33 weeks pregnant: baby growth, symptoms & signs of labour

You at 33 weeks pregnant: swelling, discomfort, heartburn and tiredness

Physical symptoms

As well as feeling more excited as the birth approaches, you might have more:

swelling
aches and pains
heartburn and reflux.

You might also be:

feeling more tired
urinating more often.

Rest whenever you can, and ask for or accept help whenever people offer it.

pregnancy illustration, week 33

Your baby at 33 weeks of pregnancy

How big is your baby at 33 weeks?

Your baby is about 29 cm from head to bottom and weighs about 1.9 kg.

What’s happening with your baby’s development at 33 weeks?

Your baby is practising sucking and swallowing. These reflexes won’t be fully coordinated until about the end of 34 weeks pregnant.
Your baby’s liver is storing iron. These iron stores will help your baby until 4-6 months after birth.
Your baby’s lungs are maturing, producing a lot of surfactant.
Babies born now have a very good chance of survival, but they’re still premature. They’ll need to be looked after in a neonatal intensive care unit or special care nursery.

If you notice a change in your baby’s movements at any stage, call your midwife, doctor or hospital immediately.

Things to be aware of at 33 weeks: signs of labour

Here are signs that labour might start soon:

a show
more pressure in your pelvis as your baby’s head shifts lower in your uterus and into the pelvis
cramping in your lower pelvis, a bit like period pain
more Braxton Hicks contractions
your waters breaking either in a slow leak or a big gush.

You might be in labour if you:

feel labour contractions that last for a minute or more
have contractions that are coming at regular intervals
have contractions that are getting stronger, longer and more frequent.

What to do if you think labour is starting

Go to your maternity hospital or call an ambulance straight away if:

it’s before 37 weeks
you’re experiencing any of the signs above or you think labour has started.

You might be in premature labour. Some premature labours can be stopped or delayed.

Call the hospital or your midwife or doctor straight away if:

it’s after 37 weeks
you’re experiencing any of the signs above or you think labour has started.

It’s a good idea to plan practical and emotional ‘back-up’ for after your baby is born. For example, could extended family, friends or other people cook you a meal, drop in for a visit or give you a call? You don’t have to do everything if others are willing to lend a hand. It’s OK to ask for help too. In fact, some people will appreciate you telling them exactly what you need.