Now the baby becomes the main one in your couple, all your thoughts are occupied with the upcoming meeting with him, if premature birth begins now, it usually occurs because it is the child who is suffering. But at this time the child is already quite strong and will be able to live independently with a little help from doctors. But it’s still worth reaching the deadline. Now you are dreaming about childbirth and a baby, you have a desire to buy a dowry for the baby, prepare a nursery for him. At this time it is important to start psychological preparation for childbirth and attend courses for pregnant women, if you have not started doing this earlier. There are only seven weeks left until the birth.
Changes in the body at 33 weeks
The 33rd week of pregnancy is the third trimester of pregnancy, according to obstetric calendar This is the ninth month of pregnancy, and eight months of pregnancy according to the calendar. There are only seven weeks left until the due date. Weight gain is now actively underway; in a week you can gain up to half a kilogram, which is quite normal. Due to the increase in body size and weight, you begin to move much more slowly, it is difficult for you to find comfortable position for sleep, you are clumsy and may be irritable. The child is already big and his movements may be uncomfortable. When lying on your back, attacks of nausea and dizziness and severe discomfort may occur, this occurs due to compression of the inferior vena cava. It is worth resting and sleeping on your left side with pillows placed under your back and legs.
Swelling often occurs during this period; if it is severe, this may be a sign of gestosis in pregnant women. Previously, it was recommended to limit drinking to eliminate edema, but this recommendation does not justify itself. It is worth drinking according to your condition, without suffering from thirst, but not excessively. You also need to control the amount of fluid you drink and excrete; if there is a significant difference in the amount of fluid taken and excreted, you should consult a doctor. You should also consult a doctor immediately if your blood pressure rises.
Symptoms of heartburn may occur as the stomach is compressed by the large uterus, and this also causes constipation, bloating and nausea. It is important to adjust your diet so that your intestines work normally. You should avoid taking medications, it is better to use folk remedies and nutritional correction.
Fetal development at 33 weeks: weight, size and gender
At this stage, fluctuations in the baby’s weight can range from 1800-2200g, with height fluctuations of 42-44 cm, depending on gender and characteristics of the course of pregnancy. From this time, the child will gain approximately 200-300 grams per week, actively accumulating subcutaneous fat. Now the baby is looking like an ordinary child at birth, only slightly smaller in size. His skin became pink, the blood vessels did not show through, his cheeks became plump, and his body acquired proportions. The cartilage of the nose and ears became denser and took its final shape at birth. The bones of the skull are gradually strengthened due to the deposition of calcium, but the seams between the bones are still very wide, and the bones of the skeleton - the legs and arms - become denser. Due to this movement, the babies become stronger and more active, the mother feels them very clearly, although due to the tightness of the uterus they become less frequent. If the fetus is located in the uterus in the wrong position, most likely it will remain that way until delivery, although it is still possible with the help of special exercises, laying on the left side, persuade the baby to “turn around”.
The child is already very developed, all organs and systems are now involved in their work, the liver and kidneys are actively functioning, and only the endocrine part works in the pancreas - insulin is produced, enzymes will be produced only after birth. Surfactant is actively synthesized in the lungs; it is due to it that the lungs can fully open during the first inhalation and will not stick together later when exhaling. This will help the baby breathe on his own in case of premature birth. Now the internal genital organs and external genitalia are fully formed, vellus hairs (lanugo) are gradually disappearing from the body, but hair is growing on the head. Fat accumulates under the skin, which helps in maintaining body temperature. The brain develops at the most active pace, new nerve connections are formed, and the convolutions and sulci are finally formed. Now the child spends most of his time sleeping, but at the same time he is actively developing, his senses are fully active - the fetus can react to light, he hears various sounds of the mother’s body and those that come from outside, feels touch, distinguishes taste and smell amniotic fluid. If the mother eats sweets, the child likes it, and if she consumes foods that the fetus does not consider tasty, he may actively kick. Now the fetal heart contracts to 130 beats per minute, it is fully formed, with the exception of special holes, shunts, through which blood is discharged, bypassing the lungs, which will close with the first breaths of the child at the beginning of his life. The immune system is almost fully formed, but is not yet fully functional, making the baby vulnerable to infections and developing allergies if the mother does not maintain the diet.
Feelings of the expectant mother
During this period, due to the active weight gain and growth of the fetus, a whole range of sensations may occur. The baby grows very quickly and it becomes very crowded in the mother’s belly. The main sensations now will be the movement of the fetus, which has now become less active and frequent, but at the same time every movement is felt very clearly. Some of the pushing and kicking can be painful for the mother, especially if the fetus hits the ribs, liver or bladder. It is worth carefully monitoring the number of fetal movements; they should occur at least five to six times per hour. If the child does not make itself known for a long time or moves very actively and painfully, you should immediately consult a doctor - perhaps the fetus is suffering.
Nowadays, a woman’s mood is changeable due to changing hormonal levels, a changing body and the fear of impending childbirth. You need to devote more time to yourself and rest, sleep during the day and walk a lot. You also need to do exercises to unload the back and abdomen, taking the knee-elbow position several times a day for 10-15 minutes.
