33 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Belly Size & Ultrasound

33 weeks pregnant is a milestone to celebrate and savor. Find out what to expect when you’re 33 weeks pregnant, find out whether you can feel baby yet and what your uterus looks like. What size is a 12-week-pregnant uterus? What are the 8th week symptoms? When does baby start to move?

Your baby at week 33 of pregnancy

Your baby’s senses are growing and maturing even in the womb. Babies can hear their parents’ voices. She lives in a very audible world. She can also pick up the comforting sounds of your heartbeat, breathing, and the rumbling of your stomach as you speak. The redness of your baby’s skin has faded and she is beginning to store iron in her liver in preparation for life outside the womb.

33 weeks pregnant is how many months?

When you are 33 weeks pregnant, you are officially in 8 months of your pregnancy, only 1 months to go! Congratulations, your almost there momma!

How big is your baby at 33 weeks pregnant?

At 33 weeks, the average fetus weighs around 4 t0 5 pounds and measures about 15 to 17 inches from crown to rump, making it about the size of a of pineapple or a cabbage or head of a zucchini

33 weeks pregnant baby position

t’s almost go time, so baby is likely positioned head down, or will be very soon. A 33-week fetus is also making its way toward your pelvis, so you may feel like your belly has “dropped” lower than it was before. Your baby can now move into the birth position, so you might feel some gentle flutters or jabs in your lower abdomen. If this is your first pregnancy, it’s unlikely that you’ll notice these movements until around 34 weeks pregnant

33 weeks pregnant: baby’s development

30-33 weeks baby developments

At 33 weeks after conception, the fetus practices breathing almost 40 percent of the time. About 990 gallons of blood are pumped daily by the fetal heart at 33 weeks postconception. At about 33 weeks postconception, the lungs begin to develop genuine alveoli. In humans, genuine alveoli account for over 95% of lung tissue that matures later in life. Children keep growing genuine alveoli until age 8.

The testicles of unborn baby boys begin to form around week 12, but they won’t emerge from the abdomen until around week 33. And then they go down into the scrotum.

Brain develops many bumps and grooves

It is during this month when the brain’s ridges and valleys (gyri and sulci) begin to take shape. These ridges and valleys increase the brain’s surface area, which is crucial given that the cortex is located exclusively there. As a result of the widespread presence of gyri and sulci, the cerebral cortex is able to accommodate a greater number of neurons. This rapid development of the brain coincides with a similarly rapid expansion of the fetus’s capacity for learning.

Fetus see and respond to visual information

It was discovered that fetuses, as early as 33 weeks after conception, moved their heads toward the face-like lights projected through the uterine wall. 13 This demonstrates that the fetus can perceive and process visual information from the outside world, and that it has a particular preference for looking at stimuli that resemble human faces.

Fetus grasps objects

By this point, the fetus also grasps objects that come near her hands. In fact, as early as 25 weeks after conception, the fetus can hold her own body weight momentarily by grasping.

Your body at 33 weeks pregnant

How terrifying would it be to go into labor without your partner there to support you? Get your phone charged up and ready to go. Make sure both you and your spouse have the contact information for your doctor and the nearest hospital saved in your phones.

As the time of birth draws near, you may begin to experience Braxton Hicks contractions. Abdominal muscles may tense and release at various moments. You can thank your Braxton Hicks for preparing your body for the real thing. The cramps should stop if you give yourself a break and kick up your feet. Sleeping gets more challenging as you progress through pregnancy because of the discomfort of your growing belly.

Buying for Baby: What You Really Need

Tempted to go on a buying binge at your local baby superstore? What mom-to-be wouldn’t love a decked out nursery with a matching crib, dresser, changing table combo, designer bedding, and of course a gliding rocker for late night feedings? But you don’t need a fully stocked baby room—or to spend thousands of dollars—to give your baby everything she needs. There are a few items you’ll want to pick up before your baby arrives, but surprisingly there are several purchases you can hold off on until your child gets older.

Buy Now!

Infant seat (car seat)

You won’t be allowed to leave the hospital unless your infant is snugly tucked into a car seat. When car seat shopping, you’ll find a variety of cloth styles, handle designs, and prices. Try out several models before you buy. Many parents enjoy travel systems that include a stroller. (These allow you to take Baby, still in her infant car seat, from your car and click the seat right into a stroller.) While you’re shopping, remember that your baby will log many hours in this seat: For the first year of his life he’ll be facing backwards in his seat while riding in cars. You’ll also be carrying him in this seat on errands. In fact, many store shopping carts are designed to have baby seats clip into the front.

