What physical development occurs at 32 weeks?

At 32 weeks of gestation, significant physical developments are occurring in the fetus, and one of the important milestones is the development of fingernails and toenails. This process typically begins around 24 weeks, but by 32 weeks, the nails are continuing to grow and become more well-defined, indicating that the fetus is approaching a stage where it can survive outside the womb. The presence of nails is important for the baby's ability to grip and interact with its environment post-birth.

The other options highlight important developmental milestones, but they do not characterize the primary physical developments typically noted at 32 weeks. For example, while the eyebrows and eyelashes indeed form earlier in gestation, at 32 weeks, the focus is more on the growth and refinement of existing structures rather than the initial formation of features. Lungs begin to mature significantly around this time, but they do not reach full maturity until closer to the term. Skin thickening is a process that occurs as the fetus continues to develop, but at this stage, it is the nails that are more prominently advancing in their formation and growth.