Week 33 of Pregnancy
You’re well into the third trimester now, and your body is working hard to support your baby’s final stages of growth. This week may bring increased fatigue, stronger Braxton Hicks contractions, and more frequent bathroom visits as baby shifts downward. It’s also a good time to finalize your birth plan and begin preparing your hospital bag. Your baby is continuing to grow rapidly, both in size and brain development.
Baby’s Size
Your baby is about the size of a pineapple.
Baby’s Development at 33 weeks
Rapid Brain Development
Your baby’s brain is growing fast, with grooves and folds forming to increase surface area for future learning. This rapid growth also means your baby is beginning to regulate body temperature better.
Stronger Immune System
The baby is now receiving your antibodies, helping to build a stronger immune system that will protect them after birth.
Hearing is Fine-Tuning
Your baby’s hearing is sharp enough now to recognize your voice and familiar sounds, offering a head start in bonding after birth.
Practicing Breathing Movements
Although still surrounded by amniotic fluid, your baby is practicing breathing movements as their lungs continue maturing in preparation for their first breath.
Pregnancy Symptoms during Week 33
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You may feel more pressure in your lower abdomen and pelvis as baby begins to drop. This can make walking or standing for long periods uncomfortable.
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As your uterus continues expanding, it may press against your diaphragm, making deep breaths more difficult at times.
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Your growing uterus can impact circulation, leading to puffiness or swelling, especially in your lower extremities.
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Hormones continue loosening your joints and ligaments, especially in the pelvis, which can cause discomfort in your lower back and hips.
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Finding a comfortable sleep position gets harder, and frequent nighttime bathroom trips may leave you feeling exhausted.
Pregnancy checklist at 33 weeks pregnant
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Start gathering essentials like your ID, comfy clothes, snacks, and any documents related to your birth plan. Pack for yourself, your baby, and your partner to reduce stress when labor starts.
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Review your preferences for pain management, delivery positions, and newborn care. Share it with your care team to make sure your wishes are known.
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If you haven’t already, complete your hospital pre-registration forms so you’re ready to go when labor begins.
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Make sure your baby’s car seat is correctly installed and inspected. This is a requirement before bringing baby home from the hospital.
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Deep breathing, visualization, and guided meditation can help reduce anxiety and promote calm as labor approaches.
33 Weeks Pregnant Belly
Your bump is growing steadily, and by week 33, you may start to notice that it’s sitting a bit lower than before. This is often a sign that your baby is beginning to engage or settle into your pelvis, getting ready for the final stretch before birth. This shift in position, sometimes referred to as "lightening," can bring a welcome relief to your ribcage and lungs, making it easier to breathe deeply again.
However, as your belly drops lower, you might also feel increased pressure in your pelvic area, bladder, or lower back. This can lead to more frequent bathroom trips and general heaviness or discomfort when standing or walking. Many pregnant people describe this stage as feeling like their baby is “sitting really low.”
To ease the growing tension, it can help to wear a supportive belly band, which provides gentle compression and redistributes weight more evenly. Incorporating frequent rest breaks, especially during long periods of standing or activity, can also alleviate some of the strain. Try propping up your feet, using a pregnancy pillow when sitting or sleeping, and doing gentle stretches to improve circulation and reduce aches.
Your skin may feel tight or itchy as your belly continues to expand, so keep moisturizing daily and stay hydrated. With your baby’s movements becoming more noticeable, you might even see rhythmic motions—like hiccups—from the outside. Embrace this time and the changes it brings, as you're well into your third trimester and moving closer to your baby’s arrival.
Tips & Resources
Sleep Support Tools: Consider using a full-body pregnancy pillow to support your belly, back, and knees at night, helping improve sleep quality.
Pelvic Floor Health: Begin gentle pelvic floor exercises like Kegels to strengthen muscles and reduce the risk of incontinence postpartum. Check out ChildbirthU’s downloadable Kegels sheet.
Educational Prep: Use this time to review relaxation techniques and labor positions from your prenatal education resources.
Free Resource Highlight: Download ChildbirthU’s Relaxation Techniques for Labour guide for practical tools to help you stay centered and calm during birth.