Week 33
of pregnancy

At 33 weeks pregnant, you’re in the home stretch of your pregnancy, and you might be counting the weeks and days until you give birth. This article will cover some symptoms you may experience in the last few weeks of pregnancy, outline the developmental changes your baby is making at 33 weeks pregnant, and offer some tips on how to stay healthy and comfortable during this period.

Highlights at 33 Weeks Pregnant

Check out these highlights and insights for 33 weeks pregnant:

• Your little one is about the size of a small pineapple!

• Their bones are hardening, but the skull is still soft—this helps facilitate childbirth.

• At 33 weeks, your baby may now hear sounds and respond to light.

• Sleep is important right now! Get some extra pillows to make yourself as comfortable as possible during the night—and take naps when you need them!

• At 33 weeks pregnant, you may be thinking about the right labor and birthing positions for you.

Have you picked out any baby names for your little one yet? If not, take advantage of our Baby Name Generator:

33 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

Here are some of your baby’s amazing developments at 33 weeks pregnant:

• At this point in your pregnancy, your baby’s brain is working hard, with all five senses working now!

• Your little one can now hear some of what’s happening outside the womb. When they hear your voice, their heart rate may slow down, meaning they’re calmer.

• They’re also able to distinguish light from dark in their small environment. In fact, your baby’s eyes are developed enough that the pupils respond to light changes.

• Your little baby is rapidly gaining weight at 33 weeks pregnant, and they’ll continue to do so until their due date. They probably won’t grow much longer, though.

• In addition to these important fetal developments, at around 33 weeks pregnant, your baby's bones are starting to become harder, although their skull is still soft and flexible enough to allow it to fit through the birth canal. Don’t worry if their head looks a little misshapen at birth because the soft spots on their skull will fuse together and harden sometime in the first two years of their life.

• If not at 33 weeks pregnant, then at some point in the last few weeks of your pregnancy, your healthcare provider will try to determine your baby’s position. If your provider suspects your baby may be in the breech position—meaning either buttocks down or buttocks and feet down—they may suggest an ultrasound to find out for sure.

• If you’re 33 weeks pregnant with twins, find out more about your twin pregnancy in the third trimester.

How Many Months Is 33 Weeks Pregnant?

So, what is 33 weeks pregnant in months? You’re likely in your eighth month at this point—there are a couple of different ways to group the weeks of pregnancy into months, so this can vary.

Baby's Size at 33 Weeks Pregnant

How big is your baby at 33 weeks? This week, the average baby is about the size of a small pineapple, and your little one is putting on weight quickly now, about a half pound a week. Though, at the end of the previous week, your baby may have weighed more than 4 pounds. And, they’re likely measuring around 17 inches in length.

Your Baby: What Does 33 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?

See below for an illustration of what your little one might look like at 33 weeks gestation.

Your Body at 33 Weeks Pregnant

At this point in your pregnancy, you may find that sleep is eluding you. With your increased size and protruding belly, at 33 weeks pregnant, sleeping through the night may be more difficult, which might leave you feeling exhausted.

Try to make your bed as comfortable as possible, adding pillows for your legs and abdomen. To feel a little more rested, take daytime naps whenever possible.

Lower back pain and pelvic pressure may be a cause of discomfort around 33 weeks pregnant due to the size of your belly. If your baby has “dropped” into a lower position in your pelvis, this can lead to increased pressure not only in the pelvic area but in the hips and bladder.

You can do some gentle backbends to help ease the discomfort: As you stand upright, place your hands on your back and bend slightly backward (about 15 to 20 degrees). Repeat this movement a few times, as needed.

Consult your healthcare provider for more information on how to exercise and stretch your back and for other ways to reduce or manage back pain.

33 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms

Here are some common symptoms that you may be experiencing around 33 weeks pregnant:

• Frequent urination. Your growing baby could be moving lower, putting some unwelcome pressure on your bladder. This means you’re probably peeing more often, maybe even when you laugh, cough, or sneeze. There’s not much you can do to relieve this symptom, but if you are experiencing bladder leakage, try wearing a panty liner to keep you dry in case of minor accidents. Don't cut back on drinking water, because staying hydrated is especially important. It can be helpful, though, to make sure that you use the bathroom before you leave the house or head into a meeting at work, for example.

