Hey, mammas-to-be! Congratulations on reaching the 33-week milestone of your pregnancy! You now have just 7 more weeks to accomplish, and then your little bundle of joy will be in your arms! When you’re 33 weeks pregnant, your body is continuously giving you clues that it’s preparing you for birth. You must be facing several challenges and discomfort during this time as the baby has grown inside and taken up most of the space.
Understanding what’s happening right now can help you feel more confident and prepared as you approach motherhood. So, without further ado, let’s get to know what’s happening in and out!
How Big Is Your Baby at 33 Weeks?
At 33 weeks, your baby has made remarkable progress. Your little one now weighs approximately 4.5 to 5 pounds and measures around 17 to 18 inches long. It’s almost like the size of a pineapple. While this might seem small, your baby has nearly completed their major developmental milestones.
Your baby’s lungs are among the most critical organs developing right now. They’re producing surfactant, a crucial substance that helps lungs inflate and function properly after birth. If your baby were to be born now, they would have a very good chance of breathing without significant respiratory support. However, staying in the womb for the full 40 weeks allows for continued lung maturation and strength.
Furthermore, brain development is also revving. Your baby’s brain is developing neural connections rapidly, and their hearing is fully formed. Many babies at this stage respond to sounds, music, and your voice with movement.
Pregnancy Symptoms When You’re 33 Weeks Pregnant
The third trimester brings a distinct set of symptoms, such as follows:
- Braxton Hicks contractions are increasingly common at 33 weeks. They’re painless and irregular, typically occurring a few times per day but not following a predictable pattern. While these contractions can feel uncomfortable or alarming, they’re your body’s way of preparing your uterus for labour.
- Fatigue often intensifies at this stage despite your pregnancy being nearly over. Carrying extra weight, frequent nighttime bathroom trips, and hormonal changes all contribute to exhaustion. Your body is also working hard to support your growing baby, which depletes your energy reserves.
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, and hands is extremely common. At 33 weeks of pregnancy, swelling is normal due to increased fluid retention, but severe swelling could indicate preeclampsia, so always mention it to your provider.
- Back pain and pelvic pressure amplify as your baby grows and drops lower into your pelvis. The hormone relaxin continues loosening your joints and ligaments, which can cause discomfort but is essential for labour.
- Sleep difficulties afflict several women when they are 33 weeks pregnant. Your growing belly makes finding comfortable positions challenging, and you may wake frequently to use the bathroom or due to Braxton Hicks contractions.
Other common symptoms include heartburn, constipation, haemorrhoids, leg cramps, and a persistent need to urinate frequently.
5 Key Signs To Watch For At 33 Weeks Pregnant
This is a very delicate phase, and the risk of premature delivery is higher. It’s important to watch out for these 5 key signs:
- Regular contractions or abdominal tightening
- Period-like cramps or pressure in the vaginal area
- A “show” – when the mucus plug that seals the cervix comes out
- A sudden gush or trickle of fluid from the vagina (your water may have broken)
- Unusual backache that doesn’t feel normal for you
If you experience any of these symptoms, always reach out to your doctor. Early attention can make all the difference.
How to Prepare for Delivery?
With seven weeks remaining, it’s time to shift into active preparation mode. You can do the following things in order to prepare for the D-day!
- Take a childbirth education class if you haven’t already. These classes include pain management techniques, breathing exercises, and what to expect during delivery.
- Pack your hospital bag now, including comfortable clothes for you and your baby, toiletries, entertainment, and items for your partner.
- Choose a paediatrician and ensure your newborn’s room is prepared. Wash baby clothes, install a safe crib, and stock essentials like diapers, formula if needed, and basic supplies.
- Most importantly, build your support network. Whether that’s your partner, family, and friends, having people who can support you during labour and the early postpartum period is invaluable.
The Key Takeaway
You’re 33 weeks pregnant, and you’re getting ready for your baby’s arrival. You’re probably feeling excited and a bit tired. Take things one day at a time, look after yourself, and ask for help when you need it. You’re making important choices now, like storing your baby’s stem cells with LifeCell, which can help their health in the future.
