Congratulations, you are now 33 weeks pregnant! If you have been keeping up with your pregnancy calendar then you would know this is the final week of the Third Trimester’s second half, which means that in approximately 2 more months you will be a mom. The date is fast approaching and there is a lot to learn about this important week. Not sure if this is the 33rd week for you? Check out our set of pregnancy calculators.
During this stage of development you are close to labor and your health and diet are of utmost importance. As in the previous weeks, at 33 weeks pregnant your baby will continue undergoing several key changes as he becomes prepared for the real world. Week 33 is a great time to choose your baby name if you don’t already have one, start buying supplies and goodies for your labor date (photo and video cameras) as well as getting expert answers from your physician regarding your specific diet – don’t rely solely on hearsay. Taking the time to start a blog is also a good idea to keep your friends and family up to date on your development. An alternative would be to join Babycenters famous Momformation blog, one of the best blogs for “mom answers”.
On this pivotal week, the position of your baby makes a very important shift, as the head adjusts downwards in what’s called the “Chephalic Position”. In this position, the baby’s head faces down and the feet face up, getting ready for delivery. If the Cephalic Position is not accomplished (which can occur in approximately 4% to 6% of pregnancies), a cesarean section is often recommended. In case you would still like to proceed with the vaginal birth, please verify that your physician is experienced with this procedure and find out the complications that may occur. Contraction times will be more frequent, sharper and in shorter intervals as during these days, and as you reach your final weeks of being pregnant.
A baby can survive outside of the womb from this week forward, with the close care and attention from medical professionals at the hospital, as the important organs are almost fully developed. The baby’s five senses are developed as well. The most notable developments you can expect this week are taking place in the immune system, eyes, lungs, size and weight, skin, head, behavior, hands and feet, brain and reproductive organs.
Immune System
Your baby’s fetal immune system gets to work as antibodies are transferred to him/her from you, through your placenta. This is important as it will assist your baby in fighting bacteria and germs once he/she is born. Professionals recommend breastfeeding for some time after birth to strengthen the baby’s immune system.
Eyes:
During your baby’s long and frequent naps (aren’t they lucky!), he/she may experience rapid eye movement (random movement of the eyes during sleep). Adults recall dreams more vividly during rapid eye movement (REM), which is a good indication your (yet-unborn) child is able to dream at this stage.
Your baby’s pupils adjust to the intensity of light (dilating and constricting) as their eyes can now detect and become sensitive to illumination. A baby is able to tell the difference between a light and dark room, as well as night and day. The iris of the eyes is blue at this stage, as the pigmentation (color determination process) is not completed until a few weeks after delivery.
Size
During this pregnancy week, approximately ½ lbs from your weight gain is being transferred to the fetus. The approximate weight of your baby is 4.5 lbs, as much as an adult chihuahua. Your baby will continue to gain weight at a very fast pace from this point forward, approximately ½ lbs to 1 pound per week. You will have gained approximately 25 extra lbs.
Your baby will measure 14 to 19 inches in length crown to rum (head to toe), about the size of the the screen you’re reading this in, although every baby is different and these measurements can vary. The length of your baby can increase about one inch or more.
Skin
The skin is undergoing some major changes, one of the most noticeable is the color as it is shifting from red to pinkish and translucent. The wrinkles on the skin are also dissipating as more fat is being stored between under the skin. Except for the skull, all other bones in the baby’s body are beginning to harden. The skull needs to remain soft for delivery.
Lanugo (fine hair on the skin) is now replaced by real hair. The vernix caseosa (white cheesy substance that builds up on the skin to protect it) is now thickening The baby’s skin is also becoming more smooth and softer.
Head
As previously mentioned, the skull remains soft and unfused for delivery through the birth canal, as other bones begin to harden. Because of the softness of the head, some babies develop “conheads” when born, which are easily concealed by a hat. You can see a full head of hair on some babies while others have tendrils of hairs forming.
The entire has grown approximately ½ inch this week, making the diameter of the head approximately 8cm. The head continues to grow until early adulthood. The bridge of your baby’s nose has formed as he has kissed the “button nose” good-bye.
Hands
Your baby’s nails have now reached the tips of his/her finger, but the nails remain soft (and safe from scratches) because of the amniotic fluid.
Reproductive Organs
If your baby is a female her clitoris is very conspicuous while male’s testicles are beginning to descend into the scrotum. At times only one testicle has descended at the time they are born, but thankfully the other one follows suit during the first year.
Brain
The head grows fast because of the brain fast paced growth during this stage. in addition, neurons (basic building blocks on the nervous system) and synapses (allow neurons to communicate or send signals) are developing at an astonishingly fast pace, in the billions. The senses are also developed.
Lungs
Your baby’s lungs are almost fully developed at this stage. In the case of premature birth, the baby can survive in an incubator. For triplets +, this is the week when they are usually born. Your baby is rehearsing his/her breathing at this point, and oxygen is fed through the placenta as they take regular breaths.
Behaviour
At times you may feel like your baby is moving to a certain rhythm, this is usually caused by hiccups. Your baby is drinking one pint to a liter of amniotic fluid as his/her digestive system is being developed, while urinating around that same amount.
Your baby’s movement should remain as constant as in the previous months. Because of the lack of fluid at this stage, the movements will feel sharper and more pronounced. At this point, he will have developed his movement pattern and can do pretty much everything a newborn can do (except cry). While awake, your baby is storing information and learning through clues it obtains via it’s developed senses. Remember the neurons and synapses we previously mentioned? They’re actively at work making connections and constantly communicating constantly.
Mommy Changes
At 33 weeks pregnant you will gain approximately one pound per week for the rest of your pregnancy, and may find it more difficult to get some sleep as you struggle to find the best sleeping position, experts recommend that you lie on your left side as it increases circulation. Leg cramps are common, however, you can easily treat it with a little exercise, keeping your legs in an elevated position while lying down, and not standing or sitting in the same position for an extended amount of time.
Your breasts are not finished growing, and it is recommended that you use a good bra to prevent them from dropping. You will also be experiencing swelling of your ankles, carpal tunnel, increased urges to urinate, pelvic aches, and your belly button may be popping out (don’t worry it goes back in after labor). Your belly will also drop low during this week.
Your baby needs protein and fat during this week to be sure to consult with your physician about what the best diet. Do not skip meals during this period, and continue in-taking calcium to help your baby’s bones harden. In addition Omega-3 fatty acids will greatly help with your child’s early development, but don’t over do it. According to the FDA, you’re able to munch down on 12 ounces of low-mercury fish (steer clear of shark, and tuna).