What to Expect in Pregnancy Week 33: Baby’s Development and Your Body Changes
Infant development
As you enter the 33rd week of pregnancy, your baby is growing and developing rapidly. Their organs are constantly growing and they are developing skills necessary for life outside the womb. Let’s dig deeper into the exciting changes happening this week:
Table of Contents
Key points of embryonic development:
• Brain development: Your baby’s brain is growing exponentially. Connections between neurons are more complex, laying the foundation for future cognitive abilities.
• Lung development: The air sacs, the air sacs in the lungs, continue to grow. These tissues will be responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide after birth.
• Taste buds: Your baby’s sweet taste buds are now fully developed. They can detect sweetness, saltiness, saltiness, and bitterness, and will likely develop the habit of swallowing vaginal fluid.
• Movement: Your child’s movements may be more expressive and purposeful. They may be practicing punches, stretches, and even hiccups.
• Hair growth: If your baby hasn’t already started growing hair, it will likely start this week. The colour and texture of their hair will be determined by their genes.
Your body changes
As your baby grows, your body will also undergo significant changes based on their needs. Here’s what you can expect in the 33rd week of pregnancy:
Physical changes:
• Weight gain: You may gain weight faster. Remember to talk to your health care provider to make sure you are gaining weight in the right range.
• Tired: As your body works hard to support your growing baby, it’s normal to feel more tired than usual. Try to get plenty of rest and avoid over exerting yourself.
• Heartburn: Heartburn is a common symptom in the third trimester. Eating smaller meals more frequently, avoiding spicy foods, and keeping your body up beyond sleep can help with the cleanse.
• Braxton Hicks contractions: You may have irregular soft tissues called Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions are a normal part of pregnancy and help prepare your body for childbirth.
• Swelling: It is normal for your feet, ankles and hands to swell during the third trimester. Elevating your feet and wearing comfortable shoes can help keep you clean.
Emotional changes:
• Nesting: As nesting season approaches, you may feel a strong urge to nest. This instinct makes you want to get your home ready for the baby’s arrival.
• Anxiety and fear: It is normal to feel anxious or nervous as you approach the end of your pregnancy. Talking to your partner, friends, or health care provider can help manage these feelings.
• Excitement: Despite the challenges, you may be feeling a mixture of excitement and anticipation as you look forward to meeting your child.
Tips for a safe pregnancy
• Stay active: Regular exercise can help you stay healthy and fit during pregnancy. Talk to your health care provider for guidance on safe exercise.
• Eat a balanced diet: Make sure you eat a variety of healthy foods to provide your baby with essential nutrients.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support body function.
• Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help you feel rested and refreshed.
• Prenatal care: Attend all your antenatal appointments to monitor your health and your baby’s progress.
• Manage stress: Use relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Connect with other moms: Joining a prenatal or postnatal support group can provide valuable emotional support and advice.
Additional Common Questions
 Is it normal for my child to have seizures at this time?
Yes, it is perfectly normal for your baby to have diarrhoea in the third trimester. Hiccups are a natural reaction to tightening their spine and preparing for breathing after delivery.
How do I know if my child is walking less?
If you notice a significant decrease in your child’s movement, it is important to contact your health care provider. A fetal heart rate test may be done to evaluate your baby’s health.
Can my baby feel pain during this time?
 Although it is difficult to say for sure, experts believe that babies can experience pain during the third trimester. If your child is concerned, discuss it with your health care provider.
Conclusion
The 33rd week of pregnancy is a time of rapid growth and development for you and your baby. By understanding what to expect, you can better prepare for the weeks ahead and enjoy this special time in your life. Remember to seek guidance from your health care provider if you have any concerns or questions.
