Pregnant: What happens in pregnancy week 33

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

All senses in use:Your baby has diligently developed and trained its senses up to the 33rd week of pregnancy. Except for the sense of smell, it can already use all of them in the uterus.Shortly after birth it will not only 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. An exception are the skull bones, which remain soft. The brain still needs enough space to grow and expand even after birth.The soft skull bones can overlap as the baby passes through the narrow birth canal, making delivery easier.These deformations usually resolve after birth and are generally not dangerous for your baby.

The little head is growing:In the 33rd week of pregnancyyour baby's brain continues to develop and works in an increasingly differentiated way.It needs more space for this and grows. The skull bones expand with the brain growth and thehead circumference increases again this week by about 1.3 cm.

Viability in the 33rd week of pregnancy:If your baby is born now, it is a premature baby.But the chance that it will continue to develop healthily and survive is high.Most doctors place preterm infants born in the 33rd week in an incubator because the baby cannot yet fully maintain its body temperature.

What can be seen on the ultrasound image?

Thepineapple is now the fruit,that you can use to gauge the size and weight of your baby. Because it isvery similar to the tropical fruit at about 44 cm and around 1,900 grams.If you think that's already heavy, wait for the next weeks. Babies weigh on average 3,500 grams at birth and are 51 cm long. And don't worry: after birth babies always lose weight first; that's completely normal.

Physical changes – what happens to the mother in week 33 of pregnancy?

Schwangerschaft 33 SSW | Schwangere Frau liegt auf schwarzen Leder Sofa

The navel protrudes outward:In the 33rd week of pregnancyyour skin is already very stretched to make room for your baby.For many women the navel therefore everts towards the end of pregnancy. After birth, when the tension on the skin decreases, your navel will revert on its own.

The first lightening contractions:Especially women who are pregnant with their first baby already 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 tugging toward the pelvic floor.In a second or third pregnancy, lightening contractions usually occur a bit later.

More room to breathe:If yourbaby is already lower in the pelvis due to the lightening contractionsthis relieves your lungs. They have more space to expand and you can breathe in more deeply again.

Bloody show: A mucus plug seals your cervix during pregnancy.This prevents germs from entering your uterus and thus protects your little one. As early as the 33rd week of pregnancythe plug can loosen and be discharged as a slightly bloody and mucus-like discharge, the so-called bloody show.If the discharge occurs with increasingly strong and regular contractions, call your doctor, as this can be a sign of impending labor. Usually, however, the show is triggered by lightening contractions and there is still some time until birth.

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

Gum overgrowths:Your gums may now show overgrowths thatare hormone-related.Only a dentist can treat these.If you only struggle with blisters, mouth balm can help.

Tips for dealing with worries and impatience

Talking about worries:As the due date approaches, your anticipation certainly grows. But of course worries and fears can also mix in with the joyful feelings.If you become parents for the first time, you don't know how your relationship as a couple will change because of a baby.If a sibling is on the way, you may worry whether the 'older children' will welcome the new addition as lovingly as you hope.Your partner will also surely have thoughts about the upcoming birth during this time.Until now, he or she could only feel the baby through kicks or see it on ultrasound and hasn't had a chance to build a strong bond with your child.Our tip: Talk openly with each other about your worries.Through conversations together you can prepare for the time ahead and increase your excitement about the birth.
Keep calm:Many women become increasingly impatient toward the end of pregnancy:On the one hand, you want to finally hold your child in your arms,on the other hand, the increasing discomfort also raises the desireto have your own body to yourself again.The belly grows and movement becomes more restricted. It is also harder to find a comfortable sleeping position. Try to remain calm and savor the last weeks until birth. Maybe treat yourself to a haircut or a spa visit now to really pamper yourself.Make sure to take sufficient breaks and consciously set aside time for yourself and with your partner.There are only a few weeks left until birth, and then you can finally hold your baby in your arms.

For the 34th week of pregnancy