Your Pregnancy at Week 33

Tired? We’ll bet! You are likely still at work but do try to rest when you can - especially if you are struggling to sleep at night. Are you able to alter your working hours a little to go in later? A lay-in may make all the difference!

As your tummy gets bigger and bigger, you may be noticing increased back ache. This is a normal complaint in the late stages of pregnancy, even throughout the whole 9 months. However, you may want to consider pregnancy pilates or aqua-natal classes, as both activities can ease your discomfort. Ask your GP to refer to you a physiotherapist if you are really suffering.

Pregnancy is exhausting, but when you hold that little baby, you'll realise it was all entirely worth it. Here is a list of symptoms you may experience during week 33.

Outie bellybutton: Around this time, many expectant mums notice their belly button protruding outward as the uterus expands and pushes against the abdomen. This change is entirely normal and usually temporary.

Heartburn: As the uterus expands, it can push against the stomach, leading to heartburn or acid reflux. This is common in the later stages of pregnancy and can be made worse by certain foods or lying down after eating. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding trigger foods can help manage heartburn symptoms. Here’s more on heartburn during pregnancy.

Larger feet: As your body retains more fluid during pregnancy, it's not uncommon for your feet to swell and increase in size. This is typically temporary, so don’t feel like you need to run out and buy a whole wardrobe of new shoes! 

Sweating: Hormonal fluctuations can lead to increased sweating during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester. This is the body's way of regulating its temperature. Wearing breathable clothing and staying hydrated before bed can help manage sweating. Here’s how to keep cool during pregnancy.

Swelling in your feet: It's common to experience swelling, known as edema, particularly in your ankles and feet during. This occurs due to increased fluid retention and pressure on blood vessels as your body adjusts to the demands of pregnancy. Elevating your legs and staying hydrated can help alleviate discomfort. Here’s how to reduce ankle swelling.

Crazy dreams: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can result in vivid and sometimes unusual dreams. This is a common phenomenon and is usually harmless. Here’s a guide to pregnancy dreams.

Stretch marks: As you enter the third trimester, you may notice stretch marks forming on your abdomen, breasts, and thighs. While they are a common part of pregnancy, keeping your skin moisturised can help minimise their appearance.

Braxton Hicks: This week, you might be experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as "practice contractions." These irregular and painless contractions are your body's way of preparing for labor. They may feel like a tightening sensation in your abdomen and typically occur infrequently. If they become frequent or painful, contact your healthcare provider. Here’s more on what to expect from contractions.

Tingling, numbness, or pain in your hands and wrists: Carpal tunnel syndrome, characterised by tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and wrists, is common during this stage of pregnancy due to fluid retention and swelling. Wearing a wrist splint and practicing gentle exercises may provide relief.

Remember, every pregnancy is different, and not everyone will experience the same symptoms. If you have any concerns about your symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to your midwife or GP.

Only takes five minutes per day during the final weeks of pregnancy can help to prevent trauma and tearing to your perineal tissues during childbirth, and to decrease your chances of an episiotomy. How? By doing perineal massages.

Perineal Massage

A perineal massage entails gentle, manual stretching of the perineal tissues lining the birth canal. Perineal tears and episiotomies (which require stitches) are painful to recover from and may leave scarring. They may also cause you to battle urinary incontinence for many years! When you look at it that way, maybe you should give perineal massages a try. If you're uncomfortable doing this yourself, ask your partner for help. Any comfortable position will do, just make sure hands are washed and fingernails are nice and short, before getting started.

By week 33, you may hear little whispers behind your back, saying, "she's nesting!" If you're suddenly determined to take every item out of your kitchen cabinets to clean and disinfect all surfaces, or reorganising closet spaces, this is totally normal. And yes, it's nesting. This impulsive need to pack away unused items and clean the world is your maternal instincts taking over and driving you to create a clean, safe, organised place for your baby. You are powerless to resist this.

If you are starting to feel this drive - this need to prepare - use that gorgeous energy to pack your hospital bag! There's no need to get carried away, you aren't moving into the hospital. You're just popping by for a quick visit. If you want a birthing ball or another type of birthing prop, call the hospital and ask if they have those items on hand and available for you. If they don't, you'll need to add it to your packing list.

Head here for our hospital bag checklist.

Don't forget to write in your pregnancy journal this week!