32 weeks pregnant: your growth scan, the last Tdap week and travel

At 32 weeks pregnant your baby weighs about 2kg and is about 42cm long, KKH says. All five senses are working: your baby can see light through your womb, make tears and has REM sleep, the stage of sleep when dreams happen. Several Singapore deadlines land this week too.

Your baby at 32 weeks

HealthXchange gives a range for the end of week 32: usually 38 to 43cm and 1.8 to 2.2kg. Babies vary, and your growth scan will estimate your own baby's weight.

Your growth scan

KKH's planner calls this the third ultrasound of pregnancy. KKH offers it at 28 to 32 weeks and NUH at 32 weeks. It checks:

• how your baby is growing, and whether there's enough fluid around them
• your baby's position and where the placenta lies
• an estimated weight, worked out partly from the size of your baby's tummy

Vaccines: one window closes, another opens

This is the last week of the best window for the whooping cough vaccine, 16 to 32 weeks. If you've missed it, the Health Appointment System says it can still be considered after 32 weeks, though it may protect your baby less. The RSV vaccine opens now: KKH says it can be given between 32 and 36 weeks to lower your baby's risk of RSV infection in the first few months.

Flying and driving

KKH's current advice is that commercial flights are generally safe before 36 weeks, or 32 weeks if you're carrying twins. Its older planner page told mums to stop international flights by 32 weeks, so ask your doctor, and check the airline's own rules, which vary. Our flying while pregnant guide sets them out airline by airline.

There's no fixed rule on when to stop driving, KKH says. Stop when your bump starts to affect how well you can use your legs, and always wear your seat belt.

Leave notice: due about now

By default, Government-Paid Maternity Leave starts 4 weeks before the birth, and MOM needs at least 4 weeks' notice. If you're starting at around 36 weeks, tell your employer this week. Your partner's paternity leave and any shared parental leave also need 4 weeks' notice. The maternity leave calculator works out your exact dates.

What's due in Singapore at 32 weeks

When to go to the hospital

Fewer movements, regular or painful tightening, leaking fluid, bleeding, or pre-eclampsia signs such as a severe headache, blurred vision or sudden swelling need the hospital now.

Where to go: at KKH, if you're 22 weeks or more with leaking fluid, bleeding or signs of labour, head directly to the Delivery Suite on Level 2 of the Women's Tower. NUH's Delivery Suite is Ward 22, Level 2 of the Main Building. Other hospitals have their own, so find out where yours is before you need it.

Frequently asked questions

Can I fly at 32 weeks pregnant?

KKH says commercial flights are generally safe before 36 weeks with one baby, but not past 32 weeks with twins. Check with your doctor and airline.

Is it too late for the whooping cough vaccine after 32 weeks?

It can still be considered, the Health Appointment System says, though it may give your baby less protection.

How big is a baby at 32 weeks?

About 2kg and 42cm, KKH says; HealthXchange gives a range of 1.8 to 2.2kg.

32 weeks pregnant is how many months?

About seven and a half months, counted from the first day of your last period.

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