Childbirth at 33 weeks
Sometimes it happens that labor begins earlier than planned, and at 33 weeks it will be premature, and the baby will be premature. But by this week, the baby’s body is already sufficiently formed to exist independently; during childbirth, he will be able to cry and his lungs will expand; there may be enough surfactant for independent breathing. Certainly, nervous system is not yet mature enough, and the ability to maintain body temperature is still limited, but other organs and systems are working quite actively. The baby will need special care and constant warmth, and he will be able to grow and develop quite actively. Typically, such babies are placed in the ward of the children's department in cribs with constant temperature maintenance and additional oxygen supply. The sucking reflex of such a baby may be weakened. And most likely he will have to give expressed milk breast milk until he gets stronger.
Condition of the uterus at 33 obstetric weeks
At this time, the fundus of the uterus rises from the symphysis pubis by 33-34 cm, but this is not its maximum height; it will grow a little more. But by this time, the walls of the uterus should be relaxed, the cervix should be closed, and there should be a lump of dense mucus (mucus plug) in the area of the uterine pharynx. Due to the relaxed state of the uterine walls, there is adequate blood flow between the placenta and the walls of the uterus. If you have frequent uterine tone, you should consult a doctor in order to prevent the formation of feto-placental insufficiency in time. Usually, the tone of the uterus is felt as a sharp thickening of the walls, the stomach becomes hard and pulls. Now training contractions may occur - they are irregular, painless and do not lead to the opening of the cervix. They go away after rest or sleep and do not interfere with the blood circulation of the fetus.
If there is pain in the abdomen of a cramping, intensifying nature, while the abdomen becomes very hard, and bloody discharge appears, immediately call an ambulance and go to the maternity hospital. Premature labor may begin.
The belly has become very large, although it will add a couple more centimeters over the coming weeks. The skin on the abdomen is stretched, itching and dryness may occur, as well as stretch marks (stretch marks), the navel turns out and stretches. Now may be the most unpleasant time due to the size of the abdomen; in just a few weeks it will become easier to breathe due to the lowering of the abdomen and the position of the child in the pelvic area. To alleviate the condition, it is useful to wear a prenatal bandage - it supports the stomach and relieves stress on the lower back, and helps in the prevention of stretch marks.
Ultrasound examination (Uzi)
At 32-34 weeks of pregnancy, a third screening ultrasound of the fetus is prescribed, which is necessary to identify late fetal malformations, problems with the walls of the uterus, placenta and determine further tactics for pregnancy management and childbirth planning. First of all, ultrasound determines the presentation of the fetus - cephalic or pelvic; in case of cephalic presentation, it is determined where the fetal back is turned. This is necessary in order to decide whether childbirth will be carried out through the natural birth canal, or a cesarean section will be required.
The interpretation of the ultrasound is carried out by a doctor, and he evaluates the main indicators of the ultrasound:
Estimated height and weight of the fetus, specifies the expected date of birth,
Looks at head and chest circumference, length of large bones,
Evaluates structure and work internal organs, especially the heart rate, determines the heart rate and blood flow in the heart.
If necessary, Doppler monitoring of the fetus is also performed.
Additionally, an assessment is made of the amount and nature of amniotic fluid, the condition of the walls of the uterus, the size, height of the uterine fundus, the condition of the cervix, the location of the placenta and its condition, as well as the length of the umbilical cord and the condition of its vessels. At this time, it is possible to conduct a 3D ultrasound, but the entire fetus will no longer be visible on the monitor, since the baby is already quite large, and only parts of the body can be seen.
How to determine the degree of maturity of the placenta
According to ultrasound data, the degree of maturity of the placenta is assessed. This special condition vessels of the placenta, its thickness and size. Determining this degree is important for the prognosis of pregnancy and childbirth - with slow or premature aging of the placenta, circulatory and nutritional processes may be disrupted, and the baby may suffer. Data on the maturity of the placenta is indicated by the doctor during ultrasound, and the placenta can have maturity from zero to third degree. By 33 weeks, the placenta has the first degree of maturity, and if there is a placenta with the second degree of maturity, the doctor will monitor the pregnant woman more closely.
Discharge
At 33 weeks, the discharge should be light, transparent or slightly whitish, without strong odor and pathological inclusions. Due to the mucus plug, the discharge may be a little more normal than usual. However, during this period, the nature of the discharge may change with the development of thrush, a frequent companion of pregnant women. In this case, the discharge becomes milky white, cheesy or flaky, with an odor sour milk, abundant, with the development of itching and burning in the vagina. This condition requires treatment to avoid premature birth or intrauterine infection fetus, maternal well-being. The doctor will prescribe treatment with suppositories; it is necessary to observe the rules of hygiene and wear only breathable underwear, wash with herbal decoctions or soda solution.
No less dangerous may be greenish, yellow, gray or white with an admixture of mucus, foam, bubbles, pus or a strong unpleasant odor. Such discharge is usually accompanied by redness of the perineum, itching and burning sensation in the vagina. Typically, this is how genital infections manifest themselves, which must be treated immediately in order to avoid intrauterine infection of the fetus. Usually the doctor performs a smear and, based on its results, prescribes local, and very rarely, general therapy with oral medications.
Bloody, spotting discharge or blood on underwear will be especially dangerous. This condition requires hospitalization and the exclusion of pathologies of the placenta and cervix, and premature birth. If the discharge is abundant, watery, with a sweetish odor, without color and constantly wets the laundry, it is necessary to exclude leakage of amniotic fluid. If there are defects in the amniotic sac, the odes leak and open the way for infection of the fetus. In addition, this is a real threat of the onset of labor. It is necessary to conduct a test for amniotic fluid at home or at a doctor's appointment. If water leaks, you need to immediately decide on continuing the pregnancy - the infection can penetrate to the fetus in just a few hours.
