33rd week of pregnancy Week
There are weeks, not days, left until you meet your baby! Your body and mind are now preparing for birth, and your baby continues to develop rapidly. What awaits you this week?
💡 You may notice changes in your breasts! Due to the effects of hormones, your areolas may darken. It is thought that this helps the baby find the nipples more easily after birth.
🍼 Milk leaking? Normal! Your breasts may have grown and you may already be producing colostrum . This nutrient-rich liquid will be invaluable to your baby in the first few days after birth!
⚖️ The baby now weighs about 1.9 kg and is getting stronger every day. He is preparing to move into the ideal position for birth, head down . If he is still in breech position, don’t panic, there is still time for him to turn.
🎒 It’s time to start packing your hospital bag! You may be in labor in a few weeks (it’s good to be prepared for surprise early arrivals 😉 ). Also, learning about postpartum care and stocking up on necessary supplies now can make your job easier.
33rd Week of Pregnancy Baby’s Development 🧠 💡
The baby’s brain and nervous system are now fully developed and have begun to control some of their body’s functions! 🎉
🧠 Brain activity is increasing rapidly! The sensory parts of the brain are sending electrical signals and preparing the baby to explore the world. However, the part of the brain that manages thinking, decision-making and conscious movements will continue to develop after birth. In fact, according to scientists, this part continues to mature until the child is 25 years old !
🥩 It fills the iron stores! The baby’s liver has started to stock the iron it will need after birth. For this, you should be careful to consume iron-rich foods such as red meat, spinach, lentils and legumes . If you plan to breastfeed, even though breast milk is low in iron, the baby will have stored enough iron to last for 6 months when it is born .
💀 Bones are getting stronger but still flexible! The baby’s skeleton is hardening rapidly, but the bones of the skull are still soft and flexible . This is because the bones in the skull have not yet fully fused so that it can pass through the birth canal more easily. After birth, these fontanelles will close completely in 12 to 18 months.
Your baby is getting more and more ready for the outside world ! Keep your energy high and enjoy, there is very little time left! 🥰 💖
33 Weeks Pregnant: Baby’s Size and Ultrasound Image 🍼 📏
🥬 Baby’s Size: At 33 weeks of pregnancy, the baby’s length is approximately 43 – 44 cm and its weight is around 1.9 – 2.1 kg .
📅 How Many Months Is 33 Weeks Pregnant?
Weeks 33 means you’re past the eighth month of pregnancy, but doctors usually track pregnancy by week because it’s a more accurate measurement.
📸 Week 33 Ultrasound
If you get an ultrasound this week, you may see that your baby is keeping his eyes open and moving more ! 😍 If you have a high-risk pregnancy or are expecting twins , your doctor may do a biophysical profile (BPP) test .
👶 Why is the BPP test performed?
✔️ By ultrasound: Measures the baby’s movements, breathing exercises, muscle tone and the amount of amniotic fluid.
✔️ Non-stress test (NST): Observes how the baby’s heartbeat responds to their movements and whether there are contractions.
These tests help ensure that your baby is comfortable and safe in the womb . Also, if you are past your due date, your doctor may do these tests more frequently after the 40th week .
Changes in the Mother and Common Symptoms in the 33rd Week of Pregnancy 🤰 💫
If we were to sum up the 33 weeks pregnant symptoms in one word, it would definitely be “COMFORT!” 😅 Here are the most common feelings that await you this week:
🔥 Continuous Warming
Your baby is giving off more body heat now, and you may be feeling a bit of a pregnancy fever . It may be a good idea to wear light clothing and drink plenty of water.
🤕 Headaches
Hormonal fluctuations, stress and inadequate water consumption can cause headaches. Drink plenty of water , get some rest and, if possible, close your eyes and do breathing exercises in a dimly lit environment.
😮💨 Shortness of Breath
When there’s a tiny baby sitting on top of your lungs, it’s hard to take deep breaths! This feeling can be especially intense if you’re expecting twins . But don’t worry, baby will soon move down into a birthing position and your lungs will be a little more relaxed.
🤯 Pregnancy Forgetfulness (“Pregnancy Brain”)
Lost your keys? Did you put your phone in the fridge? 🤦♀️ Don’t worry, pregnancy brain is a real thing! Stress, hormones, and lack of sleep can cause this forgetfulness . Take precautions by taking notes or setting reminders on your phone.
💨 Desire to Nest (Nesting)
Are you crazy about cleaning lately? Do you want to organize the baby room so that everything is in its place and put the clothes in layers? Congratulations, you’ve entered nesting mode! 🏡 But try not to overdo it, being on your feet for too long and getting tired is not good for you before birth.
