Weeks 32 to 34 of Your Pregnancy: Care Instructions

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Decide whether you want to bank or donate your baby's umbilical cord blood. If you want to save this blood, you have to arrange for it ahead of time.

Decide about circumcision. Personal, religious, or cultural beliefs may play a role in your decision. You get to decide what you want for your baby.

Tips for weeks 32 to 34 of pregnancy

Learn how to ease hemorrhoids.

  • Get more liquids, fruits, vegetables, and fiber in your diet.
  • Avoid sitting for too long.
  • Clean yourself with moist toilet paper. Or try witch hazel pads.
  • Try ice packs or warm sitz baths for discomfort.
  • Use hydrocortisone cream for pain or itching.
  • Ask your doctor about stool softeners.

Consider the benefits of breastfeeding.

  • It reduces your baby's risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
  • Breastfed babies are less likely to get certain infections. And they're less likely to be obese or get diabetes later in life.
  • It can lower your risk of breast and ovarian cancers and osteoporosis.
  • It saves you money.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You have severe vaginal bleeding. You have soaked through one or more pads in an hour, and the bleeding is not slowing down.
  • You have sudden, severe pain in your belly that does not go away.
  • You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.
  • You passed out (lost consciousness).
  • You have a seizure.
  • You see or feel the umbilical cord.
  • You think you are about to deliver your baby and can't make it safely to the hospital or birthing center.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have vaginal bleeding.
  • You have belly pain.
  • You have a fever.
  • You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
  • You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
    • Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
    • Swelling in your leg or groin.
    • A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish.
  • You have symptoms of preeclampsia, such as:
    • Sudden swelling of your face, hands, or feet.
    • New vision problems (such as dimness, blurring, or seeing spots).
    • A severe headache that will not go away.
  • You have a sudden release or slow trickle of fluid from your vagina. This may mean your water has broken.
  • You've been having regular contractions for an hour. This means that you've had at least 6 contractions within 1 hour, even after you change your position and drink fluids.
  • You notice that your baby has stopped moving or is moving less than normal.
  • You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These may include:
    • Pain or burning when you urinate.
    • A frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
    • Pain in your low back (below the rib cage and above the waist).
    • Blood in your urine.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You have vaginal discharge that smells bad.
  • You feel sad, anxious, or hopeless for more than a few days.
  • You have skin changes, such as a rash, itching, or a yellow color to your skin.
  • You have other concerns about your pregnancy.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter X711 in the search box to learn more about "Weeks 32 to 34 of Your Pregnancy: Care Instructions".

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.