Stomach ache
During a normal pregnancy, there should be no abdominal pain. The uterus is relaxed, the ligaments are stretched and only light training contractions can occur, which will not bring any pain or discomfort. If you experience abdominal pain or severe discomfort, you should talk to your doctor and undergo further examination.
If pain occurs in the lower abdomen with a sharp thickening of the uterine wall, if there is severe pain in the lower back, especially with bloody discharge, placental abruption can occur, a condition dangerous for the mother and fetus. Immediate hospitalization to a maternity hospital and life-saving measures are required. With a small area of detachment, it is possible to use conservative methods of therapy to prolong pregnancy.
Pain can also be in the back, lower back, sides of the abdomen or in the pelvic area due to the growth of the fetus and the pressure of its weight. This occurs due to a change in the center of gravity, stretching and softening of the ligaments. Wearing a bandage, special exercises and frequent rest can relieve these pains.
Colds and treatments
During this period, as at any other time, the development of a cold is possible. ARVI and influenza at this stage of pregnancy can be dangerous; they lead to damage to the placenta and its premature aging, which will disrupt the uteroplacental blood flow. Although the immune system The fetus is already actively working, it can miss viruses or microbes, which will lead to disruption in the development of the fetus and functional abnormalities in the functioning of the nervous system. A runny nose during a cold is dangerous because it interferes with proper breathing and the delivery of oxygen to tissues and the fetus; a cough can lead to an increase in the tone of the uterus due to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure during coughing. High temperature leads to the threat of premature birth, placental abruption and other complications. If you are sick, your doctor will tell you how to treat your cold. Self-medication for colds in pregnant women is prohibited.
Mom's diet and weight
At 33 weeks, overall weight gain can range from nine to 13 kg, depending on your initial pre-pregnancy weight. For thin girls, weight gain is 13-15 kg. For plump people - about 8-9 kg. Minor deviations 1-2 kg are not considered a pathology, and are quite acceptable in both directions. In the third trimester, weight control is extremely important, since very large gains may indicate severe fluid retention, the onset of gestosis, or poor nutrition and formation excess weight.
In this regard, it is important to control proper nutrition expectant mother and correction of her diet during high weight gain. A woman needs to monitor what and how much she eats, give up fatty and high-calorie foods, carbohydrates and sweets. It is necessary to increase the amount of protein and vitamins, minerals, as well as plant fiber in the diet. It is worth giving up fast food, highly allergenic foods and eating small portions, but often, at least five to six times a day. You should add a lot of salt to your food, especially if you have swelling.
Sex
If there is desire and there are no contraindications, sex at this stage of pregnancy is not contraindicated. You should consult your doctor about what poses you can do. If there are contraindications or a threat of premature birth, you should avoid intimacy for the entire time before birth.
There is quite a bit of time left before the baby is born. This article will talk about the features of fetal development at 33 weeks.
Anatomical features
Important clinical markers to assess the intensity intrauterine development fetus are fetometric indicators. They provide the doctor with information about the size of the fetus. With the help of this simple test The doctor can assess the baby’s body parameters and also suspect that he has any emerging pathologies.
Fetometry is the most important diagnostic test that is used all over the world. To carry it out, special ultrasonic installations are used. Modern devices make it possible to obtain an image of the fetus and study the basic parameters of its body quite easily. The results of studies carried out using such equipment are quite accurate.
The main parameters studied are body length and body weight. For each period of intrauterine life their normal values different. In their work, doctors use a special table. It contains all the normal values of the studied parameters, characteristic for each week of pregnancy. Such a table is presented below.
After fetometry, the expectant mother should definitely consult a doctor. The fetometric report itself is not a diagnosis. Only an obstetrician-gynecologist who monitors the development of a particular pregnancy can assess the intensity of intrauterine development of the fetus.
How is it developing?
There are only a few weeks left until the baby is born. For that a short time children's body must have time to prepare for this important event. Most of the internal organs and systems have already been formed, but are not yet functioning at “full strength”. The organs will really begin to carry out their work after the baby is born.
About the nervous system
Quite specific changes occur in the PNS: the work of receptors, which are present in large numbers in the child’s body, is improving every day. The active development of the baby’s senses helps him develop his own sensations.
A baby at 32-33 weeks can already distinguish tastes quite well. The fetus has this opportunity due to the fact that there are quite a lot of receptors on its tongue - papillae. When amniotic fluid gets on the tongue when swallowed, it gives the baby a certain taste: it can be sweet, salty and even bitter.
The baby's eyes are covered from the outside with eyelids, with the help of which he can open and close them.
Another interesting feature of this period of pregnancy is the ability of the fetus to react to bright light. If one gets on a child’s face, he will try in every possible way to turn away from it. The child experiences quite significant discomfort.
When the baby is uncomfortable, it changes its motor activity - it begins to kick more and harder. This is a kind of signal to his mother that the baby is uncomfortable.
The number of receptors on the baby’s skin increases every day. At week 33, the fetus is already able to respond to the occurrence of pain impulses. This reaction is normal. It indicates that the child’s body is gradually preparing for new environmental conditions.