😴 Sleep Problems
Frequent trips to the bathroom , a kicking baby, and not being able to find a comfortable position to sleep can keep you up at night . Taking a light walk before bed, using a supportive pillow for support, and reducing fluid intake a few hours before bedtime can help.
Position of the Belly and Baby at 33 Weeks of Pregnancy 🤰 💖
We’re in week 33 and your belly is now more visible! 🎉 You may have gained an average of 10-13 kilos so far. If you’re expecting twins , this number can go up to 14-19 kilos . Although these changes in your body may bother you at times, don’t forget that these kilos are preparing your baby and you for birth! 🥰
💓 Braxton Hicks Contractions
Do you sometimes feel tightness and hardness in your belly? These could be Braxton Hicks contractions ! These are practice contractions that your body is preparing for birth and usually occur after sex, exercise, or a lot of movement . How they differ from real labor contractions:
✅ It is painless and the discomfort is short-lived
✅ It passes when you change position
✅ It is irregular and does not become frequent
If your contractions are regular , becoming more frequent and painful , this could be a sign of premature labor and you should call your doctor immediately 🚨
🔍 Baby’s Position: Has Head-Down Movement Started?
Your baby is probably in a head-down position now , or will be very soon. 🍼 If you feel your belly dropping , your baby may be moving down towards the birth canal. But some babies like to stay up until the last minute 😅 So don’t worry if you haven’t noticed any changes yet!
👶 What Happens If a Baby Is Born at 33 Weeks?
Your baby is now largely developed , but it’s still early to be born . A baby born at 33 weeks is considered premature and may need special care in the hospital . If you’re having twins or your doctor detects a condition like too much amniotic fluid , you may be at slightly higher risk of premature labor.
💡 Remember: Your body is currently growing your baby and preparing for birth. Get plenty of rest, increase your fluid intake, and enjoy the miracle in your belly! 🥰 ✨
Ways to Take Good Care of Yourself During 33 Weeks of Pregnancy 💆♀️ 💖
Don’t forget to show yourself some self-care as your baby continues to grow! Here are a few tips to make your life easier for the 33rd week:
🧊 Use Cold Compress
Do you have a headache? Or are you suffering from hot flashes that come with pregnancy? Cold compresses come to the rescue! You can get instant relief by placing a cold towel on the back of your neck or on your wrists . It’s a great way to cool down and relieve headaches !
🌬 Stay Cool
If your body temperature has increased with pregnancy, you may want to consider getting a portable fan or mini desk fan , especially during the summer months. Even a small handheld fan can make a big difference!
😴 Improve Your Sleep Quality
Insomnia and fatigue can be annoying during these weeks. Here are some suggestions for a comfortable sleep:
✅ Block out external noise with a white noise machine
✅ Lightly scent your pillow with lavender essential oil
✅ Darken your room by using light-proof curtains
✅ Lower the room temperature and create a comfortable environment
📝 Take Note of Everything
Are you wondering, “Why did I come here for this?” Forgetfulness can increase significantly during these weeks due to pregnancy brain . So, create a to-do list or use reminders on your phone. That way, you don’t miss anything!
💖 Bonus Tip:
Smile at yourself in the mirror every day and say , “I am doing a great job!” Because you really are. 🥰 ✨
Frequently Asked Questions About the 33rd Week of Pregnancy
Are There Any Changes in My Baby’s Movements in the 33rd Week of Pregnancy?
Yes, because the baby is bigger this week, its movements may also change. The movements may feel stronger, but the number of movements during the day may decrease because the baby now has less room to move.
GIs It Normal to Urinate Frequently During the 33rd Week of Pregnancy?
Yes, this is normal. As your baby grows, the pressure on the bladder increases, causing the need to urinate more often.
G33rd of midwifery Week Is It Normal to Have Back Pain?
Yes, back pain is common at this stage of pregnancy. As the baby’s weight increases, the central balance of her body changes, which can lead to back pain.
Is It Normal to Have Insomnia at 33 Weeks of Pregnancy?
Yes, many expectant mothers suffer from insomnia during this period. This can be due to difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position, frequent urination and increased stress levels.
Which Exercises Can Be Performed in the 33rd Week of Pregnancy?
Light exercise, such as walking, pregnancy yoga and Pilates, is recommended during this period. However, you should talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.
33rd Week Pregnancy Checklist 🍼 ✨
✅ Pack your hospital bag – It’s always best to be prepared in case you encounter an early surprise!
✅ Find out what your hospital offers for new mothers – especially about support services such as breastfeeding counselling.
✅ Learn the signs of labor – Knowing which symptoms are normal and when you should go to the hospital will help you feel more at ease.
✅ Prepare for postpartum recovery – Stock up on large pads, comfortable underwear, and other essentials now.