• Braxton Hicks contractions. You’re getting closer to your due date, so those “practice” contractions may be kicking into high gear and getting stronger. If you feel what may be symptoms of true labor contractions at 33 weeks pregnant, it’s a good idea to time them; typical labor contractions will last up to 90 seconds and will come and go at regular intervals. Braxton Hicks contractions are more likely to occur in the evening and after physical activity like exercise or sex, and they subside when you move or change positions. If you're concerned about the symptoms you are experiencing at 33 weeks pregnant, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

• Leg swelling. Your growing uterus can place pressure on the major veins that move blood from your lower body to your heart, which can sometimes lead to swollen legs. If you experience swelling in your legs or feet, avoid standing for long periods. Whenever possible, elevate your feet to help improve circulation. Comfortable shoes and support socks or stockings can also help with this.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome. Swelling can also place pressure on the nerves in your wrists and hands, which leads some pregnant people to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. This affects the bones and ligaments in the wrist and can cause discomfort, including numbness and a tingling feeling in the hands. These symptoms usually subside after you give birth, and the discomfort should disappear along with the swelling. Wrist braces or splints could help make you more comfortable, and your healthcare provider may have additional advice on what to do.

• Itchy skin. Itchy skin is a common symptom that many pregnant people experience at 33 weeks and later in pregnancy. Over the past few months, your skin has been expanding across your belly and breasts, and this can cause dryness and irritation. Make sure you’re applying a gentle moisturizer day and night, and if the itchy feeling persists, consider taking a bath with cornstarch to help ease the unpleasant sensation. If you experience extreme itchiness or develop a rash, consult your healthcare provider.

• Abdominal cramping. If you experience abdominal cramps around 33 weeks pregnant, this may occasionally be a symptom or sign of preterm labor, so it’s helpful to be familiar with the signs and symptoms not to ignore. Sometimes, but not always, this cramping is accompanied by diarrhea. If you notice either of these symptoms, let your healthcare provider know right away.

How Big Is a Pregnant Belly at 33 Weeks?

Your growing baby means that your uterus is also expanding. If your fundal height was measured at 33 weeks, it would likely be around 13 inches (33 centimeters)—from the top of your pubic bone to the top of your uterus. But remember, every pregnancy bump is different!

You may even begin to feel more pressure in your lower body as your baby starts to settle into a lower position in your pelvis around 33 weeks pregnant or in the next few weeks.

What Does 33 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?

Check out our visual below for a better idea of how your pregnancy bump may look around 33 weeks, in your eighth month.

33 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider

From birthing positions to car seats, there are many things to consider and take care of during this period:

• With your due date approaching, you might want to investigate some labor and birthing positions that may help make delivering your baby a bit more comfortable. Do some research to find out more about the options available to you, like birthing chairs, stools, balls, or even pools or tubs for laboring in water. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out what your hospital or birthing center can offer you. Naturally, you won’t know what feels best until you’re actually in labor, but take some time now to explore your choices.

• If you have older children, think about who will watch them when you are in labor and take care of them during your hospital stay. Consider asking a family member to be on standby or arrange a babysitter who can be available at short notice.

• If you get around by car, you’ll need an approved car safety seat for when your baby arrives. It needs to be rear-facing and properly installed in the backseat of your vehicle. If you need help, some local fire departments are able to provide advice on how to install and use car seats for babies at various ages; you can also check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website to find out how to purchase, install, and use an infant seat. Learn more about some of the best car seats.

• Have you packed your hospital bag? Download our hospital bag checklist to make sure you’ve prepared everything you, your birth partner, and your baby will need while in the hospital.

33 Weeks Pregnant: Questions for Your Healthcare Provider

Your healthcare provider is always there to answer any questions you may have throughout your pregnancy. The following are some common questions that crop up at 33 weeks pregnant:

• When will I get the Tdap vaccination?

• What are some symptoms not to ignore at 33 weeks pregnant and are there any precautions I should take during this week of pregnancy?

• Will my healthcare provider test for high blood pressure at 33 weeks pregnant?

• Do I need to register at the hospital where I’m going to give birth? When and how do I do this?

• If I think I’m in labor, who should I call? What if it’s after hours? At what point should I go to the hospital?

• What are the risks and benefits of an episiotomy, and in what circumstances would it be recommended?

• Are there any tests or scans I need now or in the coming weeks?

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}