33 Weeks Pregnant - What to Expect

Summary

At week 33 of pregnancy, your baby is growing rapidly, gaining about half a pound per week and measuring over 17 inches—roughly the length of a butternut squash. With amniotic fluid at its maximum, movements may feel more pokey and uncomfortable. Baby’s immune system continues to develop, receiving protective antibodies through the placenta, highlighting the importance of routine maternal vaccines. Meanwhile, pregnancy hormones loosen joints around the ribs and pelvis to support lung expansion and prepare for delivery, causing some aches and discomforts. Despite the challenges, these changes are all part of your baby's healthy growth and development.

Takeaways

• 😀 Baby is gaining about half a pound a week, reaching over 4.25 pounds and 17 inches long, roughly the size of a butternut squash.
• 😀 Your baby is still growing rapidly, gaining up to an inch this week and possibly doubling in weight before birth.
• 😀 Amniotic fluid has reached its maximum capacity, so no more fluid is developing in the uterus.
• 😀 With less amniotic fluid, baby movements can become uncomfortable, as there’s less cushion during the baby’s pushing and jabbing.
• 😀 The baby is developing an immune system, with antibodies passed from the mother to help protect it from infections.
• 😀 The mother should stay on top of routine vaccines to help ensure proper immunity for the baby.
• 😀 Dull aches around the ribs are likely from pregnancy hormones, loosening joints to make room for expanding lungs.
• 😀 Pregnancy hormones are also relaxing the pelvic ligaments to prepare for delivery.
• 😀 These physical pains (rib ache and pelvic discomfort) are uncomfortable but serve a purposeful role in preparing for childbirth.
• 😀 Despite the discomfort, the baby's immune system and physical growth are making significant progress as pregnancy moves forward.

Q & A

How much is the baby gaining per week at week 33?

At week 33, the baby is gaining about a half a pound per week.

What is the approximate total weight and length of the baby at week 33?

The baby weighs more than 4 and a quarter pounds and measures about 17 inches, roughly the length of a butternut squash.

How much growth can the baby experience in a single week at this stage?

The baby can gain as much as a full inch in length and may double in weight before birth.

Why might the baby's movements feel uncomfortable to the mother?

Because the amniotic fluid has maxed out, leaving less cushioning for the baby's movements, which can make kicks and jabs feel more uncomfortable.

Is the baby's immune system fully developed by week 33?

No, the baby's immune system is still developing, and it benefits from protective antibodies passed from the mother through the placenta.

Why is it important for the mother to get routine vaccines during this time?

Routine vaccines help provide additional protection for the baby through antibodies passed from the mother, supporting the developing immune system.

What causes the dull ache around the ribs during pregnancy?

The dull ache is caused by pregnancy hormones loosening the joints around the ribs to allow room for the lungs, which need extra oxygen.

How do pregnancy hormones affect the pelvis?

Pregnancy hormones relax the ligaments in the pelvis to help loosen them in preparation for delivery.

Does the baby’s strength indicate readiness for birth?

No, while the baby may be able to kick and punch strongly, it is still not fully ready for birth.

What is the purpose of the aches and pains experienced during pregnancy?

Although uncomfortable, these pains serve a purpose by helping expand the rib cage for lung growth and loosening the pelvis for delivery.

How does the baby's growth at week 33 compare to earlier stages?

The baby is growing rapidly, both in length and weight, and is preparing for the final stages of development before birth.