Key Milestone Weeks in Pregnancy

At 32-33 weeks pregnant, it's common for your baby to be in the head-down position, which is ideal for birth. Most babies are head-down by 32 weeks, although some may still be in the breech position (bottom or feet first). If your baby hasn’t turned yet, there’s still time and many babies shift into the head-down position in the final weeks of pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will monitor your baby’s position and may suggest options like an ultrasound or external cephalic version (ECV) later on if needed.

At 32-33 weeks pregnant, several vaccinations are recommended to protect both you and your baby.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

• Recommended between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.
• Helps pass protective antibodies to your baby, shielding them in the first few months of life when they’re most vulnerable.

Influenza (Flu)

• Can be given at any time during pregnancy.
• Protects against flu-related complications such as hospitalisation and premature birth, and also helps protect your baby after birth.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

• Recommended between 28 and 36 weeks.
• A single-dose vaccine that helps protect your baby from RSV-related complications like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

COVID-19

• Can be administered at any stage of pregnancy.
• If you haven’t been vaccinated or it’s been over 12 months since your last dose, a booster may be recommended.

Always consult your GP, midwife, or immunisation provider to confirm what’s right for you.

Breathlessness: Your growing uterus presses against your lungs, making it harder to take deep breaths.

Backache and Pelvic Pain: Increased weight and posture changes can cause discomfort in your lower back and hips. Pelvic girdle pain is also common.

Swelling (Oedema): Mild swelling in your feet and ankles is normal, but sudden or severe swelling—especially in your hands or face—should be checked for signs of pre-eclampsia.

Heartburn and Indigestion: Hormonal changes and pressure from your uterus can lead to reflux and discomfort after eating.

Constipation and Haemorrhoids: Slower digestion and pressure on your bowel can cause constipation, which may lead to haemorrhoids.

Leg Cramps: Often occurring at night, these are caused by changes in circulation and muscle fatigue.

Frequent Urination: Your baby’s position and increased pressure on your bladder can lead to more frequent trips to the bathroom.

Fatigue and Sleep Disruption: Discomfort, frequent urination, and anxiety about birth can affect sleep quality.

Emotional Changes: Anxiety, mood swings, and feeling overwhelmed are common. If these persist, speak to your healthcare provider.

If you experience severe pain, bleeding, blurred vision, or reduced baby movements, contact your healthcare provider immediately as these may be signs of complications.

It’s not too early to pack your hospital bag, in fact, packing your bag around 32 weeks is a good idea so you’re prepared in case labour starts early or you need to go to hospital unexpectedly. Packing early helps reduce stress and ensures you have everything you need, including:

• Your pregnancy health record
• Comfortable clothes and toiletries
• Maternity sanitary pads or period-proof underwear
• Items for labour (e.g. snacks, lip balm, water bottle)
• Essentials for your baby (nappies, wraps, clothes)
• Breastfeeding-friendly tops and maternity bras
• Birth plan, phone charger, Bluetooth speaker or other comfort items

Regular contractions: Tightening of the uterus that becomes more frequent and painful, unlike Braxton Hicks which are irregular and mild.

Lower back pain: Persistent or rhythmic pain that doesn’t ease with rest.

Pelvic pressure: A feeling that the baby is pushing down or increased pressure in the pelvis.

Vaginal bleeding or spotting: Any bleeding should be reported immediately.

Waters breaking (rupture of membranes): A gush or trickle of clear fluid from the vagina.

Change in vaginal discharge: Increase in discharge or mucus plug loss (known as a “show”).

Reduced baby movements: A noticeable decrease in your baby’s usual movement pattern.

Abdominal cramps or pain: Similar to menstrual cramps, especially if they come and go regularly.

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your midwife, doctor, or hospital immediately. Some premature labours can be delayed or managed with medical support, which improves outcomes for both mother and baby.

Babies born at this stage are considered “moderate to late preterm.” Many can breathe on their own but may need help with feeding, temperature regulation, and jaundice treatment. With specialised care in a neonatal unit, most babies born at this stage go on to thrive. Outcomes improve significantly with every extra week spent in the womb, so if preterm labour is detected, medical support may aim to delay birth.