Reaching 33 weeks pregnant marks an amazing achievement; now in your third trimester and only 7 weeks left before you meet your little one! At this stage of gestation, emotions such as excitement, fatigue, and curiosity about what is taking place inside may arise as a result.
As your pregnancy enters week 33, your baby will continue to develop senses and movements similar to newborns while you prepare your own body for labor with carrying an increasing weight load from their growing presence.
This week is full of changes for both of you, as your little one develops mentally while you prepare physically and emotionally for delivery day. Let’s explore what 33 weeks pregnancy entails in more depth.
Your Baby’s Development at Week 33
In the week 33 pregnancy, your baby is about one pineapple size: about 43–44 cm long and weighs 1.9–2.1 kg. What makes this phase special, however, is not just the size: intelligence and coordination also shine brightly at this point in development.
Key developmental milestones at 33 weeks:
Brain power: Our minds are expanding exponentially, as grooves and folds form to increase capacity. This week marks a leap forward in intelligence as connections for memory retention and learning increase dramatically.
Fetal Movement: At 33 weeks pregnant, your fetal movements become more intentional; kicks, stretches, and even hiccups may feel stronger than before. You may even detect your baby responding to voices and sounds!
Immune System Strengthen: By giving them antibodies from you during gestation, antibodies are being passed along and prepared for life outside the womb.
Lung Development: Although their lungs may not yet be completely developed, your baby stands an extremely high chance of survival with medical support if born at this time.
Sleep cycles: Your baby alternates between REM sleep and quiet restful rest, which explains why patterns may begin to emerge in their fetal movements at 33 weeks pregnant.
Every movement your infant makes demonstrates their healthy development within.
Your Body & Common Symptoms at 33 Weeks Pregnant
Carrying a baby during the third trimester can feel like running a marathon; at 33 weeks pregnant, your body has reached its limit.
Common 33 weeks pregnant symptoms include:
Shortness of breath: As your uterus presses against your diaphragm, deep breaths become difficult.
Frequent urination: The bathroom tour increases when pressing your child’s head on your bladder.
Back pain and pelvic pain: Excess weight can put inappropriate stress on muscles and joints.
Brexon Hick contraction: By practicing regular contractions, their effects can be more pronounced.
Inflammation (edema): The retention of fluid in the legs, hands, and ankles is normal, but beware of sudden or significant inflammation that requires medical intervention.
Colostrum leakage: Your child can start preparing their first milk from within 24 to 36 hours of postpartum. After this, colostrum production may soon be visible.
Sleep conflict: Finding an ergonomic sleep condition becomes more and more challenging for pregnant mothers with large bellies.
Tip: Use additional pillows to support both your stomach and back while sleeping on your side for maximum comfort.
33 Weeks Pregnant in How Many Months?
A commonly asked question is this one: At 33 weeks pregnant, how many months?
Now, eight months pregnant. Weeks 32-35 (Month 8) Now it is truly the final stretch.
33 Weeks Pregnant Baby Position
By conception week 33, most children start shifting to the head-to-down (safe) position and prepare for birth.
Common positions at 33 weeks pregnant:
Head-down position (ideal for giving birth). Breach (buttocks or feet first; many children still turn to head and down), birth is still relatively normal and should not be confused with head-down delivery. Transverse (usually temporary). In 33 weeks, your doctor should conduct a prenatal travel or ultrasound and assess your child’s condition. Even if he/she has not yet moved, there is time for movement and progress.
33 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound
An ultrasound provides invaluable insight into a 33 weeks pregnancy. Your child can practice breathing, sucking his thumb, or nap. A growth scan allows doctors to monitor the child’s length, weight, and overall growth. Blood flow and placenta function will be measured to ensure a safe pregnancy. At this stage, the ultrasound examination can also be useful in monitoring the level of amniotic fluid and can verify if your child has taken the situation correctly.
33 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms of Labour
Even though most women do not enter labor at this stage, it’s still crucial that you recognize practice contractions from true labor.
Signs of false labor (Braxton Hicks):
Uneven contractions with no increase in intensity; instead, discomfort rather than pain is present.
Signs of preterm labor at 33 weeks pregnant:
Regular and painful contractions occur regularly. Your symptoms could include vaginal bleeding or watery discharge from the vagina. Lower back pain with pelvic pressure at 33 weeks pregnant, and experienced a reduction in the fetal speed. If you notice these symptoms, reach out to your doctor immediately.
What Pain Is Normal at 33 Weeks Pregnant?
All discomfort does not indicate danger in pregnancy in the 33 week womb. Common and safe symptoms at this stage include:
Round ligament pain: hip in the form of sharp twinging or pain in the stomach.
Backache: Excess weight and posture adjustments can lead to backache.
Pressure on Pelvic Organs: Due to the baby falling into the lower pelvis area.
However, severe cramping, sharp abdominal pain, or headache with blurred vision should never be ignored.
Is It Safe to Deliver at 33 Weeks?
Babies born at 33 weeks of gestation are considered moderate preterm.
Survival Rate with Neonatal Care: Over 98%.
Challenges: Breathing support, feeding difficulties, and temperature regulation were some of the top three issues identified during assessment.
Long-Term Outcome: Most babies catch up developmentally by one to two years of age.
Although giving birth at week 33 is never ideal, modern medicine offers excellent outcomes.
33 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms Not to Ignore
Keep a sharp eye out for symptoms that could signal complications during the third trimester:
Seek medical assistance immediately if you experience:
Any sudden increase in hand, face, or eye swelling (possible preeclampsia). Headaches or vision changes could be symptoms. Persistent abdominal discomfort. Vaginal bleeding or the sudden release of fluid. At 33 weeks pregnant, there was a discernible decrease in fetal movement. These symptoms could indicate preterm labor, high blood pressure issues, or other problems requiring immediate attention.
Your 33-Week Pregnancy Checklist
At week 33 of gestation, preparation is key to success.
What to Do This Week:
Prenatal Visit: As part of your regular prenatal check-ups, assess the baby’s growth, heartbeat, and your blood pressure.
Kick Counts: Keep track of the baby’s daily movements.
Start packing essentials for you and your baby today in your hospital bag.
Birth Plan: Communicate preferences to both your partner and healthcare provider before discussing a birth plan.
Rest and Nutrition: Eat nutritious meals, stay hydrated properly, and get adequate rest.
Pelvic Floor Exercise: Kegels strengthen muscles for both pregnancy and recovery.
Prepare baby gear: Launder clothes for newborns and set up their crib before finalizing car seat arrangements.
As you wrap up week 33, your body is just finishing its preparation for the main event: ovulation. The journey is just beginning, and what happens next is crucial.
Ready to find out about ovulation, fertilization, and the very first signs of development?
Continue to Week 34 Pregnant: Your Next Steps and What to Expect
FAQs About 33 Weeks Pregnant
1. What Size Will My Baby Be at 33 Weeks Pregnant
Around 43-44 cm in length and approximately 2 kg.
2. How many kicks should I experience at 33 weeks?
3. Can I Travel at 33 weeks Pregnant?
4. Is pelvic pain normal at 33 weeks of pregnancy?
5. Will stress affect my pregnancy now?
Yes, chronic stress can negatively impact pregnancy. Try practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga and mindfulness meditation to minimize its effect.
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