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Your Pregnancy at Week 33

This week, your baby is as big as a celery.

Explore your pregnancy at Week 33

Week 29
Week 30
Week 31
Week 32
Week 33
Week 34
Week 35
Week 36
Week 37

7 Weeks to go!

At A Glance
Baby Development Milestones
Pregnancy Symptoms
Advice from Our Practitioners
Tips for 33 Weeks Pregnant
Related Pregnancy Blogs

The following information was reviewed by Katherine Cheng

At A Glance

Week-33

Pointy head

The pressure on the head at birth is so great that many babies are born with pointy heads!

Prepare baby clothes

During the first few weeks of life, your baby will spit and urinate a lot, so you'll need plenty of comfy pajamas, underwear, drool shoulders, and more. It is best to dress your baby in clothes that are easy to change.

Nesting

You can't wait to welcome your baby, have you arranged a baby room, bought furniture, and prepared daily necessities for them? 

Baby Development at 33 Weeks

Fetal-Position

Fetal position for birth

The ideal potation of the baby for birth is with the baby's head down, chin against chest, facing your back. Most babies will turn their postures by themselves during the 32nd to 36th week of pregnancy, and set up a "pose" for you to give birth smoothly.

Fetal-Skull

The skull is flexible

Bones other than the skull are hardening. The skull remains soft and separate for about 12 to 18 months after birth, and is not fully fixed in place until adulthood. The flexibility of the unfused skull made it easier for the baby to pass through the birth canal and make room for his growing brain.

Testicles-Descend

Descended testicles in baby boys

Early in pregnancy, if you're having a boy, the testicles begin to develop deep in the abdomen. Between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, the testicles begin to develop and descend into the scrotum. In about 30 percent of premature boys and about 3 percent of full-term boys, the testicles are not descended into the scrotum at birth, but most descend spontaneously within the first few months of life.

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Your Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 33

Starting to feel like something is pressing on your pelvis? This heavy feeling may be due to your baby's fetal position turning head down which is the perfect position ready for labor! 

Other medical conditions may include:

Numbness in the hands

If you experience pain or even numbness in your fingers, wrists, and hands, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome, which often starts or worsens in the second or third trimester, occurs when the median nerve is pinched or compressed. 

Sleep deprivation

Physical discomfort is one of the causes of sleep deprivation. This can be exacerbated further by feeling anxious about your baby. It's important to speak to your obstetrician or therapists about this and see if there are ways for you to improve your sleep. 

Swollen labia

Swelling of the labia is a normal symptom during pregnancy due to increased blood flow, combined with the added pressure of a growing uterus and hormonal changes, causing swelling around the opening of the vagina. The skin may darken and can be  itchy and sore.

Shortness of breath 

Mild to moderate shortness of breath is typical as the growing uterus puts pressure on the diaphragm. However, shortness of breath can also be as a result of high blood pressure or too much amniotic fluid. In the case of difficulty breathing or persistent cough, seek medical attention immediately.

Advice from OT&P Obstetricians

Your body's hair may grow faster during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Skin can be more sensitive than normal during pregnancy, and once you're close to your due date, don't epilate or shave the bikini area and lower abdomen to avoid irritating hair follicles and increasing the risk of infection. 

Tips for 33 Weeks Pregnant

  • Change your sleeping position so that instead of sleeping on your arms, you can sleep with your arms spread out and supported by a pillow or two.
  • Avoid looking at electronic screens (such as TV and mobile phones) before going to bed, which can help improve sleep quality, because the screen will emit blue light, tricking your brain into thinking it is still daytime.
  • Prepare your "hospital bag" well in advance of your due date. For a detailed list of must-have items, please visit our blog.
  • If you and your partner have a busy life, you might as well enroll in a prenatal crash course to learn everything you need to know before your baby arrives, including natural childbirth, caesarean section, induction process, postpartum baby care and breastfeeding guidance.
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Related Pregnancy Blogs

Can I Have Sex During Pregnancy?

Coping with the Uncertainty of Threatened Miscarriage

Navigating the Decision: Understanding Abortion in Hong Kong

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Plan your pregnancy, birth & beyond with OT&P

Whether you’re planning for an addition to your family or are already pregnant, OT&P’s Maternity Team is here to help.

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