Week 33 of pregnancy | Fetal brain development
The fetus now weighs 2 kg!
Now the baby is about 45 cm and weighs 2 kg! Does it feel heavy? 👶
Movement of the baby in the womb
The space in the amniotic fluid is becoming limited now and the fetus has to work hard to move freely. The fetus is so big that when it kicks or punches, it may feel more like small (or big!) pushes. Remember that you should feel the movements regularly and every day, and that they should feel about the same and strong as they usually do. How much and how often your baby kicks will constantly change, so it can be helpful to take a moment each day to reflect on your baby's movements. If you are concerned that your baby is moving less or in a different way, contact the maternity unit immediately.
Developments in week 33
The lungs will continue to mature until birth, but it can be reassuring to know that all the other organs of the fetus are fully developed. What's more, the prognosis for babies born this week and beyond is extremely good!
Much of the fetus' development now lies in developing the brain and connections between different neurons. The five senses of the fetus are both developed and fully functional by now. The fetus can perceive sound, react to light, and feel pain and taste. However, the fetus will not be able to smell until after birth and its first breath!
Mom: Pregnant in week 33
Take a break or a short walk in the middle of the day to create peace of mind and increase blood circulation in the body, it can reduce swelling in the legs and feet 💜
Stomach problem
During the latter part of pregnancy, it is common to suffer from stomach problems, often constipation. There are several reasons for this, but it is usually due to the fact that your internal organs (such as your intestines, lungs, stomach and bladder) have become restricted due to the growing uterus. Your intestines also don't move at the same pace as they do when you're not pregnant, which can cause your stomach to become sluggish. If you have stomach problems, drinking plenty of water, eating a high-fiber diet and staying active will help keep your bowels moving. This also helps with a sluggish stomach caused by iron tablets.
Feeding during late pregnancy
Do you feel full quickly when you eat? This is because your stomach has become compressed now that your uterus is taking up more space. Eating smaller portions more often usually helps if you experience this problem.
If you have suffered from heartburn, it can get worse towards the end of pregnancy. Raising the head of the bed and avoiding eating food late at night can help. If this doesn't work, there are also painkillers you can take - you can always consult your midwife!
