Week 32 of pregnancy: Packing the Hospital Bag

Your baby's organs are mostly formed now, with the lungs and brain still maturing, and much of the remaining work is growth. Many Indian doctors arrange a growth scan around this time. For you, this is a good week to pack a hospital bag, so you are ready well before the due date, and to know one specific warning sign: itching of the palms and soles, often worse at night, which can be obstetric cholestasis and needs a blood test the same day.

From head to heel, a typical baby is about 42 cm now. The Hadlock chart puts the middle weight at about 1.95 kg, and some consumer sites quote higher figures that overestimate for most babies, especially in India. The 1.7 kg shown reflects a smaller typical baby; your own scan may read higher or lower and still be normal.

Every pregnancy is different - you may have some, all or none of these.

Itchy palms and soles

Unlike stretch-related itching over the bump, this itch is often intense, on the hands and feet and worse at night. Do not wait for your next appointment; contact your doctor the same day for a blood test.

Itchy bump

Dryness and stretching cause mild itching over the bump. A fragrance-free moisturiser and loose cotton clothes help. If the itch moves to your hands and feet, treat it as the warning sign above.

Heartburn

Smaller portions and sitting upright after meals help. Ask your doctor before taking an antacid.

Swollen feet

Gradual swelling by evening is usual. Swelling that appears suddenly, or in the face and hands, needs a same-day check.

Braxton Hicks tightenings

More frequent now, and they often ease if you change position or drink water. Before 37 weeks, tightenings that become regular or painful need assessment.

• Third-trimester growth scan

  Commonly offered

  Around 32 weeks (commonly 28–34 weeks)

  Many private obstetricians in India arrange a growth scan with Doppler around this time. It estimates the baby's size and checks amniotic fluid and placental blood flow. This reflects local practice, not a national guideline, and the UK and WHO do not recommend routine late scans in uncomplicated pregnancies. A result outside the expected range usually leads to closer monitoring.

• Bile acid and liver tests

  Only if needed

  If itching starts, usually after 28 weeks

  A blood test for bile acids and liver function checks for obstetric cholestasis. If it is confirmed, your doctor will discuss a plan for the rest of your pregnancy.

• Non-stress test (NST)

  Only if needed

  From about 32 weeks in some higher-risk pregnancies

  An NST records your baby's heart rate pattern for a short time. In India it is used from about 32 to 36 weeks in some higher-risk pregnancies and near term in many private hospitals; practice varies.

• Whooping cough vaccine timing

  Varies by provider

  Ideally before 32 weeks (UK)

  The UK advises having it before 32 weeks for best protection, though it can still be given later; FOGSI and US timing run to 36 weeks.

Scan routines differ widely between hospitals. Ask why a scan is being done and what the result means for your care.

• 🌿ICMR-NIN advises about 350 extra kcal a day in the second and third trimesters, more if you are undernourished; your doctor will advise on your needs. Nutritious snacks are an easy way to meet that without heavy meals.
• 🌿Good energy-dense options include a handful of nuts, roasted chana, makhana roasted in a little ghee, a banana with peanut butter, or a besan chilla. Keep sweet snacks such as chikki to small pieces.
• 🌿If you have gestational diabetes, choose savoury, protein-rich snacks and check portions with your team, including before adding dates or sweets.
• 🌿Some small studies suggest dates in late pregnancy may help with labour, but the evidence is not strong enough to rely on. They are a healthy snack, though high in sugar.

• •Keep walking and doing gentle prenatal yoga if they feel good; shorter, more frequent sessions may suit you better now.
• •Avoid getting overheated, especially in hot weather, and drink water before and after activity.
• •If you are travelling to another town for the birth, stop every hour or two on long road trips to walk and stretch your legs.
• •Keep up your pelvic floor exercises, and stop any activity that causes pain, bleeding, leaking fluid or regular tightenings.

• •Documents: your MCP card or antenatal file, scan and blood reports including your blood group, ID, and any insurance or scheme papers you may need.
• •For you: loose front-opening clothes or nightwear, a feeding bra, plenty of maternity pads, underwear you do not mind spoiling, slippers, a shawl, toiletries, a water bottle and a phone charger.
• •For your baby: soft cotton clothes, caps and socks, a few wraps or swaddle cloths, nappies and a soft towel. Ask your hospital for its own list, as some supply items.
• •Keep the bag near the door, tell your family where it is, and tuck in a written list of contacts for the hospital and your birth companion.

• ?Is a growth scan planned for me, and what will you look for?
• ?My hands and feet itch; can I have a bile acid test?
• ?What should I bring in my hospital bag, and what does the hospital provide?
• ?Will I need an NST later in pregnancy?

• Pack your hospital bag
• Put all reports and your MCP card in one folder
• Stock a few healthy snacks at home and work
• Book the growth scan if advised
• Show your family where the bag is