The ability to perceive sounds is another manifestation of the work of nerve analyzers, characteristic of this period of pregnancy. The range of sounds perceived by the baby at this stage of his intrauterine life is already quite large.
Scientists have found that at 32-33 weeks of pregnancy, the baby perceives lower sounds with great pleasure. Therefore, the baby reacts quite well when his dad “talks” to him.
About the lungs and fetal breathing
Activation of the lungs is perhaps very important feature this period of pregnancy. Every day, surfactant accumulates in the alveoli. This special substance prevents the “sticking together” of pulmonary vesicles during breathing. In the absence of surfactant, a person cannot breathe independently.
Every day the respiratory muscles of the fetus develop. This is largely facilitated by frequent swallowing of amniotic fluid. When swallowing liquid, muscles that are part of the respiratory muscles of the fetus are also actively involved.
After ingestion large quantity amniotic fluid The baby usually hiccups frequently. These manifestations of the fetus’s vital activity are also felt by its mother. In this case, the woman feels slight movements in her stomach. As a rule, they are of moderate intensity. Hiccups in the fetus are a completely normal condition and are necessary for its full intrauterine development.
Already fairly well-formed lungs ensure that a baby born at 33 weeks is viable. In order for the baby to be able to exist independently, it is very important that he can breathe. The presence of surfactant makes breathing possible. However, babies born at this stage often develop pathologies. In this case, special medical care for the newborn will be required, as well as rehabilitation measures.
About heartbeat
In order for the baby to be able to exist independently outside the mother’s womb, it is very important that his heart works. By 33 weeks small heart has almost the same structure as that of adults.
A distinctive feature of the fetal heart is the presence of a tiny hole between the atria. This is quite normal. This hole will close when the baby is born and begins to breathe on its own.
The main function of the heart is to pump blood through the blood vessels. Scientists have found that a baby who weighs only a couple of kilograms has a heart that can pump quite a lot of blood per day. Normal cardiac activity makes it possible to deliver to all internal organs the nutrients and oxygen necessary for their full functioning.
Despite the fact that the fetus is still relatively small, its heart beats much faster than that of an adult. This feature is largely due to differences in adult and child metabolism. A growing child's body requires much more nutrients and oxygen.
You can evaluate your heart function using a fairly simple test. To do this, doctors count the number of heartbeats per minute. Since the baby is already quite large, such a fairly simple study can be carried out not only using ultrasound, but also using an obstetric stethoscope. The normal fetal heart rate is presented in the table below.
If the fetal heart beats normally, doctors call this clinical condition normocardia. Tachycardia is an excessively fast heart rate. If the heart rate is significantly lower than the established norm, then this condition is called bradycardia.
Assessing the fetal heart rate is a very important component. It allows you to assess how comfortable the baby feels in the mother's womb.
If the baby's heart beats too fast, this may be a sign of developed hypoxia. In this condition, oxygen starvation of the internal organs occurs due to a lack of oxygen supply to them. Hypoxia is an unfavorable condition for the fetus and is dangerous for the development of a number of undesirable pathologies.
About gender differences
By the 33rd week of intrauterine life, babies already have fairly good sexual characteristics. So, boys even have their own testosterone in their blood. The testicles are formed. In some boys, they have even descended from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum.
Girls have formed a set of female reproductive cells. A sufficient number of eggs is necessary for a woman to have reproductive function in the future.
Movements
By 33 weeks of pregnancy physical activity The baby’s body changes: the number of active movements the child makes gradually decreases. This is largely due to the fact that the baby is already quite large and simply becomes cramped in the uterus. Even though the baby no longer moves and pushes as much, his mother still feels such movements.
As a rule, the child is very active during the day, but at night the baby usually sleeps or rests. However, the imperfect structure of the cerebral cortex contributes to the fact that the fetus can confuse the time of day. In this case, he can wake up his mother in the middle of the night with strong kicks.
In this situation, a pregnant woman should take a deep breath, drink some water and try to tell her baby a fairy tale. These actions should calm the baby, and his motor activity will decrease.
What does it look like?
The baby's face is already quite well defined. The child's nose has a fairly clear outline. The forehead is also pronounced, which no longer looks as flat as before. The baby's ears are small and quite clearly contoured.
At 33 weeks of pregnancy, the fetal cheeks already become quite plump. This occurs due to the fact that subcutaneous fat tissue increases under the skin.
How is the fetus located in the womb?
The location of the baby in the uterus largely determines the method of obstetrics. If the baby is positioned correctly - in cephalic presentation, then the risk birth injuries is significantly reduced. By week 33, the baby gradually assumes a stable position in the uterus. A change in the position of the fetus in the mother's womb is possible, but occurs quite rarely at this stage.
A less favorable option for positioning the baby is the transverse position. In this case, the fetus is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the uterus. With this position of the baby, natural independent childbirth can be dangerous due to the development of a number of complications. Doctors try to avoid this and resort to caesarean section.
Another rather unfavorable option for how the baby is in the uterus is breech presentation. In this case, the baby's pelvis is located first towards the birth canal. Spontaneous childbirth with such a presentation can also be fraught with the development of serious damage to both the mother and the fetus. If the baby does not turn over before birth, doctors may also resort to performing a caesarean section.
