Pregnancy week 33 - baby's development and your body

Things are getting a bit snug in the womb for both you and your baby! Your baby is growing and developing, getting ready for life outside.

Size:

Your baby is about 43 cm or 16.93 inches long, from head to foot.

Weight:

Approximately 1.9 kg or 4.19 lbs.

Fetal development:

Aside from the lungs and brain, most of your baby’s body parts and organs are fully developed and ready for birth. Your baby is also continuing to gain fat.

With space getting tighter in the uterus, kicks may now feel more like strong stretches or pushes. However, the frequency and strength of movements should stay consistent.

Many babies turn head-down now or within the next 2–3 weeks, if they haven’t already, in preparation for birth.

Babies born at this stage almost always survive with intensive care, and the risk of long-term complications is very low.

Your body:

Your belly is getting larger, with the uterus now reaching the lower part of your ribcage. As the uterus takes up more space, things may feel a bit cramped, especially around your lungs, stomach, and bladder.

You might notice feeling more short of breath, dealing with heartburn, or feeling heavy and cumbersome, though this varies greatly from person to person.

Pelvic pain after exertion is also common, as the hormone relaxin softens the pelvic joints in preparation for childbirth. Contractions are normal at this stage, too.