At 33 weeks Pregnant a baby develops hard bones, on the other hand, the mother may seem to forget a lot of things, which is common. The baby, in the 33rd week, will measure 17.2 inches and weigh 4.2 pounds. To put it in perspective, it is about the size of a lunch box. Isn’t this a great fact?
So what else is happening to the baby in the 33rd week of pregnancy?
1. Hard bones
The bones of the baby start to harden up, so the skull is still soft allowing the head to move. This is for them to be able to move through the birth canal or the vagina while the momma bear gives birth. The babies have soft spots called the fontanelles, that is placed in between the parts of their skull that will eventually close in a couple of years.
2. Baby fat
The baby starts to chub out while fat adds to their arms and legs. This makes the little one look extra adorable and helps them regulate body temperature during the early week’s post-birth.
3. Peach fuzz
In this week, the soft layer of the baby’s hair known as lanugo starts to fall. However, there might be some that may be left back on the baby’s shoulders or back at birth.
4. Immune system
The baby, in the 33rd week, gains antibodies from the mother’s body to develop their immune system. This helps them fight the germs as they reach the outside world.
What happens to the mother’s body in the 33rd week of Pregnancy?
With the due date just a few weeks apart, the mother will go through changes from discharge to experiencing the braxton hicks contractions. In other words, it helps the mother prepare for labor.
Here’s what is happening to a mother’s body in the 33rd week of pregnancy-
1. Overheating
In the 33rd week, the baby starts to radiate body heat. Most mothers have higher skin temperature in the third trimester which is the reason for most mothers feeling overheated.
2. Vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge is due to the increase in the estrogen levels and is very common in pregnant mothers of 33-weeks. However, be aware if you see some streaks of blood or the discharge is gelatinous, like a jellyfish as it could be a mucus plug that is an early sign of labor. On the other hand, if it’s clear and a thin fluid, that could be amniotic fluid, so call your doctor immediately.
3. Braxton Hicks contractions
As your body prepared for childbirth, in week 32, the mother may experience the braxton hicks contractions tightening the belly irregularly. This is not equivalent to a normal contraction, so be hydrated to prevent the braxton hicks contractions.
4. Carpal tunnel
In the 33rd week of pregnancy, mothers retain a certain fluid that causes swelling, putting pressure on the nerve in and around the wrist. This causes numbness and/or a tingling experience in the hand called carpal tunnel syndrome. Talk to your doctor if it is a late pregnancy, as the carpal tunnel could worsen but would go away postpartum.
5. Baby brain
Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean memory loss. You just have a lot on your mind to keep everything noted. This could either be due to the lack of sleep, stress, or even moody. Mothers need to be kind to themselves and take a rest whenever possible.
6. Sex and contractions
When the doctor gives you a green signal, it is completely ok and safe to have sex until the end of your pregnancy. However, an orgasm could give you contractions, so do not freak out, it’s normal.
What would your belly look like in the 33rd week of pregnancy?
At week 33, weight gain still seems to be an ongoing change with at least a pound per week till the due date. By this week, mothers must have grown about 22 to 28 pounds in total, so they might feel a bit heavy and must have slowed down.
The levels of amniotic fluid increase drastically as the baby grows. On the other hand, if you feel the baby’s kicks growing shaper they might only be due to the less padding of the fluid. In addition to this, mothers need to pay attention to the movements of the baby, and in case they find a change, to contact the doctor immediately
For some brownie points, here is a quick checklist to get your sailing through the 33rd week of pregnancy:
1. Spend the whole maternity leave recovering from childbirth and to bond with the little one. Do not over-stress over what would happen as you get back to work.
2. Take time out to finalize childcare plans.
3. Take care of yourself along with your baby. Get comfortable slippers to cure the swollen feet, get rest when you can, eat healthily, and try taking some time out for yourself whenever possible.
4. Be prepared with postpartum preparations irrespective of whether you give birth in a hospital or a birth clinic. Have a home bed ready with a bed pad to let out the post-birth bodily fluids and keep the sheets clean from unexpected leaks while sleeping.
5. Consider purchasing a wedge pillow to help prevent heartburn during the third trimester.
To Conclude:
1. Embrace the inner penguin’s mother, waddle!
2. Schedule an appointment for a group B Strep test, between weeks 35-37 of your pregnancy.
3. Figure out the childcare situation in the 33rd week of your pregnancy to be well prepared as the baby comes along. How will it be? Daycare? Nanny? The Family?
4. Have you started packing yet? This week is the best time if you haven’t already.