Diaper Bag

Another must-have, diaper bags have grown up over the years. In style are sleek, efficient bags that can carry bottles, diapers, and wipes while still looking good. Don’t limit your search for diaper bags to baby superstores. Many fashion designers are now catering to the baby crowd. Check online or at your favorite clothing store for diaper bags or even large purses that might do the job. You may even want to purchase a couple of bags to fit different occasions. And remember, diaper bags aren’t just for moms; many designers also offer models specifically for dads.

Diapers, onesies, sleepers, and blankets

Stock up on these basic supplies for your home. Load up on diapers, but keep your receipt: depending on your infant’s weight, he may fit newborn diapers or he may be big enough for size one. Along with diapers you’ll need several changes of clothing for your little one. Purchase plenty of onesies, sleepers, and blankets for your baby’s daily needs. (Save the cute outfits and delicate blankets for when you take your baby out to meet friends.)

Possible Purchases

Feeding Supplies

If you’re planning on nursing you may consider purchasing a breast pump. These pumps can be especially helpful in the first few weeks after delivery when your body is adjusting to your baby’s nursing needs. If your breasts produce too much milk, you can simply pump the excess out. You can also use the pump to store milk for times when you’re away from your baby at feeding time. Along with the pump, buy a few cloth or disposable nursing pads, and bottles. (You may be able to borrow a pump from a friend or relative.) For formula-feed babies you may want to purchase some beforehand. But don’t go overboard. Your baby’s pediatrician may have certain recommendations about what kind of formula to use. If you can’t resist the urge to stock up, call the pediatrician’s office and ask about what kind of formula your baby will most likely need.

Baby carrier

Although it’s not a must, baby carriers can make getting around with your baby easier. These cloth-made contraptions hold your infant close against your body. There are several designs—and price ranges—from which to choose. One reason to wait on this purchase is so you can try it out with your baby. While some carriers look nice, they may be difficult to use once you’re trying to hold your child and strap the carrier on at the same time.

Crib

There are several highly rated cribs you can buy for around $100. Of course, the price for cribs goes up from there into the thousands, but just because cribs are a nursery mainstay doesn’t mean you have to buy one before Baby. If you plan on co-sleeping (having your baby snuggle in bed with you at night), a crib may be unnecessary for the first few months. Some parents also opt for portable play yards that include built-in bassinets for newborns.

You may choose a cradle or bassinet instead of a crib as your baby’s first bed. Eventually, you will need a crib, but don’t rush into buying one you don’t like—remember your baby will most likely be sleeping in this crib for two or three years.

Stroller

There are literally hundreds of strollers to choose from in a wide range of designs and prices. As with baby carriers, you may want to wait until your baby arrives to buy. Stroller models that look great in the store may not be as wonderful once you start using them everyday. And you might not want to buy just one stroller: you may decide you need at least a couple.

A Word about Used Baby Items

Friends and relatives may offer you their used baby items. Before you accept these hand-me-downs, do a little digging to make sure the items haven’t been recalled by logging on to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission website. Even if you don’t find the item on a recall list, keep in mind that many of these products, such as car seats, go through safety design overhauls every couple of years.

Save Your Receipts!

If you can’t resist the urge and buy several big-ticket items before your baby’s arrival, hold on to your receipts. Check the store’s return policies so that you don’t get stuck with a stroller you can’t stand or a crib that just doesn’t fit your baby’s nursery.

33 weeks pregnant tips and advice

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated is important. Your body uses more water during your pregnancy to fuel your increased blood supply (necessary to get your baby-to-be plenty of nutrients) and other body functions. Taken to extremes, dehydration can lead to preterm labor pains. So bring a water bottle to work with you—and drink it.

Use the bathroom—often

Drinking more water means more trips to the bathroom. Add to that, your kidneys are working overtime to filter impurities from your increased blood supply. To avoid stares from coworkers, plan discrete potty breaks. Go when you first get to the office and take a break on the way from meetings or other times when you’re already up so your trips will be less noticeable. Putting off a trip to the bathroom is a bad idea—it makes you uncomfortable and puts stress on your bladder, which can lead to bladder infections.

Bring light snacks

Food may not be appealing, especially if you’re experiencing nausea. Skip a full-blown lunch and opt for lighter fare throughout the day. Keep in mind that some pregnancy comfort foods are dead giveaways, such as crackers. If you’re trying to keep your pregnancy a secret, try less notorious foods that still comfort nausea but that don’t shout, “I’m pregnant!” Opt for foods high in protein, such as string cheese, almonds, or milk.

Wear comfortable clothes

You’ve probably packed away your tight-fitting pants already. If you haven’t, now’s probably the time to say goodbye to your hip-hugging ensembles until after your baby’s arrival. Avoiding tight clothes isn’t just about hiding your baby bump. Your body may be retaining water to fuel your increased blood supply, and constricting clothes are not only tight on your skin, but the blood that’s trying to flow underneath.

