Week 33 of Pregnancy

Key Takeaways at Week 33

• Another new symptom that might appear soon? Darker nipples. Hormonal changes can alter the appearance of your areolas. This is thought to be an evolutionary phenomenon that helps babies locate them for breastfeeding

• Speaking about breasts, are they a little leaky? Your breasts are clearly bigger, and they may have already begun producing colostrum, a thick and highly nutritious yellow fluid that breastfeeding babies consume in the first few days of life

• It's still too early for the baby to arrive, but it's vital to watch for signs of premature labour. Having said that, the infant weighs roughly 1-2 kg right now

• Hopefully, the baby will sink lower into your pelvis soon. Ideally, they'll be head down and ready for birth! If your doctor or midwife tells you your baby is breech, don't panic. There is time for them to change positions, and your provider will walk you through the possibilities

• Week 33 of pregnancy is an ideal time to begin packing your hospital bag. You might also want to study up on postpartum care and stock your medical cabinet with some necessary new mum care goods. Sure, you may not see a baby for another month or so, but if you have an unexpected early arrival, you won't have to worry about which shirt to pack or if you have haemorrhoid cream on hand

• If you are in Week 33 of your pregnancy you are in the third trimester and in the eighth month

• 7 more weeks remaining in your pregnancy

Baby's Movement and Baby’s Development at Week 33

By 33 weeks, the baby's brain and nervous system are fully formed and can control certain bodily activities. At this point, the baby's brain has electrical activity in the sensory areas of the cerebral cortex. However, the cerebral cortex, which is in charge of thinking, feeling, decision-making, and voluntary actions, is the final region of the brain to develop. In fact, this reasoning section of the brain will not be fully developed until your child is around 25 years old!

Right now, the baby's liver is storing iron from the foods you consume, so consume proteins like chicken or eggs with a side of leafy greens. Iron helps your body produce haemoglobin, which transports oxygen throughout the body via red blood cells. If you intend to breastfeed, keep in mind that breast milk contains very little iron. However, most babies are born with enough iron in their bodies to last for the following six months, or until they begin consuming iron-rich solid meals.

Although the baby's bones are hardening, they remain supple and pliable. At birth, newborns have five distinct skull bones divided by connective tissue known as fontanelles (soft patches). This helps your baby's head to shapeshift and fit through the delivery canal. By the time the baby is 12 to 18 months old, the soft areas will have hardened and disappeared.

Baby Movements at 33 Weeks

Your baby is getting rather snug in the womb. They're getting a little too comfortable in there to be changing positions all that frequently. But your cutie will still be kicking, sometimes rather hard!

Baby Position at 33 Weeks

Between weeks 33 and 36, your baby should be moving towards the optimum delivery position: head down, resting on the cervix, with their face turned towards your back. You might be able to feel their head down in your stomach and their kicks up near your rib cage. Don't worry, your doctor will monitor your baby's position until birth and has options for adjustment if necessary.

• Baby Weight: Over 1.9 Kg
• Baby Length: 19 inches long
• Baby Size: The baby is the size of a celery head

Can you have a baby at 33 weeks?

It's still early, so getting genuine contractions at 33 weeks is called preterm labour. Certain difficulties and conditions increase your chances of going into labour early, such as having too much amniotic fluid or being pregnant with twins.

Pregnancy Symptoms and Body Changes This Week

During week 33 of pregnancy, your body is dramatically changing. As your baby grows, so will you, and you may feel specific pregnancy symptoms throughout this period.

• You may be overheated, especially during the warmer months. But all of the sweating and chafing will be worth it when that tiny bundle of joy arrives in approximately seven weeks! Use a portable fan and sip cool liquids. Cool baths (and even foot baths) can help you relax
• You're likely to be fatigued by now, thanks to spells of insomnia and a hungry child draining your energy reserves
• Stretch marks are normal, and while there is no cure, applying cocoa butter or moisturiser to them will alleviate any discomfort
• Put your feet up! With all the weight you're carrying, your swollen ankles need a rest
• Not only is your mind playing tricks on you with ambiguity and "baby brain," but you may also find yourself unintentionally clumsy
• Your breasts may be leaking colostrum, a nutrient-dense fluid commonly known as pre-milk. It's loaded with antibodies and other advantages for your baby. Breast pads can absorb these leaks
• Haemorrhoids (induced by hormones and constipation) and bigger veins due to increased blood volume can be painful. Staying hydrated, eating high-fibre foods, and applying ice packs are among home cures, but consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and additional pregnancy-safe treatment choices
• Itchy skin is common during pregnancy, but if it is severe, consult your doctor, as a small number of pregnant women have a liver problem called obstetric cholestasis

Body Changes This week

There is more baby than amniotic fluid in there now, so you have less protection from bumps and kicks, which may catch you off guard and even cause you pain.