The tactics of obstetric care are chosen individually and depend on many associated factors. The decision on the possibility of independent childbirth is made by an obstetrician-gynecologist who monitors the course of a particular pregnancy and knows its features.
For information about what happens at 33 weeks of pregnancy, watch the following video.
Already 33 weeks pregnant! The baby has taken a permanent position, his weight is increasing, the formation of all organs and systems continues, and their improvement. It is becoming more and more difficult for the baby to move, there is less and less freedom of action, so the mother notices that activity is becoming somewhat lower. The baby sleeps longer, and at this stage he begins to have dreams! During REM sleep, active movements of the eyeballs occur. Expectant mothers also note that pregnancy 33, 34 weeks is the time when they have vivid dreams.
A specific skin pattern appears on the baby’s fingers. The layer of fatty tissue increases, thermoregulation improves. Organs and systems are already so well formed that childbirth at 33 weeks of pregnancy is not so dangerous - the chances of a baby from this period are much higher.
At 33 weeks of pregnancy, the baby’s weight approaches two kilograms and his height is 43 centimeters.
33 weeks pregnant: how many months? This is already eight months plus one week. By this gestational age, the baby's body is quite mature. Then the final maturation of the nervous, respiratory and other systems occurs.
What's happening?
The most significant changes are now occurring in the baby’s respiratory system. There is an active formation of surfactant - a substance that provides the possibility of independent breathing and expansion of the lungs during the first breath. The bronchoalveolar system is already fully formed. Due to such changes, a baby born at seven months usually already breathes on his own.
Pregnancy of 32, 33 weeks is accompanied by an increase in the subcutaneous fat layer, and the baby looks more well-fed, like a newborn.
At this stage, the baby has already taken its final position in the uterus - the most physiological is cephalic presentation, when the baby is positioned upside down, and it is the head that will be the first to pass through the birth canal. At 33 weeks of pregnancy, breech presentation can still be changed.
The fruit and its development
The nervous system and sensory organs are also actively developing. The baby sees well, distinguishes the voices of mom and dad very clearly, and has a certain daily routine. The baby responds very well to music that he likes, and now is the time to play pleasant melodies for him, or even better, to sing songs that will lull him to sleep after birth. Psychologists recommend reading to your baby, and the more, the better. The sound of a mother's voice is the most pleasant thing a baby hears.
The last trimester of pregnancy is characterized by improvement of the child's motor activity. His movements become more coordinated and not so chaotic. The muscles also become stronger, and the mother feels that the strength of her movements increases. The size of the heart and the thickness of the vascular wall gradually increase. The endocrine system is actively being formed. The baby is already developing its own immunity.
Photo of the baby, ultrasound
Belly at 33 weeks pregnant
An enlarged belly causes anxiety to the mother and can cause discomfort in the area of the costal arch and pelvis. The uterus at 33 weeks of pregnancy is 33 centimeters above the womb and 13 centimeters above the navel. During this period, the mother’s normal weight increased by 12.5 kilograms. The uterus pressing on the bladder causes frequent urination. There is no way to cope with these phenomena, you just need to be patient a little longer, because there is very little left before the birth.
The fundus of the uterus is very high, and this is in most cases accompanied by heartburn and shortness of breath. You can alleviate your condition somewhat by adjusting your diet. Try to eat often, in small portions. Be sure to include fiber-rich foods in your diet to improve digestion. This will help cope with constipation, which often accompanies pregnancy. It's nice to know that heartburn and shortness of breath will very soon decrease - the uterus will drop slightly lower before childbirth.
Fetal movements at 33 weeks
If you read the forum about the 33rd week of pregnancy, you will notice that all expectant mothers note a slight decrease in the baby’s activity. And this is not without reason: the baby is getting more and more cramped in the uterus, it is becoming more and more difficult to perform active movements, and it is much more pleasant to simply kick the mother with his heel. A time of constant changes of position, incredibly high activity in the past. It’s also time for the baby to gain strength before giving birth.
Mom's feelings
The third trimester of pregnancy is perhaps the most difficult for expectant mothers. The workload is very high, and despite the incredible joy of waiting to meet your baby, the physical sensations are not always pleasant. But by following some tips, you can significantly alleviate your condition.
- Often at this time, aching pain in the back is bothersome. This is due not only to a shift in the center of gravity, large size abdomen, but also with preparing the body for childbirth. Under the influence of hormones, bone joints soften to facilitate the passage of the baby through the birth canal. And now this is the cause of discomfort. Try to normalize your daily routine: rest more often in a comfortable position. Usually at 33 weeks, every mother knows in what position the pain decreases. Do strengthening exercises for your back muscles.
- The baby's activity has already become somewhat lower, but the force of impacts with heels and elbows has increased significantly. You probably already understand your baby well and know when he is more active. Often this may be due to the fact that the baby is hungry. If you have ruled out all the reasons, but activity is still high, just rest, relax, stroke your tummy, talk to your baby, sing a song to him. This will surely calm him down.
- Often mothers notice the appearance of leg cramps. Typically, such phenomena begin in the second trimester; they are associated with an imbalance in the content of calcium and magnesium. The best way to combat muscle spasms is to use preparations with microelements. The doctor will help you choose the best one. If you experience leg cramps on your own, you can do the following: pull your foot towards you by the toes so that the calf muscles stretch. Ask your spouse to help you - he can do the same exercise, combining it with an intense massage of the lower leg muscles. This usually relieves the spasm quickly. Warm foot baths also help.
