Why does the lower abdomen hurt at 32 weeks of pregnancy?

Pregnancy 32 weeks: woman’s physical condition

Nowadays, the female body is no longer subject to such dramatic changes provoked by hormonal changes in the body as it was in the first trimester. It only adapts to the growth rate of the baby in the womb. But this does not mean that now everything has become as before: easy and simple.

Carrying a healthy full-term baby is another test for a fragile female body:

• the load on the body continues to increase: the spine, blood vessels, internal organs;
• as the baby's size increases, the amount of amniotic fluid decreases;
• problems arise with removing fluid from the body, swelling appears;
• metabolic processes in the pregnant woman’s body are accelerated;
• the processes of breast milk production are improved;
• the pelvic floor begins to expand;
• sometimes women at this stage experience urinary incontinence (when sneezing, coughing, laughing);
• sleep is disturbed.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to avoid all these mostly unpleasant changes in the body of a pregnant woman (at least at this stage of life).

The expectant mother can only minimize the unpleasant sensations that arise as a result of such transformations. This requires proper rest and compliance with medical recommendations.

Premature birth at 32 weeks.

I spent a long time gathering my thoughts to write; at first I didn’t even want to, so as not to scare anyone. But perhaps my story will be useful to someone.

It all started quite innocently. At 31 weeks, my local gynecologist suggested that I go to the Perinatal Center to be examined, because... one of the children (a boy) was 2 weeks behind schedule. And the doctor was also a little embarrassed by the protein in the urine.

I was accommodated, therefore, in our modern PC, almost like in a sanatorium :-)) The boy’s lag was confirmed immediately, after a detailed ultrasound. The doctors decided to wait a week and watch the baby’s development over time. I took a protein test every morning. And so, I only lay there for 4 days, when in the evening during the next CTG I discovered a specific tone. Nobody explained anything, they just put genipral on for the night. The next day I felt great, although brownish discharge appeared, but somehow I didn’t attach any importance to it. And then at night the contractions began, I kept waiting for it to go away, that it was just a stomach ache, because... I didn’t want to believe that I was giving birth, because it was only the 32nd week! In the morning, I couldn’t stand it anymore, I went for an examination, it turned out that the cervix had already been smoothed out, the birth canal was ready. They put me on an IV again for 2 days, and they started injecting me with hormones so that the babies’ lungs would open up. It was only then that I realized that everything was serious! Genipral didn’t do much for me; I had constant tone and my stomach hurt. They actually offered me to lie on genipral for some more time, but I didn’t agree, because it’s such a torment! and the baby apparently felt bad, since he was in such a hurry to go out into the world!

And then on April 10, 2013, in the morning, the genipral was canceled and then everything moved quickly. When I was 14, I gave birth to a boy, Fyodor 1290, and half an hour later a girl, Varvara 1610. The children were heavy, thank God our PC has a department for intensive care and nursing of children. The resuscitators immediately picked up the children and began to care for them, then took them to the intensive care unit. I didn't even see them. Yes, I had no time for that!

I gave birth in quiet horror, because... By the time Fyodor was born, I began to choke, I couldn’t even take a breath, not to mention the contraction, the midwives didn’t believe me, they thought I was worried! For this reason, my girl was born very tired, with great difficulty. The pressure jumped to 180, with my usual 90/60

Everything was as if in a fog. They tried to bring down the pressure for 3 hours in the delivery room, after which they transferred me to the postpartum ward. As soon as I lay down, I had an attack, a terrible pain in my stomach. A bunch of doctors came running, no one knew what was happening to me, they took me for an ultrasound, then to intensive care. They injected me with everything they could, and after a couple of hours I passed out. It turned out that after all the tests, x-rays and other things, I had severe eclampsia, and during the birth process, pulmonary edema! The fact that we survived is just luck! Eclamsia is a peculiar reaction of the body; in multiple pregnancies it occurs and is diagnosed as protein in the urine as a symptom.

I spent 4 days in the intensive care unit, my children spent 5 days, then we were transferred to the neonatal pathology department to gain weight. And we were already together. We stayed for a month and a week and were discharged with a weight of Varya 26200, Fedya 2330. Now they added another kilogram :-))

I won’t even write how many tears were shed, and how hard it is to see your tiny babies in intensive care... How we learned to eat on our own, to breastfeed.... Thank God, all this is already behind us.