With the uterine walls thinner, your baby is more sensitive to light and dark, which helps to govern sleep habits in the womb.

You may be weary, and three out of four pregnant women are likely to experience insomnia. Practice excellent sleep hygiene and try some pregnancy-safe activity.

33-week Ultrasound

If you had an ultrasound at 33 weeks pregnant, you would notice that the baby is keeping their eyes open while awake. An ultrasound may be performed as part of a biophysical profile (BPP). This test is performed in the third trimester for high-risk patients (so if you're pregnant with twins, you may receive them on a regular basis) and after 40 weeks for women who miss their due dates. The ultrasound will assess your foetus's activity, respiration, muscle tone, and amount of amniotic fluid. The non-stress test, which is the second phase of the BPP, will evaluate how your baby's heart rate varies when they move or when you contract.

Consider it an extra check to ensure everything is fine with your baby.

Your Baby Bump at Week 33

By 33 weeks pregnant, you may have gained 9 to 12 kg in total, 14 to 19 kg if you're carrying twins.

If your belly tightens on occasion, you are most likely experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions. How do you know? Braxton Hicks are not unpleasant and usually occur after sex or exercise. They vary from ordinary contractions in that they stop when you alter positions. Real contractions continue at regular intervals. If they occur every five minutes for at least an hour, it's time to contact your doctor.

At 33 weeks pregnant, cramps similar to a period may indicate preterm labour. Vaginal bleeding, odd discharge, or leaking can all occur. At this stage, pressure in your pelvic area could also be a clue. Be on the alert for these symptoms. If anything concerns you, empty your bladder, lie on your left side, drink water, and contact your doctor right away.

Contractions occur at 33 weeks

Braxton Hicks contractions will continue for the rest of your pregnancy. These inconsistent contractions, sometimes known as "false labour," can last anywhere from 15 seconds and two minutes.

Real labour contractions are intense, occur every 10 minutes or more, and increase in intensity with time. You may also feel pelvic pressure, have vaginal bleeding or spotting, and leak fluid from the vagina (indicating that your water broke). Labour before 37 weeks is called premature. If you notice any symptoms, try to remain calm and contact your doctor.

Tips and Exercise at Week 33

Being 33 weeks pregnant is a significant milestone for both you and your baby. Here's some additional professional advice on how to transition to this new stage while keeping you and your baby safe.

• As your body is overheating, you might want to consider purchasing a portable cooling device, especially if you're pregnant during the hot months. It can range from a desktop air conditioner that plugs into an outlet to a battery-powered, handheld fan that you can take with you for a brief burst of cool air
• If you are tired and forgetful during the day, develop a bedroom atmosphere that promotes restful sleep. Use a white noise machine or light-blocking window coverings, or spray relaxing lavender essential oil on your sheets. Needless to say, set your thermostat so the room stays cold, and you won't lose sleep sweating all night!
• You have a lot on your plate right now, so make a to-do list or use your phone's digital calendar software to keep a note of everything that needs to be done

Checklist for Week 33

• Pack your hospital bag as you'll want to be prepared
• Enquire about hospital resources for new mothers, such as lactation consultants.
• Learn the indications of labour
• Prepare for your postpartum recovery by stocking up on essentials like pads and extra underwear

Frequently Asked Questions on Week 33 of Pregnancy

1. What baby essentials should I have before my baby is born?
   Buying products for your first baby can be stressful, but don't allow the flood of advice and marketing to overwhelm you. One essential item is a car seat, which may not be too common in India but is a good idea in general for safety. Otherwise, the basic necessities are a good supply of newborn nappies, at least six sets of PJs, several bodysuits, a couple of cardigans, socks or booties, a weather-appropriate hat or warm clothes (if it's cold), a baby sleep space with a firm mattress, a couple of tight-fitting sheets, and perhaps a sleep sack or swaddle. You'll most likely need to get a pram as well as breast- and/or bottle-feeding supplies.
2. How should you feel at 33 weeks pregnant?
   Have you had an overpowering desire to clean your house or organise all of the baby's onesies and nappies in the nursery? You're nesting, an instinct that arises in the final weeks of your pregnancy as you prepare for your new baby. Aside from the usual symptoms, what else is slowing you down? Lack of sleep is common in the third trimester. There are several potential causes, ranging from a full bladder to a lively and kicking baby.