- On latest dates pregnancy mom needs Special attention devote to nutrition. You need to create a diet taking into account the prevention of allergies in the baby, as well as the prevention of excess weight gain by the mother. The most powerful sources of calories are carbohydrate foods and fats. Despite the strong desire to finally pamper yourself, you should completely exclude candies and other sweets and significantly limit baked goods and pasta. Now the quality of the food consumed is very important, because the baby takes all the nutrients. You need vegetables, fruits (with limited allergens), meat, fish, dairy products.
Sex at 33 weeks pregnant
Intimate relationships are an integral part married life, and during the normal course of pregnancy, the process of intercourse itself does not pose any threat to the baby. Of course, you should avoid positions that put pressure on your stomach. The optimal poses are those in which the spouse is behind. Sudden movements should be avoided. You also need to know that sperm has the ability to soften the cervix and stimulate labor. Therefore, in the last stages it is advisable to use a condom.
A woman should carefully monitor what kind of discharge she has at 33 weeks of pregnancy. Watery, copious discharge often indicate leakage of amniotic fluid, and this is a reason to immediately consult a doctor. The same applies to the appearance of blood in the discharge.
In the last stages, a woman should be especially attentive to pain. It is quite acceptable at 33 weeks of pregnancy, when the stomach is tight. Such short periodic sensations are associated with training contractions. However, if it bothers you too much, if the pain intensifies, do not hesitate to visit a doctor.
The increasing load on the skeletal system leads to frequent pain in the back and legs. The load is associated not only with an increase in the baby’s weight and the amount of amniotic fluid, but also directly with an increase in the mother’s weight. Late pregnancy requires strict adherence to an activity regimen. It is strictly forbidden to lie down all day, even if your stomach is already very large. Only physical activity will support and strengthen the muscular frame, and this is very important for the normal course of childbirth.
Many mothers note that in most cases, pain in the lumbar region decreases in the knee-elbow position. Why not take advantage of this? Just stand on all fours for a few minutes and you will immediately feel your back relaxing. This position also helps reduce pain in the hypochondrium, because at this stage the fundus of the uterus is high, the baby often rests against the costal arch, hitting the nerve plexuses.
Be sure to wear a bandage. Its role is to support the abdomen, due to which pain in the pelvis and lower back is significantly reduced, in addition, muscles are less stretched, and you will recover faster after childbirth.
Required research. Analyzes
In addition to standard studies, an ultrasound is usually performed at 33 weeks of pregnancy. This is a screening study that allows you to exclude the presence of pathology of the placenta, intrauterine growth retardation, and it is also necessary to diagnose polyhydramnios in a timely manner. At the 33rd week of pregnancy, a functional diagnostics doctor evaluates all the dimensions of the fetus, its position, size (fetometry at the 33rd week of pregnancy), the condition of the placenta and other parameters.
Useful video
Questions - answers
Yesterday I did an ultrasound and received the following conclusion: 33 weeks of pregnancy, entwined with the umbilical cord. What to do about it?
The tactics of labor management during umbilical cord entanglement are determined by the doctor individually for each situation. In some cases it is required C-section.
I'm 33 weeks pregnant with twins. I often feel training contractions, but in recent days they seem stronger to me. What does it mean?
Pregnancy with twins is different in that birth usually occurs earlier than the fortieth week. And pain at 33 weeks of pregnancy may already indicate an imminent onset labor activity. You should consult the doctor who will deliver the baby.
Why does my stomach feel tight at 33 weeks of pregnancy?
Most often, pulling sensations in the abdomen at this stage are associated with training contractions (Braxton-Hicks contractions). The reason may be tone. The stomach does not hurt too much, but rather a feeling of tension. If the pain is severe, you should definitely go to the doctor.
I was diagnosed with oligohydramnios at 33 weeks pregnant. Is it dangerous?
Amniotic fluid is of great importance: it creates an optimal environment around the baby, protects against injury, helps the baby move, protects the umbilical cord, and promotes dilation of the cervix during childbirth. Oligohydramnios is dangerous because the baby is in an uncomfortable position, spinal deformity can develop, as well as the formation of adhesions that can wrap around the umbilical cord and fetus, interfering with normal development. With oligohydramnios, labor may be weak. The most important parameter is the amount of water, because a slight decrease may well be the norm.
The pregnancy period, starting from the 33rd week, is considered to be a kind of home stretch at the end of a long and filled with anxiety, as well as joyful expectations, distance. Typically, the leading gynecologist prescribes a planned - third - ultrasound observation for exactly this period; and if the examination does not reveal any abnormalities, he sighs with relief and joyfully announces to the expectant mother: “Now your child is already fully formed and will only grow the rest of the time.”
The expectant mother can now relax and not be unduly afraid of the possibility of premature birth. The most important processes in the development of the baby are already behind us. His weight reached 2 kilograms, and possibly more. Average length the baby’s length during this period can vary from 40 to 45 cm. According to these parameters, the period “33 weeks” is distinguished by gynecologists and marks the end of the process of fetal formation and at the same time preparation for labor.
