33rd Week of Pregnancy

What changes are occurring with your body?
The top of your uterus is a little over 5 inches (13 cm) from your belly button. Your total weight gain should be between 22 and 28 pounds (10-13 kg). [I've probably gained around 10 pounds (4,5 kg).]

You may wonder if you will be able to tell when your water breaks (also called rupturing of the membranes). This is the breaking of the fluid filled sac (amniotic fluid) surrounding the baby. Only 1 in 10 women experience a dramatic gush of the amniotic fluid, and even then it usually happens at home, often in bed. Sometimes the amniotic sac breaks or leaks before labor begins. This may be just a small trickle. It is common to be uncertain about whether leaking fluid is amniotic fluid or urine. Many pregnant women leak urine in the later stages of pregnancy, so be sure to have it checked. If you think your membranes have ruptured, you should call your healthcare provider.

How big is your baby?
Your baby is approximately 15 ¼ to 17 ¼ inches (38-43 cm) long and weighs between 4 ½ to 5 pounds (2 025-2 250 g).

What is happening with your baby?
Your baby’s skin is beginning to look less red and less wrinkled. Fat stores are continuing to be deposited under his/her skin. His/her bones are all beginning to harden except for the skull. The skull needs to remain soft and pliable for delivery.

What should you plan for this week?
Have you discussed an episiotomy with your healthcare provider? An episiotomy is a surgical incision occasionally necessary to enlarge the vaginal opening to help deliver your baby.

Many women and healthcare providers prefer not to go through an episiotomy unless it is absolutely necessary.

The practice of performing episiotomies during delivery is becoming a less frequent occurrence. According to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), episiotomies can actually cause more problems than if natural tearing were to occur. Read more about episiotomies and talk to your doctor or midwife about your concerns.