33 Weeks Pregnant

As convenient as it is to carry around your baby without having to worry about diapers or feedings, around 33 weeks pregnant your desire to give birth receives a boost. This desire will increase, as it becomes more work to carry your ever-growing bundle of soon to be joy.

MOM

You will have the most amniotic fluid at this time of your pregnancy. You may find weight gain occurring faster as your baby’s growth rapidly increases. Your uterus is now about 5 inches above your navel.

Swelling and edema are common during the end of pregnancy. Resting on your left side will help. Remember to drink enough fluids and eat well. The swelling can cause pressure on nerves and cause discomfort. Frequent breaks when possible at work or doing other tasks can help relieve the discomfort.

BABY
At 33 weeks pregnant your baby is about 17.5 inches long and 4.5 pounds.You will begin to feel your baby's movements more as prods and kicks and you may even be able to tell the difference between a foot, knee or your baby's bottom.  Mostly your baby is just building strength and some baby fat to prepare it for his or her life outside of your womb and in you and your partner’s arms. The increase in fat causes your baby’s skin to be less red and become pinker in color.

Lung development is complete enough that your baby wouldn’t need much help if born now, though it is best to stay put until closer to your due date. Your baby’s eyes will dilate with changing light. The bones in the baby’s skull will stay soft and pliable until after birth to accommodate fitting through the birth canal. The baby’s head continues to grow as the brain matures.

LIFE

Start preparing yourself to be flexible for labor and delivery. It is a natural event that even in the most planned and medically controlled environments  simply won’t go exactly as planned. Have some alternative birthing plans for changes that may occur during labor. Remember labor and delivery is only a small part of the many years you will spend as a parent. In a short time you will be home with your baby and be able to focus on bonding without interference.  Postpartum blues may be more intense for women who are unable to get past the birth not going as planned.

Start planning what you will have in your hospital bag (What to bring to hospital when giving birth) it will be time to pack it soon. Have baby announcements ready to fill out and you can even get your envelopes addressed and ready to go. This is also a good time to pre-register at the hospital you are planning on delivering in.

It is natural to be nervous about being a parent. It won’t matter if it is your first child or your fifth, trust yourself to have and to develop the skills needed to parent one or multiple children. Be understanding with your partner, he is probably feeling the same way. Communication will get you to through the new parent jitters.

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