Watch your posture

Take time to get off your feet and walk around. Staying in the same position for too long allows the blood to pool in the lower part of your body, potentially making you light-headed. Put your feet up whenever possible to keep your blood flowing properly.

Having Trouble Sleeping at 33 weeks Pregnant

Having difficulties sleeping is a common pregnant symptom, and it’s especially common in the second and third trimesters, when other pregnancy symptoms peak and a growing belly makes it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position.

When you’re 33 weeks pregnant, it could hurt to sleep on your stomach, but studies indicates that lying on your back puts more strain on the vena cava, the main blood vessel that returns blood to the heart.

Your blood circulation will increase if you sleep on your left side, which will also be good for your uterus, kidneys, and fetus. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, try placing a pillow between your knees and another under your stomach. If the problem persists, consult your doctor.

33 weeks Pregnant: Wellness and Nutrition

What should you avoid during pregnancy? Doctors agree that you should avoid the following:

Activities that may cause you to fall, or that place pressure or force on your belly
Intense, overly vigorous exercise – if you’re too out of breath to talk, you’re probably exercising too hard.
Drinking alcohol, smoking, and caffeine (ask your doctor how much caffeine you should consume each day)
Sweeteners such as saccharine and herbal sweeteners (ask your doctor if artificial sweeteners are appropriate)
Prescription and over-the-counter medications (check with your doctor about what’s safe during pregnancy)
Paint, cleaning products, and solvents can expose you to chemicals and fumes. Acrylic and latex paints are generally considered safe. However, you should consult your doctor before helping around the house or in the nursery.
Saunas and hot tubs
Chemical treatments for your hair, such as dye and perms

33 weeks pregnancy symptoms

Your body undergoes many changes to give your baby-to-be enough room to grow. Some of these changes are comforting—your rounded belly and your full breasts, for example—while other signs can be troubling. Keep in mind that many of these physical changes will last only until your baby arrives.

Upper abdominal pain

The uterus is growing rapidly, putting pressure on organs like the bladder, intestines, and stomach. This can cause mild pain in the upper abdomen that may extend to the lower abdomen or sides of your stomach. The pressure on your abdomen can also cause pain when you cough or sneeze.

Lower abdominal pain

The uterus is growing rapidly and putting pressure on your bladder, intestines, and stomach. This can cause lower abdominal pain that may feel like mild cramping or a dull ache in the pelvic region. Back pain. The growing weight of your uterus on your spine can cause back pain that typically becomes worse as pregnancy progresses.

Leg cramps

The weight of your uterus can put pressure on your veins and cause leg cramps or swelling. You may also experience varicose veins in your legs due to increased blood flow. Neck pain. As the baby grows, it puts more pressure on the spinal cord, which runs down through your neck and back. This can cause mild pain in the neck area that may extend into your shoulders and arms.

Back pain

Your growing uterus can put pressure on your spine and cause back pain. The weight of the baby can also cause sciatica, which is when pain shoots down the back of one leg due to compression in the spinal cord. Backache. Your growing uterus may cause you to experience mild to moderate lower back pain or stiffness in your lower abdomen around this time.

Leaky breasts

It can be alarming, especially if you aren’t expecting it! But rest assured, this is not usually a cause for concern. Breast milk production begins when the hormone prolactin rises in response to pregnancy. Prolactin stimulates the cells of the mammary glands that produce milk and causes them to grow and multiply.

Sleeping difficulties

You may find it harder to get comfortable when you’re pregnant. Your growing abdomen can make it more difficult for you to find a position that feels good, and your joints may be sore from carrying extra weight. You might also experience restless leg syndrome, which is when you feel like your legs are moving even though they aren’t. This happens because the joints in the body release chemicals that cause itching or tingling sensations when they are irritated by things like pregnancy hormones.

Swollen Ankels

You may be experiencing swollen ankles, which is common during pregnancy. This happens because the increased levels of hormones in your body cause fluid to accumulate in your tissues, including those that line the walls of your veins and arteries. It’s usually not a cause for concern unless you have swelling in both legs or it lasts longer than two weeks.

Fatigue (constant tiredness or weakness)

One of the most typical symptoms of early pregnancy is fatigue, which frequently starts at this point. Although there are many causes of exhaustion during pregnancy (including changes in hormone levels), some research indicates that inadequate sleep brought on by nighttime awakenings from unpleasant sleeping positions may also be a role.

Heartburn or gas

There may be a rise in heartburn and flatulence during the 33rd week of pregnancy. This is because progesterone produces a decrease in the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle, which typically prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus. This can cause heartburn and discomfort by allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. Try spreading your meals out more, staying away from items that are known to cause heartburn (such spicy foods), and drinking lots of water.

Mood swings and crying spells

The 33rd week of pregnancy is a vulnerable time for women, when they are more likely to experience mood swings and crying spells. Until your hormone levels settle, this will have an impact on your mental and emotional well-being. This is a common occurrence for pregnant women; one study indicated that 75% of women felt emotional shifts like irritability or depression in the first trimester.