From a scientific point of view, the 33rd week of pregnancy is described as the period when:
- the uterus has increased significantly compared to its size at the time of conception: the height of its bottom reaches 33-34 cm, and the bottom is felt under the ribs;
- the muscles of the uterus are intensively developed in preparation for labor: this is expressed in weak and irregular contractions (Brackston-Hickst contractions), which you should not worry too much about;
- the volume of red blood cells corresponds to the amount of plasma, that is, physiological anemia in a woman is no longer observed;
- the child’s weight by this time reaches 2100-2700 g, and the length from crown to heels can reach 44-45 cm, which is revealed during measurements at a routine doctor’s visit at 33 weeks;
- the baby’s heart is already perfect, although there is still a small hole between the atria: it should close during birth, with the first breath - the cry of the newborn;
- Lung development is almost complete, which means that in the event of premature birth, the baby will, in principle, be able to breathe on his own. However, the lungs are still immature, like all other organs of the baby, so if the baby is born before 36 weeks, there is a high probability of developing the so-called neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, which will require long-term and serious medical supervision in hospital;
- During this period, the most important processes in the formation of the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems are completed. Or rather, their so-called “refinement” is underway. That is why, without serious indications, you should not go for premature birth until the 36th week, even if the pregnancy is accompanied by complications and the woman feels exhausted. After all, the more fully formed your child is in his original and natural cradle, the healthier and more talented person he will become in the future. For the same reason, it happens that so-called “premature” children are sometimes behind in their studies, or they may have other deviations. Only if there is a real threat to the health and even the life of the fetus or mother can the doctor decide to prescribe artificially induced premature birth at 33 weeks. In all other cases, it is necessary to sacrifice everything in order to maintain the pregnancy until at least 36 weeks;
Feelings of a woman at 33 weeks of pregnancy: familiar and new
You should not expect that a woman’s physical and emotional sensations will somehow change dramatically after the “last turn before the finish line.” As the joyful event long-awaited meeting As the newborn approaches, the woman experiences more and more the burdens required for 9 months of gestation. This can be roughly expressed alternately:
- morning “I can’t feel this pain in my back anymore, just to give birth as soon as possible!”
- lunchtime “What a joy it is to feel his movements inside!”
- for afternoon tea: “Oh, how my legs hurt! Where should we put them higher?”
- evening “Oh, how I want to eat more! And when will this eternal limitation end!
- nightly “Why didn’t they come up with a special sleeping position for pregnant women or special beds so that you could fall asleep!”
If the pregnancy is progressing well, by the 33rd week, signs of toxicosis should no longer bother the pregnant woman (about dangerous deviation from this norm - gestosis - we will talk below). However, it is unlikely that you will be able to relax, because they will be replaced by other not-so-comfortable sensations. Namely:
- Increasing pain in the back and legs due to significant weight gain (by week 33, acceptable weight gain is 8 -12.5 kg). Back pain can also be painful at night, due to the pressure of a greatly grown fetus. Avoid sleeping on your back and left side (so as not to put stress on your heart). Instead, train yourself to sleep on your right side, and under left leg, left arm and under your back, place additional pillows. During the day, rest from time to time by placing your legs slightly above body level.
- Increased sweating, shortness of breath, sometimes dizziness, a feeling of lack of air, even loss of consciousness - all this can be experienced by a woman, especially after 33 weeks, especially if there are disorders of the vegetative-vascular system.
The author of the article is a mother of five children. Although almost all of my pregnancies went relatively well and I led an active lifestyle, at the end of almost every one I felt as if I was running out of air. Two or three times I almost lost consciousness in a closed and stuffy room, since I gave birth to four children in the hot summer.
The described sensations are quite understandable, since after the 33rd week a woman literally lives as if for two, and it is quite possible that her own organs are sometimes unable to cope with the increased load. The main thing for every pregnant woman is to know and understand her individual characteristics, and not put herself in risky situations. For example, in my situation, I tried to avoid stuffy rooms, excessively tight and tight clothes.
- The already noted changes in the endocrine system are the reason that, as throughout pregnancy, and after 33 weeks, a woman feels that she is hotter than those around her. From my own experience I will say that this is a great blessing in winter, but a real punishment in the heat of summer. Relatives and friends should pay attention to this and be patient and understanding, because even for a second they do not experience all the discomfort that a pregnant woman has to endure. Therefore, if a pregnant woman next to you in the office asks to turn on the central air conditioning, and it is freezing outside and you are already cold, try to make a concession, even if you have to wear outerwear. Your suffering for a few hours is nothing compared to what the expectant mother has to endure for 9 months and 24 hours a day.
It is ideal if the baby stays in a cephalic presentation position - that is, upside down, since from this moment he will maintain it until the moment of birth. With breech presentation natural childbirth(that is, not a caesarean section) are also possible if the doctor considers that you are able to cope with the task, since obstetricians know how to remove newborns in this case too. The absolute indication for caesarean section is the transverse position of the child, which still does not happen very often.
- Instead of funny “coups”, you can now expect quite noticeable “beatings”. Of course, the intensity and force of blows to the walls of the abdomen by its temporary resident depends on the gender, size and individual temperament of the baby. And yet, at least a few times, almost every expectant mother will have to almost gasp from a real blow - a kick “in the ribs”. In a normal cephalic presentation, the baby's legs are located just under the ribs: if you wish, you will soon be able to almost always easily feel his heel, from which it will seem to “float away”. If for some reason your baby has chosen a breech position and remains in it, then you will experience no less uncomfortable sensations from his “peruet”, but in the pelvic area.
