Everything you need to know about week 33 of pregnancy

Welcome to the 33rd week of pregnancy

You are now right in the middle of the third trimester and the big day is drawing ever closer. In the 33rd week of pregnancy, your baby is especially active and continues to grow busily in preparation for life outside your belly. You might notice your little one’s movements even more clearly and strongly now.

For you as an expectant mother, this phase can be filled with joyful anticipation – but sometimes it also comes with new or more intense pregnancy symptoms. Your baby bump is now beautifully round, and your body is working at full speed to provide the best possible care for you and your little one. Your baby is now about the size of a Chinese cabbage. It's lovely to picture that, isn't it?

In our guide, you will find everything you need to know about your baby’s development, the changes in your body, and valuable tips on how you can enjoy the 33rd week of pregnancy in a relaxed way.

Your baby at 33 weeks pregnant:

• Your baby is now about 43 to 44 cm long, weighs around 1900 to 2100 grams and is roughly the size of a Chinese cabbage.
• In the 33rd week of pregnancy, your little one often turns into the ideal birth position: head down, bottom up, chin on the chest.
• Your baby continues to build up fat reserves in order to maintain body temperature after birth and to serve as a buffer for the start of breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
• Your little darling is practising diligently: swallowing amniotic fluid, developing their sense of taste, and showing adorable facial expressions on the ultrasound.
• You can now feel your baby's movements more strongly and distinctly – a sign that your little one is growing well and has developed its own rhythm.
  
  

Your body at 33 weeks pregnant:

• Your baby bump continues to grow: the uterus now extends about twelve to thirteen centimetres above your belly button.
• Your skin will be stretched a lot and may itch: regular moisturising and drinking enough fluids will keep it supple.
• Back pain, heartburn, shortness of breath or water retention are quite normal in the 33rd week of pregnancy.
• Your breasts are preparing for breastfeeding and colostrum may leak.
• Practice contractions (Braxton-Hicks) show that your body is training for birth.

The pram you've always wanted.

Tips for the 33rd week of pregnancy

💡 1. Optimise your sleeping position: As your baby bump grows, getting a good night's sleep becomes increasingly challenging. Try to sleep on your side, ideally on your left, to improve blood flow to the placenta and baby. A nursing pillow or several pillows can support your bump and legs, alleviating pressure. Rest breaks are especially important now.

💡 2. Pay attention to a nutrient-rich diet: Your child now needs especially high amounts of iron for blood formation. Make sure to provide a balanced intake of iron-rich foods such as red meat, pulses, and leafy green vegetables to prevent fatigue and anaemia. Your doctor can recommend iron supplements if necessary. Also ensure an adequate fluid intake.

💡 3. Maintain gentle movement and take breaks: Light activities such as walking, pregnancy yoga, or swimming can help relieve pregnancy discomforts like back pain and water retention. Listen to your body and make sure to take regular breaks, as your body is currently performing incredible feats.

💡 4. Continue your birth preparation: If you haven’t booked a course yet, now is the perfect time. In an antenatal class, you’ll learn everything important about childbirth, discover breathing techniques, and start getting attuned to those first moments together with your little one. It’s also lovely if your partner can join you.

💡 5. Prepare your hospital bag: You can now have your hospital bag fully packed and ready to go. This way, you’ll be completely relaxed when the time comes. It’s best to use a small checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything and have everything important for you and your baby to hand. That way, you can look forward to the big moment without any worries. The checklist in our my junior® guide can be very helpful here.

💡 6. Parental allowance application: Find out about the exact deadlines and prepare all the necessary documents for applying for parental allowance. You can find helpful information on this in our my junior® guide.

The most frequently asked questions about the 33rd week of pregnancy

How much weight gain is expected in the 33rd week of pregnancy?

In the 33rd week of pregnancy, many women have gained between 10 and 14 kilograms. However, this can vary from woman to woman. Your gynaecologist will keep a close eye on things during your check-ups and will support you if you have any questions. Make sure you eat a balanced diet: this is the best way to look after yourself and your little one.

Which examinations are important in the 33rd week of pregnancy?

During this phase, you will have check-ups with your gynaecologist every two weeks, during which, among other things, the position and orientation of the baby will be checked by palpation, as well as the position of the uterus. Sometimes, a blood test for hepatitis B or other values is also part of the preparation for the birth.

What does it mean if foetal movements decrease in the 33rd week of pregnancy?

In the 33rd week of pregnancy, you should still be able to feel your little one’s movements regularly. Of course, space in your belly is getting tighter, but your baby is still active and sometimes even has hiccups. If you notice that the movements become significantly less frequent or stop altogether, it’s important to act quickly: Contact your doctor or midwife immediately. This way, you protect yourself and your baby and can feel more reassured. And remember: it’s better to ask one time too many than to worry alone.

What is colostrum and is it normal that my breasts are producing it now?

Colostrum is the first, nutrient-rich pre-milk that your breasts can start producing even during pregnancy. In the 33rd week of pregnancy or in the last weeks before the birth, it is completely normal if you notice some colostrum leaking. This shows that your breasts and your body are already lovingly preparing for later breast milk production and the birth of your little one. Many pregnant women experience exactly this: a lovely sign that everything is ready for your little miracle.

How can I best prepare for childbirth?

To prepare well for the birth, an antenatal course can be helpful. Here you will gain knowledge, exchange experiences, and build confidence. Pack your hospital bag in good time, so you can be relaxed when the big moment arrives. Discuss your wishes for the birth with your doctor or midwife, so everyone knows what is important to you. You can also take care of paperwork, such as applications and documents, in advance. Make sure to schedule small breaks for yourself and check a pregnancy calendar to see what is good for you at this stage. And don’t forget: having the support of your partner on the big day will give you calm and reassurance. That way, you can ease a lot of excitement and look forward to your happiness.

Is a premature birth at 33 weeks gestation viable?

Yes, a premature birth in the 33rd week of pregnancy already has very good chances of survival today, thanks to modern medicine and intensive care in hospital. By this stage, your little one’s muscles and organs are usually already well developed, even if a bit of support is still needed to get used to life outside your womb. Breathing, in particular, is often still assisted a little. The prospects are really good.

What role does the umbilical cord play now?

The umbilical cord continues to reliably supply your little one with all the necessary nutrients and oxygen, while also removing waste products. It is your baby’s lifeline in the womb and is still working at full speed to support your little miracle’s development.

How is the baby’s immune system developing in the 33rd week of pregnancy?

Your baby’s immune system is now making important progress. It receives maternal antibodies via the umbilical cord and placenta, which protect it from illnesses after birth. These antibodies provide an important start for your little one’s own immune system.

What if the baby is in breech position?

If your baby is still in the breech position (bottom down) at 33 weeks of pregnancy, there is no need to worry just yet. There is still enough space for your baby to turn into the head-down position. Your doctor will keep an eye on your baby's position during your next appointments and will inform you about possible options if your baby remains in this position.

The dream buggy you always wanted.

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