Your Pregnancy at Week 33

At 33 weeks pregnant, you're likely excitedly counting down the days until your baby arrives. It's normal to feel overwhelmed at this stage, as you might juggle several tasks. If you're still working, you probably have a lot to wrap up before starting maternity leave. You may also be busy buying baby gear and setting up a space for your little one at home.

While it can feel like a lot, remember to relax and focus on your well-being, don't hesitate to ask for help with your to-do list, taking care of yourself is important, too.

Baby Development at Week 33

At week 33, your baby continues to gain weight rapidly, about 220 grams each week. This means that the initially skinny and wrinkled appearance is gradually disappearing as the body becomes more filled out and rounded.

The skeleton is hardening, but the skull bones remain unfused to allow for flexibility during birth. This separation helps the skull adjust and slightly overlap as it travels through the birth canal. As a result, many babies are born with a cone-shaped head, which usually smooths out within a few days. The skull bones won't fully fuse until around two years of age.

By this time, your baby has probably moved into the birth position, with their head pointing downwards. The baby might also descend further into your pelvis as delivery approaches, which can happen any time within the next six weeks.

In the final 12 weeks of pregnancy, antibodies that help fight infections are passed from you to your baby through the placenta. Premature babies, however, are at a higher risk of infection because they have not had the full benefit of this antibody transfer. 

Body Changes at Week 33

By week 33, you should have gained between 22-28 pounds. You might find your libido has increased, which is normal. You can safely continue having sex until labour begins or your water breaks, though some adjustments might be needed for comfort.

Managing a large belly can make sleeping difficult. Frequent trips to the bathroom, leg swelling, restlessness, and heartburn can all contribute to insomnia. Additionally, stress from preparing for the baby might also affect your sleep.

It's crucial to ensure you get plenty of rest. To improve your sleep, avoid screens, intense exercise, and eating or drinking in the 1-2 hours before bed.

Make your bedtime routine relaxing, consider a warm bath or aromatherapy, ask your partner for a foot rub or back massage, and use extra pillows for comfort. If you still have trouble winding down, try listening to soothing music, drinking decaf tea, or reading a book.

Baby Bump At Week 33

As your baby grows, your uterus expands to accommodate them. At 33 weeks of pregnancy, if your fundal height were measured, it would likely be around 13 inches (33 centimetres). Fundal height is the distance from the top of your pubic bone to the top of your uterus. However, every pregnancy is unique, so your bump might look different.

You might feel an increased pressure in your lower body as your baby moves lower into your pelvis. This usually happens around 33 weeks or the following weeks as your baby prepares for birth.

Pregnancy Concerns at Week 33

Most women do not experience a dramatic gush of amniotic fluid. Only about 1 in 10 women have this dramatic release, which often happens at home, sometimes while in bed. The amniotic fluid may leak slowly as a small trickle for many others. It's also possible for the amniotic sac to break or start leaking before labour begins⁽²⁾.

It’s completely normal to feel unsure about whether you’re leaking amniotic fluid or urine, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Amniotic fluid is typically clear, watery, and odourless. If you think your waters may have broken, it’s best to contact your midwife or maternity unit as soon as possible. While you’re waiting to be seen, try to avoid using tampons, having sex, or doing anything that could introduce bacteria into the vagina, as this may increase the risk of infection.

If the fluid is anything other than clear and odourless, such as greenish or foul-smelling, it might indicate an infection, so inform your doctor. Most doctors will assess both you and your baby promptly after the membrane rupture to monitor for infection risk, and they might decide to induce labour if necessary.

Advice for Partners

Although your baby's birth is still a few weeks away, you and your partner need to start discussing birth control options for after delivery. Your partner might be focused on other aspects of pregnancy and may not have considered this yet, so it's helpful to bring it up intentionally. It's a good idea to research different methods together to choose an effective option that suits both of you.

Keep in mind that some birth control methods aren't suitable for women who are breastfeeding, and breastfeeding alone isn't a reliable form of birth control.

Pregnancy Checklist for Week 33 

• Now is an excellent time to start preparing for breastfeeding. Consider attending a breastfeeding class, researching the topic, and purchasing items like breast pads and a breast pump if you think you might prefer expressing.

• Check your hospital's policy on rooming-in, which means keeping your baby with you in the same room 24/7 after birth. It can be beneficial for bonding and getting used to your baby's needs right from the start, but it's entirely your choice if you prefer not to do it.

• You probably have many hopes and dreams for your baby that you want to cherish and share. To ensure these thoughts aren't forgotten, consider writing a letter or a series of letters to your baby. 

• Childproof your baby's nursery even if your little one won't be moving in immediately. It's never too early to prepare, and by getting a head start, you'll appreciate having one less thing to worry about during the busy early months.

• Consider sorting your baby's clothes by size to make it easier to find what you need, regardless of your baby's size at birth or as they grow.