They usually give an average figure for the baby’s perceptible movements - 10 vibrations per hour (in some sources, 2 hours), but from my own experience I will say that there is no common denominator for all cases, since it depends on the individual character of the child. The main thing is that the movements exist and retain their original character. Sometimes during the day you may simply not notice them - don’t panic right away: in the evening before bed, try to communicate with your baby, stroke your belly, talk. Most likely, you will be answered with one or two blows from “inner space.” If within 24 hours you absolutely have not felt a single movement, especially if until now they have been very pronounced and active, it is better to play it safe and go to the doctor, even if 2 days ago you had a scheduled consultation.
- Another characteristic symptom of the 33rd week and subsequent ones can be called vivid, sometimes disturbing, almost always thematic dreams. Often it is during this period that women have real prophetic dreams, which are known even from the history of religions. It happens that her previously deceased relatives “come” to the expectant mother: grandfathers, grandmothers - and even give a name to the unborn child or foretell the exact date of birth. This is completely normal for a pregnant woman; you should not be afraid of it or attach too much importance to it. The most important thing for you is to maintain your health and that of your baby.
- A much less attractive symptom of the 8th obstetric month is insomnia. Personally, it seemed to me that I had not slept at all recent months. This is all the more unpleasant because with the birth of a baby, only in exceptional cases does a young mother manage to get enough sleep. She often expects at least another 3 months of sleepless nights due to the baby’s colic. Therefore, if after 33 weeks you cannot get enough sleep at night, try to find time during the day in order to “get” the necessary hours. Avoid fatigue, let alone wear and tear of the body at the end of pregnancy. You only dream that this is the end of your hardships. The real challenges are yet to come; they will begin immediately after returning home from the maternity hospital, and will never end as long as your baby remains a child. Over time, you will get used to them and will no longer be able to live differently. But it will be difficult at the very beginning. Therefore, just at the end of pregnancy, when sleeping is difficult, uncomfortable and almost impossible, you just need to get enough sleep - in order to stock up on strength for the difficult first months ahead.
Video - 33 weeks of pregnancy
What to pay attention to
Of the listed sensations of the expectant mother, almost all are absolutely normal for the period described, that is, it is simply useful to know about them, but you should not attach much importance. Only a sudden complete cessation of the baby’s movements should be a valid reason for an emergency visit to the doctor. However, there are symptoms that are much more important, the presence of which may indicate the need for urgent medical attention. Therefore, they are given a special section in our article.
Reasons for concern
Every pregnant woman after 33 weeks observes an increase in vaginal discharge. On the one hand, this is natural, but the norm is only transparent, not very abundant and odorless discharge. If they take on a cheesy appearance or a grayish tint, become opaque, even worse - dark, smell unpleasant (sweet or otherwise), and even more so bloody or too abundant (so much so that your underwear literally gets wet), sound the alarm and go to the doctor immediately.
A change in the quality of discharge may indicate the presence of an infectious infection of the genitourinary tract, and its excessive abundance may even mean placental abruption or rupture of the membranes. This is all the more likely if the intensification of discharge is accompanied by cramping pain, pain in the lower back or prolonged pain in the same part of the abdomen, and also, as already noted, the detection of blood. Both the first and second are equally dangerous for the baby’s life, so you are required to immediately notify the doctor, and he must decide what next steps to take. Sometimes artificially induced premature birth becomes the only way out (especially if there is a risk of amniotic fluid rupture) in order to save the child’s life.
Preeclampsia, or late toxicosis, at 33 weeks of pregnancy
This is a very dangerous condition during and after the 33rd week of pregnancy, the development of which must be tried with all our might to prevent and, even more importantly, not to be missed. The fact is that its symptoms are sometimes subtle; the development of gestosis threatens very dangerous consequences for both the child and the mother.
Noticeable signs of gestosis are:
- nausea, and even slight malaise;
- dizziness;
- swelling (both obvious and hidden, the presence of which can only be determined through special tests);
- high blood pressure (140 and above). Sometimes it is this symptom that indicates the presence of this problem in a woman. It is very important not to try to fight it on your own, since increased pressure is a kind of defensive reaction body for gestosis, for the sake of saving the fetus.
An urgent visit to a doctor is necessary, who will most likely require immediate hospitalization if the diagnosis is confirmed.
To prevent gestosis, it is necessary throughout pregnancy:
- strictly follow your doctor's recommendations;
- completely eliminate spicy, smoked, and salty foods from the diet;
- make your meals as fractional as possible: the closer to the end of pregnancy, the less food you take at a time;
- avoid excessive fluid intake, especially in the late afternoon;
- introduce into your diet as many vitamin-rich vegetables and fruits as possible;
- Have a fasting day once a week (for example, eat one type of fruit all day or drink one juice);
- If there are no contraindications, throughout your pregnancy, lead an active lifestyle, do special exercises, attend swimming groups for pregnant women, and be in the fresh air as often as possible.
Conclusion
Perhaps the most important recommendation for a woman during this period is to maintain a positive attitude and prepare emotionally for the imminent meeting with the baby. This is the best period for conversations with your child, as well as for preparing his dowry. However, do not forget about the appropriate preparation of household members. After all, it is their warm participation that will help you in the first difficult days of caring for a newborn in a month or two.