How Much Should Your Baby Weigh at 32 Weeks Pregnant?

After 32 weeks of pregnancy most women are very aware of the amount of weight they have gained. Realizing that some of that weight is actually the new baby can help a pregnant woman feel better about herself. In the third trimester, the baby is actually gaining weight quickly and therefore so is mommy.

Size

By week 32 of pregnancy the average baby weighs approximately 4 lbs., maybe a little less, maybe a little more. He is somewhere between 15 inches and 17 inches long. Since finding out the exact weight of a baby while pregnant is based on the weight gain of the mother, it is important to gain the weight safely. Your doctor will give you an idea of how much weight to gain each month. Try to stay within these guidelines by eating healthy (you can give into some of those cravings though) and continue to exercise. However, do not feel bad if you put on a few extra pounds in the process. If you are having a hard time gaining the weight, go ahead and eat more. Just remind yourself you are doing this to help support your little one.

Facts

Now that the third trimester is in full swing your little baby will gain approximately 1 lb. every week until birth. She is gaining weight now to assist with delivery and labor which can be stressful on her physically. Also she will use this weight to sustain her as she waits for her mother's milk to come in, which can take a couple of days. Some of the weight she gains in the third trimester she will lose in the first couple of days after birth.

Considerations

Your little baby is quickly gaining weight and preparing for life now. His bones are hardening forming a stable skeleton. This change will add to his weight slightly, so not all the weight he is gaining is fat storage. Keep in mind that as his bones get harder his kicks and punches will become stronger. Now is the time to watch for a visible little hand or foot pushing against mommy's belly.

Features

By this point in your pregnancy your baby has started to grow hair on her head, her fingernails and toenails have grown in completely. She is starting to look like a cute little baby. The weight she is putting on is helping to plump her out and is giving her skin a healthy coloration instead of the more translucent skin she had earlier in the pregnancy.

Time Frame

Since the gestation period for women is 10 months or 40 weeks, there are only eight weeks left at this point. Listen to your body---be aware of new back pains or even gaining too much weight in a day or not enough in a week, and let your doctor know if anything does not seem right. If you tell your doctor about an uncomfortable symptom and she says not to worry just try to relax and keep taking care of yourself so that the baby can continue to grow in a healthy environment.

References

• Average Fetal Length and weight
• Neonatal Weight Loss
• Great Expectations: Your All-In-One Pregnancy & Childbirth. Sandy Jones & Marcie Jones. 2004.

Resources

• Your Pregnancy:32 weeks
• Not Gaining Enough Weight During Pregnancy?