleeding, leaking fluid, regular contractions, a severe headache or blurred vision.
Growth by week
Values are averages; differences of a few days or a few millimetres between babies are normal.
| Pregnancy weeks | Crown–rump length (cm) | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 4 | — | — |
| Week 5 | — | — |
| Week 6 | 4 mm | — |
| Week 7 | 10 mm | — |
| Week 8 | 16 mm | 1 g |
| Week 9 | 23 mm | 2 g |
| Week 10 | 32 mm | 4 g |
| Week 11 | 43 mm | 8 g |
| Week 12 | 55 mm | 14 g |
| Week 13 | 68 mm | 23 g |
| Week 14 | 85 mm | 43 g |
| Week 15 | 100 mm | 70 g |
| Week 16 | 115 mm | 100 g |
| Week 17 | 128 mm | 140 g |
| Week 18 | 140 mm | 190 g |
| Week 19 | 152 mm | 240 g |
| Week 20 | 25.6 cm | 300 g |
| Week 21 | 26.7 cm | 360 g |
| Week 22 | 27.8 cm | 430 g |
| Week 23 | 28.9 cm | 501 g |
| Week 24 | 30 cm | 600 g |
| Week 25 | 31.9 cm | 660 g |
| Week 26 | 33.8 cm | 760 g |
| Week 27 | 35.6 cm | 875 g |
| Week 28 | 37.5 cm | 1005 g |
| Week 29 | 38.8 cm | 1153 g |
| Week 30 | 40 cm | 1319 g |
| Week 31 | 41.3 cm | 1502 g |
| Week 32 | 42.5 cm | 1702 g |
| Week 33 | 43.6 cm | 1918 g |
| Week 34 | 44.8 cm | 2146 g |
| Week 35 | 45.9 cm | 2383 g |
| Week 36 | 47 cm | 2622 g |
| Week 37 | 48 cm | 2859 g |
| Week 38 | 49 cm | 3083 g |
| Week 39 | 50 cm | 3288 g |
| Week 40 | 51 cm | 3462 g |
Frequently asked questions
When does the baby turn head down?
Most babies move into a head-down position between weeks 32 and 36. If your baby is still breech at week 36, your doctor will discuss the options with you.
What should I pack in my hospital bag?
The essentials are your ID and pregnancy notes, comfortable clothes, a nursing bra, maternity pads, clothes and a blanket for your baby, and toiletries.
Your pregnancy care at SoftCare Clinic
Book an appointment with our specialist doctors for your ultrasound check-up and any questions you may have.
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace a medical examination. Measurements are average values; please discuss your own results with your doctor.
Medical content editor: Op. Dr. Şükrü Sanus