Congratulations! You’re now 33 weeks pregnant, and your baby is continuing to grow and develop at an incredible pace. At this stage of fetal development, your baby is around 17 inches long and weighs about 4.5 pounds. That’s roughly the size of a pineapple!
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The Development of Your Baby at 33 Weeks
By the time you reach 33 weeks, your baby has developed all their major organs and is simply adding layers of fat to their little body. This extra fat will help keep your baby warm once they’re born, as well as providing them with energy in those first few weeks of life.
Your baby’s bones are also continuing to get harder, and their brain is now almost fully developed. At this stage, your baby is also practicing breathing, although they’re not actually breathing in air yet. Instead, they’re inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, which is helping to strengthen their lungs and respiratory system.
Your baby’s senses are also becoming more refined at 33 weeks. They can now detect light and dark, and their eyes are beginning to move around in their sockets. They can hear a lot more clearly now, too, and their skin is becoming more sensitive to touch.
What to Expect at 33 Weeks Pregnant
At 33 weeks pregnant, you’re likely to be feeling a lot of physical changes in your body. You might be experiencing more frequent contractions, which are perfectly normal at this stage of pregnancy. These “practice” contractions are known as Braxton Hicks contractions, and they’re helping to prepare your body for labor.
You might also be experiencing some mild swelling and discomfort in your legs and feet, as well as occasional backaches and shortness of breath. These are all normal symptoms of pregnancy, but if you’re ever concerned, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.
How to Prepare for Your Baby’s Arrival
As your due date approaches, it’s important to start thinking about how you’re going to prepare for your baby’s arrival. One of the most important things you can do is to make sure you’re getting enough rest and taking care of your own physical and emotional health. You’ll need all your energy once your little one arrives!
You might also want to start thinking about creating a birth plan, which will outline your preferences for labor and delivery. This could include things like whether or not you want pain medication, who you want in the delivery room with you, and what kind of atmosphere you want for the birth.
Another thing to consider is your baby’s nursery. You don’t have to have everything perfect before your baby arrives, but it’s a good idea to start thinking about what you’ll need and making a list. Some essentials might include a crib, changing table, diapers, and wipes.
Conclusion
At 33 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing and developing at an incredible pace. They’re getting ready for life outside the womb, and so are you! Remember to take care of yourself and prepare for your baby’s arrival in the way that feels best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it normal to feel Braxton Hicks contractions at 33 weeks?
A: Yes, it’s totally normal to feel Braxton Hicks contractions at this stage of pregnancy. These “practice” contractions are helping to prepare your body for labor.
Q: How much weight should I have gained by 33 weeks pregnant?
A: Every woman is different, but most women will have gained between 22 and 28 pounds by 33 weeks pregnant.
Q: How can I relieve swelling in my legs and feet?
A: Try to elevate your feet whenever possible, and avoid standing or sitting in one position for too long. Gentle exercise like walking can also help improve circulation.
Q: How often should I be seeing my healthcare provider at 33 weeks pregnant?
A: Most healthcare providers will want to see you for appointments every two weeks at this stage of pregnancy, but this can vary depending on your individual circumstances.
Q: When should I start packing my hospital bag?
A: It’s a good idea to start packing your hospital bag around 35 weeks pregnant, just in case your baby decides to arrive early!