Week 33 at a glance
If you’re 33 weeks pregnant, congratulations!
The finish line is in sight.
So, let’s take a look at what’s happening this week with you and your tiny little human.
So how many months is 33 weeks pregnant?
33 weeks pregnant in months is your 8th month!
Only 7 weeks left!
Look how far you’ve come, you wonder of a human!
What’s happening inside that remarkable body of yours, you ask?
In this article: 📝
- Week 33 at a glance
- Baby development at 33 weeks
- Pregnancy symptoms at 33 weeks
- Pregnancy tips at 33 weeks
[Your pregnancy week-by-week module]
Baby development at 33 weeks
A fetus at 33 weeks has developed all of its major bodily systems and organs and is already putting them to good use.
Are you wondering, what is the normal weight for a baby at 33 weeks?
The answer is, about 4.3 pounds!
That’s right, your baby is already heavier than a half gallon of milk or an average pineapple.
Also, you may look like you’ve swallowed just one basketball, but your baby is now about as heavy as three basketballs!
Fun facts about 33 weeks pregnant fetal development:
Some razor-sharp reflexes are developing
Your baby is starting to realize that there is a link between swallowing and sucking.
They’re also starting to develop the rooting reflex, which links stimulus to a response.
(Real-world example? You stroke your baby’s cheek. They open their mouth and turn their head to look at you… and, of course, melt your heart in the process.)
Your baby might be head down, feet up
What position is the baby in at 33 weeks?
Well, you may be able to feel that your baby has turned upside down, sometimes from the startling kicks coming from higher up on your belly.
If your baby hasn’t moved head-down yet, don’t worry, there’s still time.
If your doc is worried about a breech (feet first) birth, they might do an ultrasound to check up on that little 33 week fetus of yours.
Kickboxing practice
While there’s not a whole lot of room for your little one to move around at this point, your baby should be giving you some healthy kicks.
Your healthcare provider has likely chatted to you about kick-counting.
About ten kicks every two hours is what you’re looking for.
Talk to your doc if you’re at all concerned.
Pregnancy symptoms at 33 weeks
Being 33 weeks pregnant can feel all sorts of uncomfortable.
Sleep isn’t easy, heartburn is real, and the extra cargo can be the cause of some serious exhaustion.
Some of what you might be experiencing at this point:
Diarrhea 33 weeks pregnant
In yet another charming pregnancy development, diarrhea in the third trimester is a common symptom.
It can happen just before labor and sometimes occurs quite a few weeks beforehand.
Get some fluids into that beautiful belly of yours so that you stay well-hydrated.
Diarrhea at this stage is typically nothing to worry about and is not necessarily a sign that you’re having your baby early.
However, if you are at all concerned, if it has not resolved over 2 days, or is associated with a fever or blood in your stool, don’t hesitate to speak to your healthcare provider.
Pain and puffiness
From your feet to your ribs to your lower back, aches feel as though they are present in every corner of your body at 33 weeks.
Rest when you can.
Do some very mild exercise.
And don’t be shy about reaching out for help when things feel like too much.
Pregnancy can take your breath away
That little one is taking up so much room that your respiratory system is like, “Woah. I’m running out of space here.”
Your diaphragm and lungs are unable to operate at their normal levels of efficiency ‒ and that can leave you feeling a little winded.
Can you have a baby at 33 weeks?
Yes, it’s completely possible to have your baby when you are 33 weeks pregnant.
While this is still considered “moderately preterm,” a baby born at this time has a 95% chance of survival and a low risk of health complications.
Pregnancy tips at 33 weeks
Now for some top tips from our Peanut moms-to-be about what you should be doing at 33 weeks pregnant:
- Read up on all there is to know about newborn care ‒ you might not have long before they arrive!
- Make sure to have a plan in place for when labor starts, especially if you have pets or other kiddos.
- Get yourself a baby first-aid kit and take an infant CPR class to feel more confident about your baby’s safety.
- Put the finishing touches on your little one’s nursery and create a cozy and welcoming space for your new arrival.
- Pack your hospital bag with all your essentials and a few extra snacks for good measure!
- Get all the remaining baby essentials you’ll need and stock up on postpartum care supplies for yourself.
- Learn about labor and delivery, but keep in mind that every mom’s experience is unique and different.
- Don’t forget to keep up with your Kegels, as they’ll help you prepare for childbirth and postpartum recovery.
- Finalize your birth plan and ask other moms for their advice and experiences to find what works best for you.
- Track your baby’s movements and kick counts to make sure your little one is healthy and active, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor if you have any concerns.
- Stay on top of your prenatal appointments and check-ups, as your doctor may want to see you more often now.
- Start prepping frozen meals now to ensure proper nutrition for you and your baby after birth. You’ll thank yourself later!
- Install your car seat and get used to putting it in and out of your car.
- Have a car safety check done, just in case.
- Schedule your Group B Strep test ‒ this usually happens at about 35-37 weeks.
All the best for this last chapter of your pregnancy.
Know that it’s totally fine to slow down, take care of yourself and your little one, and give yourself time to process whatever feelings are coming up as you approach the end of your pregnancy.