What's the baby's weight at 33 weeks pregnant? Are contractions at 33 weeks pregnant a sign that something is wrong? How can you cope with insomnia during pregnancy? Is preterm labor at 33 weeks pregnant a significant risk to your baby? In this post, we'll present the most important information about this stage of pregnancy.
We advise: 33 weeks of pregnancy, what is the month?
A pregnant woman's immediate family and friends often find themselves lost in the maze of pregnancy information. To avoid overwhelming the expectant mother with questions, we'll answer the question: 33 weeks pregnant, what month is it?
So the pregnant woman is in the 8th month, which is the middle of the third trimester. In the Internet or in the literature, you can also come across the abbreviation 32.1-33 tc which means thirty-third week of pregnancy.
We are entering the 33rd week of pregnancy: the belly slowly hindering a good night's sleep
In the eighth month of pregnancy, most women experience significant discomfort related to their already large abdomen. The amount of amniotic fluid has reached its maximum at 33 weeks and will gradually decrease from the following week as the baby grows. The decreasing amount of amniotic fluid means that after 33 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is no longer as well cushioned. Changing the pregnant woman's position may become less comfortable, sometimes causing temporary abdominal cramping.
Women in their 33rd week of pregnancy often complain about sleep problems. They can't find a comfortable position, and they're plagued by heartburn and racing thoughts. A good solution may be to use a special pregnancy pillow, which will help you find the optimal body position (lying on your left side is particularly recommended). A glass of lemon balm, relaxing music , and aromatherapy , such as lavender oil, can also have a soothing effect, provided, of course, the pregnant woman isn't hypersensitive to smells.
In the 33rd week of pregnancy, the expectant mother may experience anxious thoughts and fears related to childbirth before going to bed. It's a good idea to write them down in a notebook and discuss them with your partner / friends or consult a psychologist.
Between 33 and 37 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor will also reassess your risk of depression . Don't be embarrassed and don't hesitate to discuss your concerns with him or her.
33 weeks pregnant: preterm labor and disturbing contractions
At this time, the baby is almost fully prepared to function outside the mother's womb, so a premature baby born at 33 weeks of pregnancy has a virtually 100% chance of survival (with the help of intensive medical care, including respiratory support). Of course, this doesn't change the fact that a pregnancy is considered full-term from 37 weeks, so the longer the baby stays in the mother's womb, the better for its development.
In multiple pregnancies, preterm labor may occur with increased risk at 33 weeks. Pregnant women may also experience preterm contractions, known as Braxton-Hicks contractions. Their occurrence varies from woman to woman, but they most commonly occur in the third trimester. At 33 weeks, these contractions should not be cause for concern, as they indicate that the uterus is preparing for labor. Preterm contractions increase slowly and subside spontaneously, for example, with rest, a change in body position, or the use of a warm (but not hot) compress or shower. At 33 weeks, lower abdominal contractions signal the expectant mother to temporarily reduce activity and take a few calm breaths.
If the frequency of contractions continues to increase despite rest, they begin to radiate to the groin and spine, and are accompanied by other symptoms of the onset of labor: loss of the mucus plug, disturbing spotting, or breaking of the amniotic fluid, you should go to the hospital immediately.
What should the baby's weight and location be at 33 weeks of pregnancy?
In the third trimester, the baby's body weight increases by approximately 200 grams each week. Its organs are almost fully developed. The fetus is practicing breathing, among other things, by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. Continuing on the topic of respiratory tract, the baby's nose is also fully developed at 33 weeks of pregnancy: small and slightly upturned to allow the newborn to breathe while nursing.
Most babies, at this stage of pregnancy, assume a head-down position , slowly preparing for final insertion into the birth canal. If the baby has not yet turned head-down at 33 weeks, it may still do so. Babies do not assume their final position in the mother's womb until 36-37 weeks.
33 weeks of pregnancy: the child's weight is normalized in the percentile grids
Most women at this time care a lot about their baby's weight. Both in terms of its proper development and upcoming delivery.
It is worth remembering that fetal macrosomia is considered to be children weighing more than 4,5 kg at the time of birth.
A baby that's too large may require a cesarean section. However, this decision will be made by the obstetrician, taking into account the patient's anatomical circumstances, among other factors. At 33 weeks of pregnancy, the baby's weight should be around 2 kg. The gynecologist can estimate this during an ultrasound by comparing the measurements to the norms contained in the percentile charts. If the obstetrician doesn't raise any concerns, the baby's weight is certainly within the normal range. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to ask your doctor additional questions.
Examination at 33 weeks of pregnancy
During the doctor's visit at this time, in addition to taking a standard history, measuring blood pressure and weight of the pregnant woman, the doctor will also order a blood count and a general urine test.
Additional diagnostics between 33 and 37 tc also include:
- assessment of pelvic dimensions;
- heart rate and fetal movements;
- and examination of the mammary glands.
During this period of time, the following tests should also be performed:
- for the presence of the HBs antigen;
- HIV infection;
- VDRL and HCV testing (in women at risk).
The attending physician will also assess the pregnant woman's risk of depression . The physician should inform the patient about vaccinations recommended by the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians in advance, but this can also be done in the 33rd week of pregnancy.
The vaccinations recommended for pregnant women are:
- influenza vaccination;
- COVID-19;
- against whooping cough (for whooping cough it is recommended to vaccinate a pregnant woman between 27-36 tc).
What information can an online forum provide for future parents about 33 weeks of pregnancy, and is it worth taking for granted?
During this period, future parents have many fears related to childbirth and the upcoming life change. Many pregnant women are also concerned that when they are pregnant at 33 weeks of gestation, their symptoms are at risk for their babies. Nowadays, the first line of support for them is usually the Internet and discussion forums on parenting websites.
It is worth seeking support there and making new friends, remembering that no online advice (especially from unqualified people) can replace a consultation with a specialist doctor or midwife.
Information found on portals and forums often even increase the anxiety of a pregnant woman. Self-treatment with the help of online advice can delay diagnosis and treatment, which will not be beneficial for the woman or the child's health.
Consultation :
Ph.D. n. med. prof. IMID Tadeusz Issat - Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic at the Institute of Mother and Child;
Maria Krowicka-Wasyl – resident physician during specialization in gynecology and obstetrics, Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Institute of Mother and Child.