I just want to tell the girls who are pregnant and expecting twins - take care of yourself! Ask your doctors in detail about all your tests. And also, if possible, give birth in a hospital where there is a section for premature babies - just in case.

Fetal development

The baby in his mother’s belly has already become for several weeks the way his parents will see him at the moment of birth. But this does not mean that his intrauterine development is completely over, and all that remains is to wait for the moment of birth.

The body, organism, and the functioning of the baby’s internal systems still continue to improve:

• the weight of the child at 32 weeks of pregnancy is about 1.5 - 1.8 kg;
• The child’s height at this stage is 40-42 cm;
• the size of the baby can be correlated with the Mexican root vegetable jicama (“Mexican potato”);
• subcutaneous fat continues to accumulate in the child;
• the baby's hair structure is strengthened;
• the endocrine glands are actively functioning;
• the immune system and the production of protective antibodies are activated;
• the volume of the brain increases, and, accordingly, the baby’s head;
• the child’s bone tissue becomes denser and heavier;
• the baby takes the correct prenatal position (or tries to do so).

Despite the fact that all processes of intrauterine development occur with the child without his knowledge/participation, they require a considerable amount of energy from him. When the mother rests, the baby also gains strength.

But do not confuse fetal rest with its “immobility.” Even in his sleep, the baby stretches and tosses and turns.

Therefore, the absence of movements (or a sharp decrease in their usual amount) should alert the expectant mother and lead her to a consultation with a gynecologist.

Height, weight and normal fetal movements

At the 32nd week of pregnancy, the fetus has grown significantly and there is now less and less room for the baby to move in the mother’s belly. You already clearly feel all its sharp shocks, which can be provoked by such external stimuli as a loud sound or bright light.

At the same time, do not forget that the child’s excessive activity can be caused by the mother’s uncomfortable position or lack of oxygen.

Be sure to monitor the baby's movements during the 32nd week of pregnancy. Normally, a awake baby can make up to 6 noticeable movements in an hour.

At 32 weeks of pregnancy, the baby’s weight exceeds 1,700 grams, while its height reaches 43 cm.

Uterus at 32 weeks

The uterus continues to increase in size. Of course, now she can no longer keep up with the baby’s growth rate, so in the womb he is no longer as spacious as before.

This week the uterus is 32 cm above the pubic symphysis and 12 cm above the navel. It is filled with approximately 1 liter of amniotic fluid.

From time to time, a pregnant woman may experience short-term, moderately painful contractions of the uterus - Braxton-Hicks training contractions. This is how the body prepares for the upcoming birth.

Training contractions - sensations

Braxton Hicks contractions, or training contractions , are essentially a contraction of the smooth muscles of the uterus. They do not lead the uterus to dilation and childbirth, which is why they are called training.

Many pregnant women experience these contractions, but many have never heard of them. And therefore, it would be useful to know what it feels like during Braxton-Hicks training contractions.

Training contractions may appear after the twentieth week. Their presence or absence is not at all considered an indicator of deviation during the pregnancy itself. It is easy to recognize training contractions by certain symptoms that occur when they appear. The sensations are usually the following. The muscles of the uterus begin to periodically tense, and the tension takes on the character of an attack, which lasts about a minute. The frequency of such attacks can vary - from two or three times a day to two or three or more times per hour. At this moment, the uterus tenses so much that the pregnant woman can easily feel and even palpate it. Typically, such attacks do not bring any physical discomfort, contractions do not develop, and their intensity and frequency do not increase.

Symptoms of Braxton Hicks contractions

Here are some characteristics that can be used to determine that these are training contractions and not real labor contractions.

• A feeling of compression appears in the upper part of the uterus (in the groin area, lower abdomen).
• Contractions are irregular.
• Contractions are irregular and unpredictable.
• During real contractions, the sensations seem to pass through the stomach to the lower back, and during false contractions they are concentrated in one area.
• There is no pain during training contractions.
• Gradually the contractions fade away on their own.

What triggers the appearance of training contractions?

Training contractions can be caused by excessive physical activity of the woman and the movements of the child. The worries and experiences of the pregnant woman play a role. If a woman has had intense sex and orgasm, false contractions may also occur. In addition, they appear when a pregnant woman is dehydrated. Contractions can be triggered by even light pressure from a hand placed on the stomach.

Should I avoid training bouts?

