32 weeks pregnant: fetal development

Medically reviewed by Joseph Aquilina, Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist

Your baby now weighs about 1.7kg and is as long as a bunch of celery, around 42.4cm from head (crown) to heel (Hill 2019a).

From 32 weeks, babies born early have a good chance of surviving and thriving, although they'll need help to breathe at first (Boyle et al 2015, Field et al 2016, Tommy's 2016, 2017). This is because their lungs won't be fully developed until just before birth (Tommy's 2017).

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Your baby's fingernails are fully formed and have reached the tips of her fingers (Hill 2019b, Moore et al 2019, Visembryo nda). Her toenails grow to full length later than her fingernails, but they are just visible at this stage (Hill 2019b, Moore et al 2019, Visembryo nda). If she gets an itch, she may gently scratch herself (Visembryo nda). Your baby's hair is getting thicker (Visembryo ndb), although it may thin out after birth (Hill 2020, Moore et al 2019).

By this stage, your baby may be getting ready for birth by lying in your uterus (womb) with her head pointing downwards (NHS 2018). If she's not this way round yet, don't worry. Most babies move into a head-down position by 36 weeks, so there's still plenty of time for her to turn (RCOG 2017).

Find out how your life and your body are changing this week with our guide to 32 weeks of pregnancy.

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Note: Every baby develops differently. This page is designed to give you a general idea of how a fetus grows in the uterus.

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Sources

BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organisations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.

Boyle EM, Johnson S, Manktelow B, et al. 2015. Neonatal outcomes and delivery of care for infants born late preterm or moderately preterm: a prospective population-based study. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 100(6):F479-85

Field D, Boyle E, Draper E, et al. 2016. Towards reducing variations in infant mortality and morbidity: a population-based approach. Southhampton (UK): NIHR Journals Library (Programme Grants Appl Res No. 4.1). www.ncbi.nlm.nih.govOpens a new window

Hill MA. 2019a. Fetal development. University of New South Wales, Embryology. embryology.med.unsw.edu.auOpens a new window [Accessed April 2020]

Hill MA. 2019b. Integumentary system: nail development. University of New South Wales, Embryology. embryology.med.unsw.edu.auOpens a new window [Accessed April 2020]

Hill MA. 2020. Integumentary system: hair development. University of New South Wales, Embryology. embryology.med.unsw.edu.auOpens a new window [Accessed April 2020]

Moore KL, Persaud TVN, Torchia MG. 2019. Integumentary system. Chapter 19 in The developing human: clinically oriented embryology. 11th ed. Elsevier

NHS. 2018. You and your baby at 32 weeks pregnant. NHS, Health A-Z. www.nhs.ukOpens a new window [Accessed April 2020]

RCOG. 2017. Breech baby at the end of pregnancy: information for you. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Patient information leaflet. www.rcog.org.ukOpens a new window [Accessed April 2020]

Tommy's. 2016. Gestational age and medical needs. www.tommys.orgOpens a new window [Accessed April 2020]

Tommy's. 2017. Breathing support for premature babies. www.tommys.orgOpens a new window [Accessed April 2020]

Visembryo. nda. 32 wks post ovulation: fetus begins to develop immune system. www.visembryo.comOpens a new window [Accessed April 2020]

Visembryo. ndb. 30 wks post ovulation: rapid brain growth; head size increases. www.visembryo.comOpens a new window [Accessed April 2020]

Megan Rive

Megan Rive is a communication, content strategy and project delivery specialist. She was Babycenter editor for six years.

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