Pregnant in week 33
In week 33 your baby is the size of a pineapple. Your baby's bones harden – only the skull stays soft so the head can pass through the birth canal. From this week you can have a Stork Shape figure made of your beautiful bump.
Your baby in week 33
Your baby measures around 44 centimetres and weighs about 1,900 grams. It now fills out most of the uterus and has less room to move.
The bones harden, but the skull bones are still soft and not fully fused. This allows the head to mould slightly and pass through the birth canal during birth.
Your baby's immune system is strengthened by antibodies from you, and it practises breathing, sucking and swallowing. The pupils can constrict and dilate in response to light.
Your body and symptoms in week 33
The bump is large and heavy, and the last weeks can feel long. Many experience increasing tiredness, soreness in the pelvis and a growing impatience to meet their baby.
Braxton Hicks contractions can become stronger and more frequent but are still irregular. Breathlessness, heartburn and trouble sleeping continue until your baby settles into the pelvis.
Your body is preparing for the birth. The pelvis loosens, and you may feel increased pressure downwards. Keep feeling your baby's movements daily and react to changes.
Good advice for week 33
Consider a Stork Shape figure
Weeks 32 to 36 give the finest result for a Stork Shape figure: a personal sculpture created from a 3D scan of your pregnant body.
Keep track of labour signs
Learn to tell practice from real contractions. Regular, increasing and painful contractions, waters breaking or bleeding are things to react to.
Prepare the last things at home
A crib, car seat, clothes and nappies in place give calm. It is nice to have the practical things ready, so you can focus on the birth.
Prioritise rest
The last weeks are hard. Sleep when you can, take breaks, and ask for help. Your body needs to gather strength for the birth.
Checklists for this stage
Tick things off as you go – the list remembers where you got to, and you can share it with your partner.
Relevant with us in week 33
This is what we can offer you at this point in your pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions in week 33
Why is the skull still soft?
The skull bones haven't fused yet, so the head can mould and pass through the birth canal. The soft spots (fontanelles) close during the first years of life.
Are strong practice contractions a sign of labour?
Not necessarily. Braxton Hicks are irregular and disappear with a change of position. If the contractions become regular, closer and more painful, it may be the start of labour.
Your pregnancy – week by week, in your inbox
Every time you enter a new week we send you what is happening with your baby and your body, good advice for the week – and when the different scans make sense. Unsubscribe with one click.
Read on in week 33
The hospital bag – what to pack, and when?
How do you prepare for birth? – A guide for expectant mothers