There is nothing wrong with false contractions; they do not affect the course of pregnancy in any way. as stated above. However, in order to avoid unnecessary worries, it is better to avoid some situations. To do this, the expectant mother needs to drink a lot of liquid, and the water should be still. It is also necessary to empty the bladder in a timely manner.

Don’t let training contractions scare you - this is the body preparing for the upcoming birth, and you have the opportunity to train and understand your sensations.

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» Signs of labor

Belly at 32 weeks

As the uterus and baby grow, the pregnant woman’s belly naturally grows. Its size at this stage is about 85 cm. It causes the most inconvenience in terms of its weight and displacement of the center of gravity.

During these weeks, a woman may experience some concerns regarding her abdomen:

• the stomach “turns to stone” - becomes hard, “heavier” - often these are manifestations of false contractions, but in some cases it may indicate a threat;
• Rhythmic twitching of the abdomen (not moving the baby) is possible - this is how you can observe the baby hiccupping in the womb;
• the stomach has dropped - many pregnant women perceive this “event” as a clear sign of the imminent onset of labor. But from the moment of prolapse (if this is really it) until the onset of labor, up to 4 weeks can pass.

The expectant mother should not react to every sign and get nervous over trifles. If a woman does not experience obsessive discomfort or pain, then she should not worry.

Child development during this period

The child is actively gaining weight, now he weighs about 1700, and is already 38-41 centimeters tall.
During this period, subcutaneous fat is actively formed, the baby’s muscles are actively developing. He constantly exercises, pulls himself up, moves his arms, his movements have become completely coordinated.

The face has already become rounder, the skin has become lighter, the baby actively shows his emotions, grimaces if he swallows something bitter with the water. Reacts to sounds if he likes them, listens to sounds, feels satisfied. Also, vice versa, if something scares him, he shrinks and experiences fear.

The baby's body is fully prepared for independent life. The immune system constantly produces antibodies so that the baby after birth has immunity to viruses.

The nervous system continues to improve. Now the baby can feel pain, pleasure, and respond to external factors. Also, the nervous system sends uniform impulses from the brain to the muscles, which leads the child to conscious movements of the arms and legs. For example, the baby understands which hand he is raising now.

The endocrine system fully performs its functions. And the adrenal glands began to produce a special hormone that forces the mother to produce lactation for the future feeding of the baby.

The baby has grown well, all his organs have formed, and his body has become proportional, now his head is no larger than his body. Fat continues to be shed, which is why the hair on the body decreases every day.

During this period, most children are already lying in the correct position upside down. But, do not forget that not all children roll over at this stage. Why does the baby roll over? The baby's brain is more developed than all other organs. That is, its mass is much greater than the weight of other organs, thereby outweighing the head, which gives the baby the opportunity to somersault, move head down, finding the most comfortable body position.

Woman's weight

Most of the weight gained during pregnancy is the weight of the baby, amniotic fluid and placenta. The last weeks of pregnancy are very “dangerous” for a woman’s figure, since during this period the body very easily and quickly gains extra pounds and centimeters.

Also, a pregnant woman should be careful: if over the last 32 weeks she has gained more than 11 kg or more than 400 g per week, this may be a sign of the development of gestosis.

Ultrasound

It's time for a scheduled ultrasound. First of all, the doctor will assess the condition of the placenta, how it is attached, at what distance it is from the cervix, its structure and thickness. Based on these indicators, the doctor will determine that there are no viral infections.

Examination of the placenta during this period is very important, as placental insufficiency may develop, which leads to unpleasant consequences for the baby. If the placenta is severely damaged, premature birth is caused in order to save the child.

Also during this period, they look at the baby’s position and what position he is in. The size of his head, the roundness of his tummy, and the diameter of his hip bone are measured.

If the baby has not yet laid down in the desired position during pregnancy, you can do exercises so that the baby takes the correct position in the uterus. The exercise is performed about three times a day, when you have not yet eaten. To do this, you need to lie on the floor, on your left side. Lie in this position for 8-9 minutes, then turn on your back and immediately on your right side, lie for the same amount of time. And so alternate positions for an hour, then on one side for 7-8 minutes, then on the other side.

Woman's feelings

This period is not characterized by a riot of emotions and sensations for a woman (unless, of course, she is expected to give birth at 32 weeks).

