Pregnant: What happens in week 33 of pregnancy

Your baby's development in the 33rd week of pregnancy

All senses at work: By the 33rd week of pregnancy your baby has been busy developing and practising its senses. Except for the sense of smell, it can already use all of them in the womb. Shortly after birth it will not only be able to see, taste, feel and hear, but will also perceive the smells in its surroundings for the first time.

Bones are hardening: Your baby's skeleton is becoming stronger. One exception is the skull bones, which remain soft. The brain still needs room after birth to grow and expand. The soft skull bones can overlap as the baby passes through the narrow birth canal, which can make delivery easier. The deformations usually resolve after birth and are not generally dangerous for your baby.

The head is growing: In the 33rd week of pregnancy your baby's brain continues to develop and function in an increasingly complex way. It therefore needs more space and grows. The skull bones expand with the brain's growth and the head circumference increases by about 1.3 cm this week.

Survival chances at 33 weeks: If your baby is born now, it is a preterm infant. But the chance that it will develop healthily and survive is high. Doctors will usually place preterm babies born at 33 weeks in an incubator, as the baby cannot yet fully regulate its body temperature.

What can be seen on the ultrasound image?

The pineapple is now the fruit you can use as a reference for your baby's size and weight. At around 44 cm and roughly 1,900 grams it is very similar to the tropical fruit. If you think that's already heavy, wait a few more weeks. Babies weigh on average 3,500 grams at birth and are 51 cm long. And don't worry: after birth babies always lose some weight at first, which is completely normal.

Physical changes – what happens to the mother at week 33?

Schwangerschaft 33 SSW | Schwangere Frau liegt auf schwarzen Leder Sofa

The navel may protrude: In the 33rd week of pregnancy your skin is already very stretched to make room for your baby. For many women the navel therefore pops out towards the end of pregnancy. After birth, when the tension on the skin eases, your navel will return by itself.

The first lightening contractions: Particularly women who are pregnant with their first baby feel lightening contractions in week 33 that move the baby further into the pelvis. Usually these contractions are not particularly painful and are felt by many only as a pulling sensation towards the pelvic floor. In second or third pregnancies the lightening contractions usually occur somewhat later.

More room to breathe: If your baby now lies deeper in the pelvis because of the lightening contractions that will relieve your lungs. They have more room to expand and you can breathe more deeply again.

The 'show': A mucus plug seals your cervix during pregnancy. This prevents germs from entering your uterus and thus protects your little one. Already in the 33rd week of pregnancy the plug can loosen and come away as a slightly bloody, mucoid discharge, the so‑called "show". If the discharge appears together with stronger, regular contractions, call your doctor, because this can be a sign that birth is imminent. Most of the time the show is triggered by the lightening contractions and there is still some time to go before birth.

Your bump is growing: Your baby is thriving – you can especially see that from your round baby bump. As long as the big bump only affects your mobility, everything is normal. However, if you suddenly experience pain in your upper abdomen in week 33, consult a doctor. This can be a sign of gallbladder problems or a rise in blood pressure, which can be dangerous.

Gum overgrowths: Your gums may now show overgrowths that are hormonally caused and appear as small bumps. Only a dentist can treat these. If you only have small blisters, a mouth balm can help.

Tips for coping with worries and impatience

Talk about worries: With the approaching birth your anticipation will surely grow. But of course worries and fears can mix with the joyful feelings. If you are becoming parents for the first time, you do not yet know how your relationship as a couple will change because of a baby. If a sibling is on the way, you may be worried whether "the older ones" will welcome the new family member as lovingly as you hope. Your partner will also certainly be thinking about the upcoming birth at this time. So far they have only been able to feel the baby kicking or see it on the ultrasound and have not had a chance to build a close relationship with your child. Our tip: Talk openly about your worries with each other. By having conversations together you can prepare for the time ahead and increase your excitement for the birth.
Stay calm: Many women become increasingly impatient towards the end of pregnancy: On the one hand you want to finally hold your child in your arms, on the other the increasing discomforts also awaken the desire to have your own body to yourself again. The bump gets bigger and movement becomes more restricted. Finding a comfortable sleeping position also becomes more difficult. Try nevertheless to stay calm and savour the last weeks before birth. Perhaps treat yourself to a haircut or a visit to a wellness salon. Give yourself sufficient breaks and consciously take time for yourself and with your partner. Only a few weeks remain until birth and then you will finally be able to hold your baby in your arms.

For the 34th week of pregnancy