33 week pregnancy

Most of the pregnancy is left behind. Preparation for the upcoming birth is in full swing, and all the resources of the body are aimed at maintaining optimal conditions for the existence of the baby in this difficult time. What awaits a woman at 33 weeks of pregnancy?

33 week pregnancy
33 week pregnancy

 

Most of the pregnancy is left behind. Preparation for the upcoming birth is in full swing, and all the resources of the body are aimed at maintaining optimal conditions for the existence of the baby in this difficult time. What awaits a woman at 33 weeks of pregnancy?

Fetal development

At 33 obstetric weeks, there is another growth spurt. The baby’s body length is now 42–44 cm, and the weight reaches 2 kg. The thickness of the placenta is 32-35 mm. It is possible to determine the height and weight of the fetus, as well as other important parameters during ultrasound.

Externally, the baby is more like a full-term newborn. The amount of primordial lubricant on the back and the extremities decreases, and primary fluffy hair falls out. The development of the musculoskeletal system of the fetus continues. The child actively absorbs calcium from the mother’s body, which in certain conditions may adversely affect the well-being of women. Rational nutrition and taking multivitamins will prevent the development of beriberi and all the unpleasant consequences of this condition.

The internal organs of the fetus are formed and function in full force. In the lungs, the development of the alveoli and circulatory system continues. The active formation of the alveoli inhibits the production of surfactant – an important substance necessary for respiration. A lack of surfactant leads to the development of respiratory distress syndrome in the first hours of life in preterm infants.

At 33 weeks, the baby occupies a stable position in the uterus. The child is cramped in the womb, and he can no longer roll over in any direction. Most children in this period are in the head previa. The location of the fetus buttocks or legs to the entrance to the pelvis may be the reason for the operation of cesarean section.

Condition of a woman

At the end of the third trimester, the nervous system of the expectant mother continues to prepare for the upcoming delivery. Many women in this period feel weakness, apathy, fatigue. Daytime sleepiness returns to sleep, followed by nighttime insomnia. This condition is considered normal for the last weeks of pregnancy. Experts recommend more rest, do not engage in heavy physical work and avoid any disturbances until the birth.

The total weight gain can be 8-10 kg. The abdomen quickly increases in transverse size, the uterus rises 33 cm above the bosom. All internal organs are displaced under the pressure of a growing fetus. There is heartburn, flatulence, bloating. The diaphragm rises, resulting in shortness of breath with little exertion.

Due to the enhanced blood supply to the genitals, vaginal discharge remains abundant, transparent or milky, without a strong odor. The appearance of impurities (pus, cheesy flakes) indicates the development of infection. The doctor can confirm or deny the diagnosis after examining the patient.

The movements of the fetus are well felt above the navel and under the ribs. Strong kicks of small feet can be quite painful. Fetal movements provoke heartburn and other digestive problems. On average, the expectant mother feels up to 10 fetal movements every hour.

In the 33rd week of pregnancy, many women feel the appearance of training bouts. By shrinking, the uterus prepares for the upcoming labor, which is felt by the woman as moderate or weak soreness in the lower abdomen and lower back. Training fights have their own distinctive features:

  • lasts 10-30 minutes;
  • do not increase with time;
  • Do not cause severe pain;
  • occur irregularly;
  • Do not lead to disclosure and shortening of the cervix.

Training fights, turning into true ones, become regular, strong, painful. Thus begins the labor activity, ending with the birth of a premature baby. Children born on the 33rd week of pregnancy are already able to breathe and eat mother’s milk by themselves, but still need special care. When true contractions appear, you need to call an ambulance and prepare all the necessary documents and things to the maternity hospital.

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