As before, the woman is haunted by unpleasant sensations associated with:

• pressure of the uterus on the internal organs (heartburn, constipation, shortness of breath);
• acceleration of metabolic processes (sweating, tachycardia);
• expansion of the pelvic floor (aching pain in the lower abdomen);
• enlarged abdomen (itching on stretched skin);
• anticipation of childbirth (anxiety, suspicion, feelings of fear, uncertainty).

If proper sleep and rest will help you cope with some sensations and experiences, then in other cases you may need the support of loved ones or a psychologist.

Uterine contractions

They may appear for the first time during 31-32 weeks of pregnancy. This is how many months, you already know. If we proceed from ordinary calculations, then seven and a half, and by obstetric standards a little less. Be that as it may, it is during this week that frequent uterine contractions appear, which are training and do not pose a threat to the life of the child. Pressure from the uterus on the bladder can cause uncontrolled urination. This may also cause minor pain, which can be relieved with the help of valerian and other sedatives.

Pain at 32 weeks

Unfortunately, a woman cannot do without pain during this week of pregnancy.

What worries:

• pain in the back and lower back from overload under the weight of the abdomen;
• pain in the pelvic area due to discrepancy of the pelvic bones;
• headaches due to surges in blood pressure;
• pain in the hypochondrium due to active kicking of the baby.

Pain that does not allow a woman to fully rest; which are accompanied by atypical discharge; as well as long-term and very painful ones should be the reason for seeking help from a doctor.

Discharge at 32 weeks of pregnancy

As in previous weeks (months), the nature of the discharge should not normally change. This is a whitish, odorless discharge of uniform consistency.

If:

• they become watery (a possible sign of leakage of amniotic fluid);
• there is an unpleasant odor and itching (signs of infection);
• there is bloody impurities (a possible sign of the onset of labor or other problems)

A pregnant woman should definitely seek qualified help.

Lifestyle of the expectant mother

Much of what was “useful” and recommended during the pregnancy of our mothers is not relevant today or has been refuted. Therefore, when organizing a pregnant woman’s regimen, it is better to listen to the recommendations of the doctor, and not of mothers and grandmothers.

So, meals should be organized according to the principle “for two”, and not “eat for two”. It is not the quantity, but the quality of food that is important. A pregnant woman’s diet at this stage must include foods rich in magnesium, zinc, iron and vitamin D. No fast carbohydrates, fatty or spicy foods.

Maternity leave is a time for a pregnant woman to relax, but it is better to give preference to active recreation. The body must be ready and trained by the time labor begins. And for this it is not at all necessary to go to special classes.

It is enough to walk, move, do breathing exercises and Kegel exercises. Sex at 32 weeks of pregnancy is not contraindicated if the mother and child are feeling normal in the womb.

Useful tips

• The body needs a regular supply of magnesium, zinc, iron, and vitamin D. Also alternate foods so that during one meal you consume at least two food groups.
• Distribute your day correctly, in order not to put a lot of strain on your legs, get more rest. But don't forget about physical activity. Yoga, fitball, and breathing exercises will help the body cope with unpleasant moments and strengthen it for future childbirth.

Examinations, tests and ultrasound at 32 weeks of pregnancy

At the antenatal clinic, a woman will receive the same standard appointment with a gynecologist.

Examinations:

• measure weight and blood pressure;
• decipher the tests taken the day before;
• measure the height of the uterine fundus and abdominal volume;
• listen to the baby's heartbeat and determine his presentation.

At this time, a routine ultrasound is also performed, in which you can see not only what the baby looks like, but also how it develops, how it is located in the abdomen, the condition of the cervix, placenta, blood flow, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord.

What can you find out on an ultrasound?

Most likely, an ultrasound at 32 weeks of pregnancy will be your third planned examination. This important procedure will tell the doctor about the well-being and development of the baby, its presentation, the progress of pregnancy and the preparation of your body for the upcoming birth.

You can also ask the doctor to do an ultrasound video of your baby at 32 weeks of pregnancy! By measuring the weight and height of the fetus, the doctor will be able to calculate with what weight and size the child will arrive at birth. Such indicators are one of the determining factors when choosing the optimal option for future births. If your baby is seriously overweight, your doctor may consider performing a cesarean section.

An important task of ultrasound examination is to assess the amount and nature of amniotic fluid. At the same time, interpretation of an ultrasound scan at 32 weeks of pregnancy makes it possible to exclude polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios during pregnancy. The condition of the placenta and its place of attachment are carefully examined.