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Week 32 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside

Overview

Around this time, your baby is getting ready to do a very important thing that they will need to do in the outside world: Breathe.

Wondering what your baby looks like at 32 weeks? Your baby is now about the size of a cabbage. Average baby length is 11 in. (280 mm). And average baby weight is 3.7 lb (1700 g).

How your baby is changing

Here are some of the important changes happening around 32 weeks.

  • Babies put on a lot of weight this month.
  • Your baby is still small enough to change position a lot—from head-down to feet-down, or even sideways. You'll notice more movement or less movement at certain times of the day and night.
  • By 32 weeks of pregnancy, your baby's eyes can respond to changes in light.
  • The lungs and central nervous system are working well enough that a baby born this month can breathe and keep fairly warm with medical support.

Credits

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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