Week 33 of Third Trimester
Discover what happens during week 33 of third trimester. Baby development, body changes, symptoms, and a weekly checklist.
What's Happening This Week
This is the ideal time to start preparing for postpartum care and to connect with other expectant parents or join a pregnancy support group. Ensure you get stuff done this week so that you can rest in the last couple of weeks. But don’t let the stress of these decisions get to you, remember how exciting the baby’s arrival is going to be!
Third Trimester is a time of rapid change — for both you and your baby. Every pregnancy is unique, and the information below will help you understand what's happening and how to prepare for the weeks ahead.
Your Body
Your uterus now sits high beneath the ribs, affecting posture, breathing, and digestion more noticeably. Muscles and ligaments continue stretching while the pelvis gradually loosens in preparation for labor. Physical recovery after activity may also take longer now.
What You Might Notice
You may feel increased pelvic heaviness, slower movement, or more frequent fatigue after routine tasks. Swelling, heartburn, or interrupted sleep can also become more intense around this stage.
Your Baby
Bones continue hardening, though the skull remains flexible to support birth. The immune system keeps developing, and the brain continues refining communication between nerves and muscles. Movements may feel slower but stronger as available space decreases.
