You're now 33 weeks pregnant! Congratulations. Your baby will soon be here, and your life will be a lot different! You're probably wondering what's going on with your body and your baby at this stage. Well, we're here to give you the answers. Keep reading to find out all about what's happening with you and your baby at 33 weeks pregnant.
Key Points
- By this stage, about half a pound a week of your weight is going to your baby as they continue to grow.
- You may experience Braxton Hicks contractions at this time. Make yourself aware of what labor signs are so you don't confuse the two.
- Your baby might very well have a full head of hair by this point!
Body Changes at 33 Weeks Pregnant
By week 33 of pregnancy, about half a pound a week of your weight gain is going to your baby. You may be feeling very tired, and have Braxton Hicks contractions in preparation for labor.
Your pelvis may feel pressure from your baby, causing aches and discomfort. Your belly button may pop out, but it will return to normal after delivery. There are a lot of other symptoms that you might experience at this stage, including dizziness, bloating and constipation, swollen hands and feet, headaches, sleeping problems, and mood swings.
If any of your symptoms become unbearable, then speak to your doctor. There may be things they can do to help. If not, rest assured that this will all be over with sooner rather than later. You only have about four to nine weeks left before delivery.
Your Baby's Growth and Development at 33 Weeks Pregnant
When you're 33 weeks pregnant, your baby measures about 12 inches from head to toe and weighs about 4.4 pounds
Throughout the next few weeks, your baby will gain more than half of his or her birth weight. Some babies have full heads of hair by now; others have only a bit of fuzz.
If your baby is a boy, the testicles are descending into the scrotum. All five senses are developed and your baby can listen, feel, and see. Your baby's eyes can detect light and the pupils can constrict and dilate in response to light.
Your baby's lungs are almost completely matured. Fat will continue to be deposited on your baby's body for protection and warmth. Babies gain a good deal of their weight in the final few weeks before birth. Around this time your baby's skin color turns from red to pink.
Things to Do at 33 Weeks Pregnant
Now that you've reached this stage, there's some things you'll definitely want to be doing to ensure you're prepared for your baby's arrival. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, but take it slow and remember to give yourself some “me” time! By informing yourself and making plans ahead of time, you're already three steps ahead!
Prepare for the birth. By now, you should hopefully have most or all of the supplies you'll need for your newborn. If not, make a list and continue shopping. You'll want to wrap up your shopping within the next couple of weeks, so that you are sure to have everything you need for your newborn. You'll also want to decide where you'll be having your baby, if you haven't decided on that yet.
Talk to your healthcare provider about Group B strep. You may want to get tested for this disease. If you're a carrier, it could make your baby very ill. Fortunately, there are steps your doctor can take to prevent complications as a result of a Group B strep infection. Your doctor may have already spoken to you about this, but if not, now would be a good time to bring it up.
Arrange transportation to the hospital or birthing center. You're not going to be in any shape to drive while in labor. Make the necessary arrangements for transport to the birthing center or hospital now. Make sure you have any emergency contact numbers saved. If you'll be giving birth at home, make sure you set up the appropriate plans for when you go into labor.
Prepare for after the delivery. If you plan on resuming sex after having your baby, you'll need to consider contraception. You can get pregnant a lot quicker than you might realize after delivering. Getting pregnant very quickly after delivery can present some issues, so it's important to use contraception during this time. If you want to resume birth control, you'll need to discuss it with your medical provider. They'll tell you how to go about going back on something like this. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about this.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Everything you need to know about being 33 weeks pregnant. This is a very exciting time for you! Make sure you contact your doctor if you have any other questions or concerns. They're your best resource at this time. If you start to notice anything abnormal or worrisome, call your doctor or head to the hospital. Remember that contractions don't necessarily mean labor. You'll want to familiarize yourself with what labor symptoms are now, so that you're prepared. Good luck throughout the rest of your pregnancy! Feel free to check out some of our other articles on pregnancy, childbirth, and life with a newborn. We've got dozens of articles on these topics for you to check out!
The information in this article should not be taken as professional medical or legal advice. Always seek the advice of a doctor for any medical questions or concerns. Always seek the advice of a qualified attorney for any legal questions or concerns. Moms Who Think is not responsible for any outcomes that may arise as a result of actions taken based on information we provide. It is your responsibility to do your own research and to take the appropriate measures to protect your health. It is also your responsibility to do your own research regarding legal matters.