33. WOP

In the 33rd week, your baby can already perceive the world around him with his eyes. In addition, the sensory perceptions in particular continue to develop during the 33rd week. This article tells you exactly what this means and how you can best prepare for the upcoming birth.

Important facts about the 33rd week: What you should know

In the 33rd week of gestation, your baby is about the size of a chard

Strictly speaking, there are still 7 weeks until birth. However, it is quite possible that your baby will already want to be born now.

Have you already thought about the place of birth, the birth position or the name for your baby? Don’t worry – it’s still early enough: now is the perfect time.

This is what is happening to you

In the 33rd week of pregnancy you have already reached the 9th month of pregnancy. Unbelievable, isn’t it? Now you need a lot of strength and energy – the last weeks are becoming increasingly strenuous. Your body is still doing an incredible job.

You should become aware if water retention occurs in the face and hands. This may Pre-eclampsia indication.

Pre-eclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and increased protein excretion. In some cases, it can be life-threatening for you and your baby. The earlier it is detected, the better it can be treated.

Your weight gain will also continue to increase – this is completely normal. The increased blood volume is a big part of it. It is exhausting for your body to transport the blood from the bottom back to the top.

Low blood pressure, nausea and dizziness are the result. Your body is currently preparing for the birth. Your breasts may be somewhat swollen during this time.

Sudden contractions will occur more frequently now. They ensure that your baby’s head slides further into your pelvis.

Tip for fathers-to-be

Even if you don’t want to know the sex before the birth – a nursery as well as a child-proof household are still obligatory in order to give the baby a good start in life. Find out where there are dangers in the household and eliminate them as best as possible.

Pregnancy symptoms in the 33rd week and what you can do about them

Swelling of feet and hands

You have probably been suffering from swollen limbs, thick feet, arms or legs for some time. In addition, there is often a slight tingling sensation that accompanies the swelling.

The reason is water and blood retention. Your body has to pump more blood than usual through the body, which is why “bottlenecks” often occur and the blood or water in the circulation is stopped. Since the limbs are farthest from the heart, this is where pooling is most likely to occur and is not uncommon in expectant mothers.

A nourishing lotion or gentle oil can help with the tingling. A massage can also work wonders.

Fetal movements

The baby really perks up in the womb and the baby movements become stronger. In some cases, the movements become so strong that at times you feel as if you are exercising

With multiple births such as twins or triplets, the effect is even greater – in this case you will have a hard time finding a quiet minute to relax.

There is no “antidote” for baby movements, but activity is a good sign: Your child is lively and fit!

Tiredness, exhaustion

What your body has achieved in the last few weeks can’t be compared to anything else. It can happen that your body needs a break

Don’t try to fight fatigue: allow yourself several breaks a day and rest if you feel exhausted.

Premature birth in the 33rd week: If your baby does not want to wait any longer

At the beginning of your pregnancy, an expected delivery date was calculated. However, your baby may want to come into the world a little earlier.

This section explains what this means for you and your baby and whether there may be health complications.

What is a preterm birth?

A baby is called premature if he or she is born before 37 weeks gestation. From the 34th week of gestation, your baby would also be called a late preterm baby .

This refers to babies who are born between the 34th week of gestation and the 37th week of gest ation. Did you know that about 9% of all babies are born before 37 weeks?

Symptoms of premature birth in the 33rd week of pregnancy

It is super important to know the symptoms that can indicate a premature birth. We have summarized all the symptoms for you at a glance:

Caution: These are signs that may indicate premature birth. Of course, these symptoms can also have another origin.

It is important that you observe and notice changes in your body. If you notice even one of these symptoms, you should be taken to the hospital immediately. The birth could begin at any moment.

What are the reasons for premature birth in the 33rd week of pregnancy?

Doctors and scientists believe that premature birth does not necessarily have to be triggered by one cause. It is much more a combination of different factors.

Here you can find the most common factors that can lead to premature birth:

Causes and maternal risk factors for preterm birth:

Infantile causes of premature birth:

The consequences of premature birth for your baby

Babies born between the 28th week of gestation and the 33rd week of gestation have good to very good chances of survival thanks to the possibilities of modern medicine.

Facts and figures: In a birth from the 30th WOP, 1 to 2% of affected children have long-term impairments and developmental deficits as a result.

However, these can be improved or completely compensated for with appropriate treatment. You do not have to worry. Doctors and midwives will take the best care of you and your baby.

What happens to the baby

In the 33rd week of pregnancy, your baby is about 44 cm tall and already weighs about 2000 g.

This is how your baby develops during the 33rd week of gestation

Your baby’s alveoli are fully developed. This means that your baby is able to breathe on its own outside your belly.

