Week 33

Welcome to Week 33! Your baby is now about the size of a squash, measuring around 17 inches long and weighing close to 4.5 pounds. From here on, baby will keep gaining about half a pound a week—and you’ll definitely feel it.

What’s Happening in Your Body?

Baby’s immune system is developing, getting ready to fight off germs after birth. Their brain is growing rapidly, making more connections each day. Their lungs are almost fully mature, and they’re still practicing breathing movements in the womb.

They’ve likely settled into a head-down position by now, but if they haven’t, there’s still time for baby to flip. Movements might feel different—less dramatic flips, more strong pushes, stretches, and rolls as space runs out.

For you, the extra weight and pressure are becoming more noticeable, especially in your lower back and pelvis.

Common Symptoms This Week

• Strong but smaller-range baby movements—you might even feel little feet or elbows!

• Braxton Hicks contractions—more frequent as your body practices for labor

• Pelvic pressure or discomfort as baby drops lower

• Back pain, hip pain, or sciatica

• Swelling in feet, ankles, and hands

• Heartburn, indigestion, or feeling “full” faster

• Shortness of breath as your uterus presses on your lungs

• Trouble sleeping and needing more bathroom trips at night

And yep, fatigue is back, along with a mix of excitement and impatience.

What You Can Do This Week

• Keep tracking baby’s kicks—movement patterns should stay consistent

• Practice relaxation techniques (breathing exercises, prenatal yoga, meditation)

• Pack or double-check your hospital bag if you haven’t yet

• Install the car seat—most hospitals won’t let you leave without one

• Finalize postpartum plans—who can help with meals, chores, or just keeping you company?

• Rest whenever you can—you’re carrying a nearly full-size baby!

You might also want to start reading about newborn care and postpartum recovery so you feel a little more prepared for the weeks after birth.

And if you want to remember baby’s movement patterns—or even how they “respond” to your voice—Cubtale is a sweet way to keep those details for later.

Real Talk

Week 33 is a mix of wow, this is almost over and oh no, this is really happening soon. Your body is heavier, more tired, and more uncomfortable. And emotionally, you might feel like you’re on a rollercoaster—excited one moment, nervous the next.

That’s all normal. You’re in the final stretch of one of the biggest journeys your body will ever take. Be gentle with yourself.

You’re doing it. And you’re so close.