A Complete Information Guide on Pregnancy Week 33

By Pregnancy week 33, your baby’s bones have become stronger/harden as you have taken good intake of calcium-rich diet.

You are 7 months and about one week pregnant. At this stage, the top of your uterus is approximately 5 inches above your belly button. You are just few weeks away from welcoming your baby in your arms. You may be feeling excited and nervous too. Excited for meeting your baby and nervous due to labor/delivery pain blues!

Let us now understand about the fetal development, the changes in your body, moods and symptoms and some important tips to be followed during this week.

Fetal Development in Pregnancy Week 33:

In Pregnancy week 33:

Size of baby – 17.2 inches (43.7 cm)- from crown to heel.
Weight of baby – around 4.2 pounds (1.9 kg)
Baby is as big as Durian.

The baby is growing rapidly and getting ready for the outside world.

In the coming weeks, the uterus will continue to grow larger to accommodate your baby by stretching your tummy.
The quantity of amniotic fluid is decreasing as your baby is growing day by day, thus he is taking more space inside your uterus. This is the reason now his kicks would be turning into more strong pushes.
The hairs must have grown on his head. Some babies have full hairs on their head while some have light hairs. Baby’s eyes are fully formed and functional.
His lungs will become mature and will produce surfactant (a fluid secreted from the cell that helps in airways to open and not collapse). The brain is also functioning well and the senses are responding properly.
The skin is more mature by this week and the wrinkles which were there present in your baby’s skin has now gone. Due to this, his skin has become softer and smoother than before. The weight gain process is continuing.
Now the baby can differentiate between day and night as your uterus walls are thinning down thus making passage of passing more light to him.
His bones are becoming stronger this week except for his skull bone which needs some more time to get strong. However, the skull bone will be soft as compared to the other bones of the body so as to get fit in the birth canal.

[icon type=”icon-lamp”] Join our Facebook closed group called “Parenting Mom Style” only for Moms and To-be Moms to share experiences and queries.

Pic courtesy: https://www.news-medical.net/

Moods & Symptoms in Pregnancy Week 33:

You can experience few of the following symptoms:

Discomfort while sleeping/Insomnia – It is a common symptom during pregnancy. But at this stage, this gets more elevated. Hormonal changes and the growing uterus creates the discomfort in your body which results in sleepless nights.
Numbness in hands or the tingling sensation in your fingers – This condition is medically termed as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It is common during the third trimester of pregnancy. The median nerve gets pressure due to the swelling and the retention of fluid which causes numbness and the tingling sensation.
Shortness of breath – Your growing uterus is giving pressure to your diaphragm resulting in breathlessness. But there is nothing to worry about as this is not harmful to your baby. Stay calm and practice deep breathing exercise to relieve yourself.
Change in a centre of gravity – This is due to the reason of your growing uterus. So, mind your steps and be extra cautious while walking. Do not wear high heels and stilettos. Whenever you go for a walk, ask your husband or any of your family member to accompany.
A backache – Your growing baby is trying to get accommodated in your uterus, which is giving some extra push to your pelvic bone and lower back. Use pillow at your back while sitting to prevent a back pain.
Light headedness or Headaches – It can happen due to lack of sleep, low blood sugar, cold/congestion, stress, dehydration and triggers like loud noises, strong odors, excessive heat/cold, glaring lights, artificial sweeteners, etc. Stay hydrated and follow healthy eating routine to get rid of headaches.

Note: Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual symptom or condition like vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, pressure in your pelvis, mucus-like discharge, duration of Braxton Hicks Contractions getting longer and painful or you are contracting regularly, water discharge (if you are having a constant flow that’s more like water than discharge, your water might have broken) etc. as these can be the signs of Preterm labor.

[icon type=”icon-lamp”] If you are carrying twins, at this week you may be at a higher risk of Preterm labor. Do keep a check on your contractions.

Do’s and Don’ts in Pregnancy Week 33:

At this stage, you must be feeling tired and exhausted and may be counting the days left for the delivery. But have patience, very soon you will be with your little one. During this time, you need to be extra attentive and cautious in your every move.

Have a look at the following tips to make your 8^th month of pregnancy a safer one:

Start shopping for your baby’s essentials, like soft cotton onesies, newborn size branded diapers, bed-cloth, cotton nappies, baby towel, etc. Make sure to wash new clothes and towel in soft and mild detergent as newborns skin is very sensitive and vulnerable to skin rashes and itchiness.
Practice Kegel exercise as it is good for the pregnant women. It makes the muscles flexible and ready for the labor.
Share your feelings with your loved ones. Do share some light and happy moments with your family.
Stay active as much as possible but at the same do not exert yourself and take the stress.
Do not stand for prolonged hours at a stretch. It can be harmful to you and for your baby.
Do not carry heavy objects as it leads to the contraction of stomach muscles and gives intense pressure to the uterus. This intense pressure can lead to a premature delivery.
Try to sleep on your left side.

[icon type=”icon-lamp”] Pack your hospital bag to avoid last minute tension. You never know when your baby will arrive! Happiness is on the way 🙂

There are many books available that can guide you preparing yourself for a normal delivery. Many online classes are providing mothers the necessary information about the birthing process without scaring them. So, educate yourself.

Happy Pregnancy!

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