33 Weeks Pregnant: Week-by-Week Guide

In This Article

At this stage of your journey, new developments are beginning to unfold. Check out this week-by-week guide to find out what’s in store for your baby and your body in week 33 of pregnancy.

• What trimester is 33 weeks? Third trimester
• How many weeks of pregnancy are left? 7 Weeks
• How many months is 33 weeks pregnant? You're in your eighth month.

With week 32 of your pregnancy complete, you’re on week 33. Enjoy it, as week 34 is on the horizon! 

One of the most exciting things about pregnancy is how many changes you’ll experience with your little one over the span of just 7 days! Here’s some tips and tricks to keep on top of all that’s happening.

What Happens During the 33nd Week of Pregnancy?

• It’s thirsty work: Not just for you, but also for your baby, who drinks down a pint of amniotic fluid each day.
• Putting defenses up: Your little one is absorbing antibodies from your body as the immune system develops, helping to fend off germs after birth.
• Spidey senses: Right now, billions of newly grown neurons are helping your baby to develop all five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.

What Does a Baby Look Like at 33 Weeks?

Your baby is now about 19 inches in length, 4.5 lbs, and about the size of a head of celery. They’re building fat, and that sweet face is looking smooth and less translucent. They won’t grow much more in length before birth but will steadily gain about half a pound each week.

Baby Movements at 33 Weeks

Your baby is getting pretty snug in the womb. They’re starting to become a bit too cozy in there to be doing a lot of position changes. But your cutie will still be kicking, sometimes pretty strong! A future soccer or karate star?

33 Weeks: Baby Position

Between weeks 33 and 36, your baby should be making their way to the ideal birth position: head down resting by the cervix, with their face looking toward your back. You may be able to feel their head low in your belly and their kicks up by your rib cage. Unsure how your baby is positioned? Don’t worry, your doctor will be monitoring their position up until birth and has options for repositioning your baby if necessary.

What Should I Be Feeling at 33 Weeks Pregnant?

• There’s more baby than amniotic fluid in there now, meaning you have less protection from those bumps and kicks, which is why they may catch you off-guard and even hurt.
• With the walls of the uterus thinning, your baby is sensitive to light and dark, helping to dictate sleep habits in the womb.
• You may be feeling exhausted, and if you’re like three out of four pregnant women, you’re probably dealing with insomnia. Do your best to practice proper sleep hygiene and get some pregnancy-safe exercise.

Contractions at 33 Weeks

Braxton Hicks contractions will continue throughout the remainder of your pregnancy. Often called “false labor,” these irregular contractions can last from 15 seconds to two minutes.

Concerned that your contractions could be signs of labor at 33 weeks? Real labor contractions are strong, come every 10 minutes or more, and intensify over time. You may also feel pelvic pressure, experience vaginal bleeding or spotting, and leak fluid from the vagina (which could indicate that your water broke). Labor prior to 37 weeks is considered premature labor. If you have these signs, try to stay calm and contact your doctor.

How Big Is Your Baby at 33 Weeks Pregnant?

Week 33 Pregnancy Symptoms

During week 33 of pregnancy, your body is changing quickly. As your baby grows, you will too, and there are certain pregnancy symptoms you may experience at this time.

8 Common Week 33 Pregnancy Symptoms

1. You may be overheating, especially if it’s in the warmer months. The sweating and chafing will soon be all worth it when that little bundle enters the world in about seven weeks, though! Keep a handheld fan on you and drink cool beverages. Cool baths (or even foot baths) can help you chill out.
2. Between bouts of insomnia and a hungry child drawing upon your energy sources, you’re going to be feeling tired at this point.
3. Stretch marks are par for the course, and while there’s no cure, rubbing cocoa butter or moisturizer on them can help with any discomfort.
4. Put your feet up! Those swollen ankles need a break with the weight you’re carrying.
5. Not only is your mind playing tricks on you with vagueness and “baby brain,” you may also find yourself being unintentionally clumsy.
6. Our breasts may be leaking colostrum, a nutrient-rich substance, also known as pre-milk. It’s packed with antibodies and other benefits for your baby.  Breast pads can absorb the leakage.
7. Hemorrhoids (resulting from hormones and constipation) and larger veins caused by increased blood volume can be uncomfortable. Staying well-hydrated, eating high-fiber foods, and using ice packs are a couple of home remedies, but talk with your doctor for proper diagnosis and other pregnancy-safe treatment options.
8. Itchy skin is common during pregnancy, but if it’s severe, speak with your doctor, as a small number of pregnant women are affected with a liver disorder, obstetric cholestasis (OC).

3 Expert Tips for a Healthy And Safe Pregnancy

Being 33 weeks pregnant is an important time for you and your baby. Here’s some more expert-recommended advice on how to adjust to this new stage and keep you and your baby safe.

1. Special delivery: Have you discussed your delivery options yet? Here is some background information before you speak to your doctor.
2. Nervous Nelly: It’s natural to be anxious as the due date approaches, but fear not! There are some tried-and-tested techniques to alleviate pregnancy stress and anxiety in this last leg of your pregnancy.
3. Making gains: At 33 weeks pregnant, you need 71 g of protein per day—that’s 25 g more than you needed before you conceived. Some experts even recommend an additional 10 grams during your last trimester. Protein is good for cell growth, blood production, and energy. Do your best to incorporate recipes with more egg whites, fish, lean meat, or tofu into your diet.

Week 33 Checklist: How To Plan Your Pregnancy

Knowing what to do week-by-week can help you feel prepared and alleviate stress. Add these new items to your to-do list this week. You’ve got this, mama!

Learn more about your pregnancy, including pregnancy planning and pregnancy nutrition to feel prepared to continue this magical adventure. You’re armed with the facts, what to do, and now you can take time to connect with the little one growing inside you.

 With week 32 in the rearview mirror and week 33 going strong, look to the future and what's coming up in week 34!