Indigestion, or constipation

During the 33rd week of pregnancy, you may suffer gastrointestinal issues like indigestion or constipation. Pregnancy hormones like progesterone and estrogen might increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal issues including indigestion. These hormones slow down digestion by relaxing the digestive tract, preventing food from being swallowed whole. You can reduce the frequency and severity of indigestion during pregnancy by cutting out on high-fat and sugary foods and eating more often, smaller meals (like sweets or fried foods).

Swelling (edema)

Your body retains water to provide the necessary fluids for your growing baby-to-be. You can prevent much of this swelling from drinking plenty of fluids and keeping your legs up. You may also want to purchase socks designed to improve the circulation in your feet.

Skin spots

The skin’s pigmentation may deepen around certain parts of your body during pregnancy, such as your nipples and freckles. You may also notice spots of color on your face, called the mask of pregnancy or chloasma. These pigmentation changes will fade after your baby’s born.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is a very common and often overlooked symptom of pregnancy. It happens when there isn’t enough oxygen in your body or when your blood flow is constricted. This can make it difficult to do even the smallest things like walk across the room or climb stairs.

You may feel like you need to take deeper breaths than usual or that it takes longer than normal for your breathing rate to return to normal after an activity such as climbing stairs.

Symptoms to be aware of

Please share any concerns you may have with your doctor or midwife. Don’t worry about whether or not you’re repeating yourself or wasting anyone’s time by bringing up an old topic. This pregnancy is yours, so listen to your body if you suspect something is wrong.

Signs of premature labour

If you have any of the following symptoms, call the hospital or midwife straight away, because you could be in premature labour:

regular contractions or tightenings
period-type pains or pressure in your vaginal area
a “show” – which is when the plug of mucus that has sealed the cervix during pregnancy comes away and out of the vagina
a gush or trickle of fluid from your vagina – this could be your waters breaking
backache that’s unusual for you.

33 weeks pregnant belly

In general, women gain between 22 and 28 pounds during pregnancy, and between 32 and 42 if carrying multiples. It’s been found that some pregnant women actually feel more sexual when they gain weight. Know that you can have sex up to the day you give birth, if your doctor has given his or her approval during your pregnancy.

33 weeks pregnant belly size

By week 33, your belly will have expanded and protruded considerably. You might have trouble seeing where you’re walking. There is a 26-35 cm range for fundal height (10.2-13.8 in). Around 9 cm (3.5 inches) above your belly button is where you’ll notice a significant increase in amniotic fluid.

Some women may measure smaller and some larger than this, but this is a good general guide for how big your belly will be at this point in pregnancy. Of course, being 33 weeks pregnant with twins makes you feel heavier than other pregnant women your age.

Measuring pregnant belly at 33 weeks

If you’re measuring your belly at home, use a tape measure and measure around the widest part of your abdomen. Measurement is usually taken above the navel or below it, depending on what’s more comfortable for you. Be sure to stand up straight and relax as much as possible while taking your measurement—it should be taken at the same time every day so that you can monitor how quickly or slowly your belly is growing.

If you are measuring your belly at the top of your pubic bone, expect to see an increase of about two inches per month. If you’re measuring this lower, around your navel and below, it can be as much as three inches per month. The average weight gain during pregnancy is between 25 and 35 pounds and usually occurs in the last trimester (after week 28).

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Braxton Hicks at 33 weeks Pregnant

At 33 weeks pregnant, you may find that your Braxton Hicks contractions are becoming more frequent and intense. You may feel them in your back or lower abdomen, and they may last anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes. If you’re having regular contractions, it’s important to talk with your doctor about any pain or discomfort you experience during them.

Braxton Hicks are common during the third trimester. You may not even notice them because they feel like mild discomfort or a dull ache in your lower abdomen. They’re also called practice contractions because they prepare your body for real labor by getting it ready to push out a baby when the time comes.

33 weeks pregnant ultrasound

An ultrasound of your baby at 33 weeks shows a head that is relatively large; a human baby’s brain weighs 12 percent of his body weight at birth. It’s likely that your baby already has 100 billion or so brain cells at birth.

The importance of prenatal vitamins during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you need a greater amount of folic acid and iron. Why? Here are some reasons:

Folic acid prevents neural tube defects

These defects affect the fetal brain and spinal cord in a significant way. Preferably, you should begin taking extra folic acid three months before you become pregnant.

The placenta and baby require iron to develop

The body uses iron to make blood to supply oxygen to the baby. Additionally, iron helps prevent anemia, a condition in which the blood lacks healthy red blood cells

It’s important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider to find out which are the best prenatal vitamins to take before pregnancy, and how to calculate your expected delivery date.