Pregnancy Week 33: Continued Growth and Bone Development
Pregnancy week 33 continues the third trimester, a stage when your baby is growing quickly and preparing for birth. As the weeks progress, your baby’s body is becoming stronger and more developed.
During this stage, many women notice their baby’s movements becoming stronger and more noticeable. Kicks, stretches, and rolling movements may feel more powerful as your baby continues gaining strength and coordination.
Your body is also continuing to adjust to support your baby’s growth. The uterus continues expanding, and your body is working hard to provide nutrients and oxygen to support your baby’s development.
Although some physical discomforts may appear during the later weeks of pregnancy, these changes are typically a normal part of preparing for labor and delivery.
Baby Development at Week 33
At thirty-three weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a pineapple and continues growing steadily each week.
Your baby’s bones are continuing to harden as calcium is deposited into the skeleton. Although the bones are becoming stronger, the skull bones remain softer and flexible. This flexibility helps the baby pass through the birth canal during delivery.
Your baby’s brain is also continuing to develop rapidly. New connections are forming within the nervous system, supporting learning, movement, and sensory development.
Your baby’s lungs are continuing to mature as well. While they are not yet fully developed, they are gradually preparing for breathing after birth.
Your baby is also continuing to gain weight as fat builds beneath the skin. This fat helps your baby maintain body temperature and supports healthy growth after delivery.
Many babies are now beginning to settle into a head-down position in preparation for birth, although some babies may still change position in the coming weeks.
Common Symptoms During Week 33
Common experiences during week 33 include:
Back pain
Heartburn
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Strong baby movements
Back pain may occur as the growing uterus places additional strain on the muscles and joints of the lower back.
Heartburn is also common during the third trimester. As the uterus expands upward, it can place pressure on the stomach, which may allow stomach acid to move upward into the esophagus.
Although these symptoms may feel uncomfortable, they are usually manageable with simple lifestyle adjustments.
Changes in Your Body
Your uterus continues expanding upward as your baby grows larger.
Your abdomen may feel heavier and firmer compared to earlier weeks. This change is a natural part of supporting your baby’s development.
Your center of gravity may shift forward as your baby bump becomes more noticeable. This shift can affect posture and sometimes contribute to back discomfort.
Your body is also producing increased blood volume to supply oxygen and nutrients to your baby through the placenta.
Some women may notice mild swelling in the feet or ankles during this stage due to increased circulation.
Understanding Baby Movements
By week 33, many babies move frequently throughout the day.
You may begin noticing patterns in your baby’s movements. Some babies are more active during certain times of the day, such as after meals or when the mother is resting.
Regular baby movement is often reassuring and is a normal sign that your baby is developing well.
Every pregnancy is different, and babies may develop their own movement patterns.
Helpful Tips for Week 33
Sleep on your side to support circulation
Eat smaller meals to reduce heartburn
Stay hydrated
Continue gentle exercise such as walking
Sleeping on your side may help improve blood flow to the baby and may also make breathing easier during the third trimester.
Eating smaller meals throughout the day can help reduce pressure on the stomach and may help manage heartburn.
Track Your Pregnancy Progress
Track your pregnancy week and milestones here:
This tool helps you understand your pregnancy stage, trimester timeline, and estimated due date.
Preparing for the Final Weeks
As pregnancy progresses through the third trimester, many parents begin focusing on final preparations for their baby’s arrival.
This may include preparing baby essentials, organizing a nursery space, and learning about newborn care and feeding.
Helpful guides and resources can be found here:
Learning about the final weeks of pregnancy and early parenting can help you feel more confident and prepared as your baby’s arrival gets closer.