Pregnancy Week 33

How big is your baby this week?

Your baby is now about the size of a pineapple. You're in the eighth month of your pregnancy.

What stands out in your baby's development this week?

Your baby's brain and nervous system are now quite well developed. Their bones continue to harden. The skull bones, however, are still soft and separate to make it easier to pass through the birth canal. These bones stay flexible for a while even after your baby is born, and the soft spots gradually close over time.

Your baby can now close their eyes while sleeping and open them while awake. As the walls of your uterus thin, more light passes through, which may help your baby sense the difference between day and night.

The immune system keeps developing. As your baby builds their own immune system, they also receive antibodies from you.

By this week, your baby has swallowed a good amount of amniotic fluid. Later in pregnancy, most of the amniotic fluid is made up of the baby's urine, and this is completely normal. Your baby's intestines are also starting to fill with meconium. Their first poop after birth may be dark, sticky, and almost black—and that's normal too.

What's happening in my body?

Your uterus may have Braxton Hicks contractions as it prepares for labor. These are practice contractions that usually last about 20 to 30 seconds and feel like a tightening or hardening in your belly, and they're generally painless. If the contractions become painful, come at regular intervals, or steadily grow stronger, contact your doctor or the unit where you'll be giving birth.

You may feel a heaviness in your pelvis. This could be a sign that your baby has moved into a head-down position. It's normal to urinate more often as your baby presses on your bladder.

Sleep can get harder during these weeks. A larger belly, frequent urination, aches, and anxiety can all add to sleeplessness. A comfortable pregnancy pillow can help you find a good position. Worry, anxiety about the birth, or a mind that just won't switch off can also disrupt sleep. Talk to your doctor if you need to.

If you have pain, numbness, or tingling in your fingers, hands, or wrists, you might be experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome. The swelling that comes with pregnancy can set the stage for it. Avoiding repetitive motions for long stretches and cutting back on tasks that strain your wrist can bring relief.

Swollen labia can also occur during pregnancy. Increased blood flow, hormonal changes, and pressure from your growing uterus can all cause it. Not standing for long periods, not sitting too long, changing positions throughout the day, and applying a brief cold compress if needed can ease the discomfort.

The line, colostrum, and shortness of breath

If you've noticed a darkening line down the middle of your belly, it may be the linea nigra. It's caused by increased pigmentation during pregnancy and usually fades after delivery.

If a yellowish fluid is coming from your breasts, it may be colostrum. This is the first milk your baby will receive after birth, and it's rich in antibodies.

As your growing uterus presses on your lungs, you may experience mild to moderate shortness of breath. But if the shortness of breath is severe or feels unusual to you, see your doctor.

The RSV vaccine

The RSV vaccine is usually recommended in late pregnancy (most often between weeks 28 and 36, depending on your country's schedule), but it can be given later if needed. This vaccine can help lower your baby's risk of serious lung infections such as bronchiolitis. If you haven't had it yet, talk to your doctor.

Group B strep

Group B strep is a common bacterium that can live in many people's bodies. If you're a carrier during pregnancy, there's a small risk it could make your baby seriously ill. Many group B strep infections in newborns are preventable. That's why, when necessary, your care team may recommend screening or a protective approach during delivery.

Getting ready for the birth

Most babies don't arrive exactly on their due date. So this is a good time to pack your bag. Here's what you might get ready:

• your birth plan and hospital notes
• clothes and diapers for the baby
• loose, comfortable clothes to wear during labor
• spare clothes and underwear
• a nightgown
• a nursing bra and breast pads
• sanitary pads
• basic toiletries and a towel
• healthy snacks
• any medications you take regularly

A communication plan for labor

To avoid scrambling when labor begins, it helps to have this information ready on your phone:

• the phone number of the hospital or unit where you'll give birth
• your hospital reference number, if you have one
• the phone number of your partner or birth partner
• the hospital's full address
• the person who will drive you or your transportation plan

It may not be safe for you to drive yourself. That's why it helps to plan your transportation ahead of time.

The car seat

You'll need a car seat to bring your baby home. When possible, it's safer to choose a reliable, sturdy product rather than one with an unknown history or visible damage. Carrying your baby in your arms is not safe.

Symptoms you might have this week

This week you may experience these symptoms:

• a feeling of heaviness in the pelvis
• frequent urination
• sleep problems
• back pain
• carpal tunnel symptoms
• swollen labia
• shortness of breath
• linea nigra
• leaking colostrum
• itchy skin
• Braxton Hicks contractions

Itching may increase especially around your breasts and belly. As your skin stretches, dryness and itching can become more noticeable.

Symptoms to watch for

Contact your doctor or a healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms:

• a gush of fluid from the vagina or a steady leak of fluid
• back pain that's unusual for you
• painful or regular contractions
• a noticeable decrease in your baby's movements
• any symptom that just doesn't feel right to you

Nutrition this week

During this stage, it's important that both you and your baby gain enough weight. Part of this weight gain comes from the baby, the placenta, the amniotic fluid, and the extra fluid in your body. How much weight you gain varies from person to person. If you're worried about your weight gain, talk to your doctor.

Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA are important for your baby's brain and vision development. Low-mercury, well-cooked fish can be helpful here. It's best to avoid high-mercury species such as swordfish, shark, and bigeye tuna.

Dairy and lactose

If you have trouble digesting lactose, dairy products can cause gas, cramps, bloating, or diarrhea. In that case, you can try having smaller amounts, choose lower-lactose hard cheeses or lactose-free options, or turn to yogurt. It's important to choose pasteurized products.

What can you do this week?

While your baby's bones are hardening, the skull stays flexible. Knowing this can help you not worry when you notice the soft spots after birth.

If you're planning to breastfeed, it can help to talk with your doctor about it, watch educational videos, or get information from reliable sources.

Nesting

During these weeks, many moms-to-be feel the urge to organize the house and get things ready. This is normal. However:

• avoid climbing on ladders
• don't overexpose yourself to cleaning products with strong chemicals
• don't wear yourself out with heavy tasks

Sleep and back pain

Sleeplessness is very common in the third trimester. A warm drink before bed, a warm shower, cutting back on screen time, and finding a comfortable position may all help. For back pain, instead of lying down for long periods, it can be more helpful to move gently and consider low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, yoga, or pilates.

Safe exercise and weight training

Staying active is usually good for you. But lifting heavy weights can increase the pressure on your body and, during this time when your ligaments are looser, raise your risk of injury. Lighter weights and controlled exercises are more suitable.

Is this urine?

For most people, the amniotic sac breaks just before or during labor. If you're having trouble telling whether your water has broken, watch for a steady leak, and if you're unsure, reach out to your care team.

Rooming-in

You may want to find out ahead of time how staying in the same room as your baby after birth works at your hospital. This decision is up to you.