It is the 32nd week of pregnancy, i.e. the 8th month of pregnancy. The baby’s weight at 34 weeks is 1.9 kg and his height is 40.5 cm. 

Vernix caseosa covers its skin in a thick layer. It protects her from amniotic fluid and on the day of birth, will facilitate the release of the baby. Underneath the skin is less and less wrinkled and becomes pink, but it will be necessary to wait a few months after birth for the baby to have its final complexion.

The same goes for the color of her eyes: it will not be definitive until several months after birth, the time for daylight to pigment the iris, the colored part of the eye. This definitive color – almost unique in the world – is the result of a complex combination of different genes on which the concentration of melatonin will depend, a pigment that will give the eyes its brown, green or blue color. Meanwhile, the newborn has slate blue eyes.

The baby at 32 weeks keep swallowing lots of amniotic fluid. To strengthen his skeleton, he consumes a lot of calcium. His calcium level is also higher than that of his mother.

Under the effect of cortisol secreted by his adrenal glands, which are very large at 34 SA, the production of surfactant continues. It is essential for lung maturation.

Seven months pregnant, the mother produces antibodies, IgG, which cross the placental barrier and pass into the fetal circulation. The newborn thus benefits from passive immunity which will protect it at birth against many infectious diseases. It will keep these antibodies for about 6 months (1).

During 3nd quarter, the future mother tires quickly and begins to have difficulty moving. Getting up from the sofa or bed is not so easy anymore, just like tying the laces of your shoes! Shortness of breath is also looming. In question, the uterus which compresses the diaphragm and reduces the volume of the thoracic cage, but also the increased cardiac and respiratory work induced by the baby and the placenta.

The kidneys of the mother-to-be 34 weeks of amenorrhea are working at full speed in order to process, in addition to his own, the baby’s waste. With the uterus compressing the bladder more and more, the hormonal climate which causes a decrease in the tone of the urinary tract and a chemical modification of the urine during these 9 nine months, the risk of urinary tract infection is at its maximum. 8th month of pregnancy. To prevent it, be sure to drink regularly throughout the day. In the event of a sign of urinary tract infection, it is recommended to consult without delay because if left untreated, cystitis can cause fever, and therefore contractions.

Seven months pregnant, it is normal to have contractions, but they should be painless and infrequent (less than 10 per day). In case of closer contractions, a consultation is necessary. The doctor or midwife will look for changes in the cervix with a vaginal examination or an ultrasound of the cervix. In the event of a threat of premature delivery, sick leave and home monitoring by a home midwife may be prescribed.

The hormonal climate changes little by little in preparation for childbirth and can lead to mood swings. The imminent arrival of childbirth raises questions, even concerns.

Seven months pregnant, the mother-to-be still has time to take care of herself and think about her unborn baby. She can already prepare her birth list, because those around her will surely ask for what she needs. Relatives are happy to spoil baby and many prefer to be guided in choosing a gift. Each mother will have a different list, depending on her desires, but also on what seems essential to her. As for childcare equipment, it is also she who judges the usefulness or not of each object. Usually certain things are needed like the car seat, stroller or changing table. Conversely, for other accessories such as the deckchair or the baby bath, it is the parents who decide. In any case, it will always be possible to buy or be offered equipment after the birth. 

The oetus at 34 weeks gestation continues to develop, so her mother needs to rest and listen to her body. Sometimes, small pains in the back or the stomach and discomfort can put on alert and are the signs to be taken care of. At 8th month of pregnancy, it is still possible to do prenatal yoga, to have a massage or to swim (except against the doctor’s indications). On the other hand, if the future mother feels severe pain or does not feel well, she should not hesitate to contact the maternity ward, the midwife or her doctor. 

• perform exams for the 8th month of pregnancy: urine analysis, toxoplasmosis serology if the mother-to-be is not immune;
• go to the consultation with the anesthetist (during the 8th month). This consultation is mandatory, because even if the mother-to-be wishes to give birth without an epidural, it is possible that she changes her mind or that a complication of childbirth requires anesthesia for a forceps or a cesarean section. The purpose of this consultation is to find the history of health problems, any problems encountered during a previous anesthesia, allergies. The anesthesiologist performs a clinical examination in order to detect a possible contraindication to the epidural, and prescribes a biological assessment in order to control the blood coagulation factors;
• think about the birth announcement;
• finish preparing the baby’s room.

To meet the high calcium requirements of 32 week fetus, consume daily dairy products or foods rich in calcium: cruciferous vegetables, mineral water, canned sardines, white beans.

Until the end, sexual intercourse is possible, except medical contraindications:

• a threat of premature childbirth, because orgasm can cause contractions (without consequence if the cervix is ​​well closed);

Even if the urge is still present at 32 weeks of pregnancy – which is not always the case for both men and women – the presence of a large belly can interfere with lovemaking and requires adapting the position. Those of the teaspoons, the andromache or the so-called doggy style make it possible to bypass this obstacle of the big belly. Vaginal dryness can also appear at the end of pregnancy, so do not hesitate to use a lubricant. Finally, note that in the event of bleeding after intercourse, it is necessary to consult.