Pregnancy Guide for Couples: Week 32
Is your baby positioned head-down, or are they still in a breech position? We have some information to share. We’ll also talk about SPD aka the horrible pelvic pain that you may be experiencing.
What’s Going on with Baby
At Week 32, your baby is the size of a football!
Is your baby head down at this point? If so, they will likely remain in this position throughout the rest of the pregnancy, which is ideal for a typical vaginal birth. If your baby is not head down but in a breech position where their butt, feet, or both are positioned to be delivered first, your doctor will talk you through some options, including:
Waiting. Some doctors will suggest waiting to see if baby will change positions spontaneously.
ECV. ECV (External Cephalic Version) is a procedure where a healthcare provider tries to manually turn the baby into a head-down position by pushing the abdomen from the outside. This usually is not performed until week 36.
Vaginal breech birth. Some doctors may feel comfortable having you birth the baby in the breech position, but this is not a common suggestion.
C-Section. A c-section may be recommended for Mom and baby’s safety if no other methods work to move baby out of the breech position.
If your baby is breech, no need to panic. There's plenty of time for baby to move. You may consider trying these Spinning Babies positions to encourage baby to flip.
What’s Going on with Mom
Have you been dealing with intense pelvic pain in the third trimester? If so, you may be experiencing SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction). Some may refer to this as PGP (pelvic girdle pain). Whatever you call it, it’s when the hormone relaxin softens the ligaments and joints in preparation for childbirth, and it is painful and uncomfortable. Here are some ways to relieve SPD pain:
Attend physiotherapy. A physiotherapist familiar with pregnancy-related symptoms can provide exercises and techniques to help you strengthen your pelvic floor.
Wear a pelvic support belt. A maternity belt may alleviate discomfort by providing support to the pelvis.
Avoid triggering activities. Consider what activities cause you the most pain and see how you can modify them to minimize pain. Take special care as you get up from bed to not aggravate the SPD.
Take doctor-approved pain meds. Your doctor may allow you to take pain medication like Tylenol for short-term pain relief.
Rest. Try not to overexert yourself. Rest, take breaks, and take it easy.
Sleep with a pillow between your legs. A pillow between your legs can provide relief to the pelvis.
What’s going on with Partner
Now is an excellent time to start preparing for active labor and how you can help as Mom’s support partner. One of the best techniques to master before labor is counter pressure techniques. Counterpressure techniques help reduce Mom’s pain and provide comfort. There are a variety of techniques that can be helpful, including:
Lower back counterpressure
Hip squeeze
Counterpressure on shoulders or hips
Foot massage/pressure
Practicing these techniques will make you feel confident when labor arrives. If you need some help, be sure to sign up for our Birth Class for Couples!
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
If you're struggling with SPD or any other type of pelvic pain, be sure to read this blog!