The immune system is also developing. Your baby’s brain is going through another intensive growth phase during these weeks.

Your baby’s pupils already react to differences in light and dark in the 33rd week. Hard to believe, isn’t it? In the 33rd week of gestation, your baby often slumbers in deep sleep. This is interrupted by so-called REM phases, during which brain activity is very high.

Because of the lack of space, your baby has assumed the fetal position. The knees are drawn towards the belly and the arms are crossed.

It is completely normal that you do not feel so many kicks or nudges at the moment. Don’t worry about this, it’s really just due to the lack of space.”

Here’s how you can prepare for giving birth at 33 weeks’ gestation

Sometimes it happens very quickly and unexpectedly: If your baby wants to come into the world as early as 33 weeks gestation, you should be prepared for the birth.

In this section we have summarized some tips for you.

Pack yourhospital bag

Documents

  • Maternity passport, health insurance card, identity card,
  • If the clinic takes care of the registration at the registry office: Family record book or birth certificate

For the birth

  • Wide shirt
  • Bathrobe or warm cardigan
  • Warm socks
  • Slippers
  • Small snacks: granola bars, glucose, cookies, etc.

For the hospital stay

  • A comfortable change of clothes
  • Slightly larger panties for postpartum pads
  • 2 (nursing) bras, 1 to 2 sizes larger than usual
  • Nursing pads for the bra
  • Washcloths and towels
  • Toilet bag with hygiene products

For your baby

Good to know: Your baby will be taken care of in the clinic. Diapers and clothing are usually available in the infant ward. Only for the ride home you will need:

  • 1 bodysuit in size 50 / 56
  • 1 romper suit of the same size
  • Socks
  • Little cap
  • Jacket
  • Newborn diaper
  • Burp cloth

Formalities before the birth

Even if you are full of anticipation for your baby, you should not forget some important formalities. We have created a to-do list for you.

  • Maternity benefit
  • Paternity (if not married, have it acknowledged)
  • Health insurance
  • Birth certificate (choice of name/family name for the child)
  • Registration office (register baby)
  • Child passport
  • Parental benefit
  • Child benefit

[midwives tip]

Midwife Tip

The closer you get to your due date, the more anxious you may become. It’s perfectly normal to worry about the upcoming birth or about life as a mom. During this time, you may also experience sleep disturbances during pregnancy. St. John’s wort or valerian, for example, can help with such restlessness. Although these remedies are completely safe, you should inform your doctor or midwife about taking them. [/midwife tips]

FAQ

Descending contractions in the 33rd WOP: When does the birth begin?

If you notice a contraction in the 33rd WOP, you should tell your midwife. She will discuss everything else with you.

What happens in the 33rd week of pregnancy?

In the 33rd week of pregnancy, your baby is already able to breathe on its own.

How heavy is the baby in the 33rd WOP?

In the 33rd week of pregnancy your baby will weigh about 2000 g.

How big is the baby in the 33rd WOP?

Your baby is currently about 44 cm tall.

Premature baby in the 33rd WOP: How long do I have to stay in hospital?

Unfortunately, you can’t give a general answer. It depends on your baby’s state of health. Only when you are sure that you and your baby are well can you go home.

Videos about the 33rd WOP

Find out how Charlotte and Hayley experiences the 33rd WOP.

The best products for you and your baby.

Baby monitor

With a baby monitor, you can use your time flexibly, sleep peacefully at night and still know at all times that your baby is doing well.

Nursing pillow

A good breastfeeding pillow has several advantages, because it helps you not only to breastfeed, but also to fall asleep and is also suitable as a nest.

Diaper bags

A diaper bag offers you a lot of storage space, so that you have everything you need for your baby on the go - from the changing pad to the bottle.

Pucksack

A pucksack gives your baby the feeling of security, like in the womb, and thus supports a peaceful and restful sleep.

Bicycle trailer

Bicycle trailers can be used in combination with a baby seat shortly after birth. They are not only safer than child seats but also more comfortable.

Playpen

A playpen can be very practical in everyday life! Which model is suitable for your needs, you can read in my guide.

Baby bed

The first bed accompanies your child for years. Fortunately, there are beds that grow with your child. I have made for you on the search for the best baby beds.

Stroller

A stroller is a worthwhile purchase. But there are the most diverse models on the market. Find out which is the right one.

Radiant heater

Radiant heaters provide your child with the necessary warmth when changing diapers or after bathing.

Extra bed

Side beds are very practical and offer both mother and baby a lot of advantages, because for babies, especially in the first months of life, it is reassuring to be able to sleep next to their parents.

Our latest articles

Read all articlesRead all articles