33 weeks pregnant
The 33rd week of pregnancy is the first week of the ninth obstetric month, that is, eight of them are already behind. After all, doctors calculate the gestational age according to their own rules. In the obstetric month, not 30-31 days, but exactly 28, that is, 4 weeks. The child is given 280 days to carry, which is 10 obstetric months. This means that the pregnancy will last not one, but two months.
Week 33 marks the beginning of one of the most difficult periods of pregnancy for a woman. It will be difficult precisely in physiological terms, since every week the belly increases in size. The expectant mother becomes clumsy, the former grace disappears. In addition, from above, the uterus presses on the lungs, and from below on the intestines and bladder. But there is very little to be patient, because childbirth is getting closer every day.
Content:
- Fetal development
- Ultrasound and other tests
- Sex
- What can be the discharge at 33 weeks of gestation?
- Causes of pain
- What happens to the belly at 33 weeks of gestation?
- Weight
- Feelings of a future mother
- What to do if labor starts?
- What can affect the fetus?
- Complications at 33 weeks of gestation
- Recommendations
Fetal development
The physiological indicators of the growth and weight of the child are already quite impressive, especially compared to the first months of pregnancy. At this time, his height is about 44 cm, and his weight reaches 2 kg. The baby becomes cramped in the stomach, so he can no longer roll over from head to feet. The child, of course, continues to move, and the woman should feel these movements. From this time on, the fetus begins to accumulate subcutaneous fat more actively, muscle strength increases.
Lanugo gradually disappears, all organ systems are improved. The brain is finally formed, but the nerve connections will be honed for a long time, including after the birth of the child. At the same time, the baby is already able to express his emotions, feel the mood of the mother. He perfectly hears loud sounds, can distinguish between smell and taste, he needs care, affection and love. A toddler may express his displeasure, for example, if he does not like harsh noise. Therefore, in choosing the environment, you need to be very selective.
The child at this time can play, which is active and is engaged when he is awake. So far, he uses the umbilical cord and his body as toys. The life of the baby is measured and calm, and he has nowhere to rush, because the process of preparing for childbirth has not yet been completed.
The pulmonary system also continues to actively improve so that after birth, the baby can breathe on its own. For this purpose, a surfactant is accumulated in the alveoli.
- The cardiovascular system continues to develop and strengthen. A small heart performs 100-150 beats per minute.
- The kidneys of the child are already able to perform the filtering function.
- The pattern on the skin becomes more expressive every week. It takes on a color that is closer to pink rather than red. The hair on the head continues to grow, becoming longer and thicker.
- Calcium builds up in bones, making them stronger and stronger. The cartilaginous tissue gradually thickens, but the sutures of the skull remain wide. This is necessary for easy passage of the child through the birth canal.
- The immune system is developing, but it is still very far from perfect.
At 33 weeks gestation, the baby is in the correct position in the uterus. Normally, he should lie head down. However, sometimes the fetus is located exactly the opposite - head up, or even stacked sideways. If, with a breech presentation, independent childbirth is still possible, then with a transverse one, a cesarean section will definitely be required.
Ultrasound and other tests
At 33 weeks of gestation, an ultrasound examination is necessary in order to assess the development of the fetus. The doctor will record the exact size and weight, note all the available anatomical features of development. Ultrasound helps to exclude the presence of pathology and developmental anomalies, presentation of the fetus and its entanglement with the umbilical cord
As a rule, the sex of the unborn child has already been established. If this has not happened before, then now certain difficulties may arise. After all, there is less and less space in the stomach, which means that the child can squeeze the legs and close the genitals.
During an ultrasound scan, the doctor also assesses the condition of the placenta, the quantity and quality of amniotic fluid, uteroplacental blood flow, and the degree of maturity of the cervix.
Sometimes the doctor adjusts the already set date of the expected birth. If a woman receives any therapy, then after the study she can be changed, because there is more and more information about the condition of the fetus.
Thus, an ultrasound scan at 33 weeks of gestation is an important and extremely informative study that must be done without fail. This diagnostic method often helps doctors make very important decisions, for example, about the need for an early delivery. In the vast majority of cases, ultrasound simply allows you to make sure once again that the pregnancy is proceeding normally, and that everything is in perfect order with the baby.
Other tests and examinations
At this time, a woman must also visit her gynecologist, donate blood and urine for a general analysis. At the appointment, the doctor will measure the height of the fundus of the uterus, the volume of the abdomen, the level of blood pressure, listen to the fetal heartbeat. The height of the fundus of the uterus is normally 33 cm (deviations of 1-2 cm are allowed).
In addition, this week the woman is gaining weight about 300-550 g. The volume of circulating blood in the body increases. It becomes already a liter more than before the moment of conception.
If during pregnancy there are any deviations, then it is possible to determine the level of hCG (the norm is 2700-78100 mMU / ml), dopplerography, CTG of other studies.
Sex
If the doctor does not find any abnormalities, then there should be no reason for refusing an intimate relationship. During this time, sex, as before, will bring pleasure to both partners.
Many couples give up intimacy because they are afraid to harm the baby. Expectant parents may be intimidated by a too big belly or active movements of the child inside it. Don't be so suspicious.
Perhaps the following tips will help the couple gain courage:
- Penetration during intercourse should not be too deep, and the movements not too sharp.
- During intimacy, pressure on the stomach should not be allowed. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the appropriate posture.
- If discomfort or pain occurs, intercourse should be stopped immediately.
- It is best to have sex with a condom at 33 weeks of gestation. The fact is that male semen contains substances that soften the cervix and prepare it for childbirth. But now it is too early to go to the hospital, which is why it is best to prevent semen from entering the vagina.
Sex must be abandoned if the mucous plug has come off the woman, as the risk of infection to the fetus increases.
What can be the discharge at 33 weeks of gestation?
A deviation from the norm is the appearance of bloody discharge when it turns brown, red or scarlet. Blood in the discharge may indicate placental abruption, vaginal injury, or the onset of premature labor. All these situations are extremely dangerous for the woman and the fetus.
You also need to immediately go to an appointment if flakes, foam appear in the discharge, or they acquire an unpleasant odor. Green or yellow discharge is considered abnormal.
A watery and clear discharge may indicate water leakage. This is dangerous and requires hospitalization. With a complete discharge of water, you also need to immediately go to the hospital, since labor will begin soon.
If a woman has not taken a smear before this time for the determination of infectious diseases, then it is imperative to do this now. After all, the risk of infection is almost always present. Moreover, during pregnancy, thrush often develops, which also requires specific treatment. There is no need to be afraid of therapy. Thrush is treated with antifungal suppositories, which are not contraindicated for a woman at this time. But you cannot prescribe drugs yourself.
Sometimes at this stage of pregnancy, a mucous plug leaves. It is represented by a lump, the volume of which can fit in 2 tablespoons. Sometimes the cork comes off in parts, and sometimes all at once. Its color can be cream or blood-streaked. The passage of the cork is considered a harbinger of the approaching birth, so it is necessary to inform the doctor about this.
A woman should carefully examine her discharge, those that have a uniform consistency, transparent, light or whitish shade are considered normal. The discharge should not give off an unpleasant odor. In addition, the genitals are supplied with blood better than usual at this time. Therefore, the volume of discharge may also increase, but not much. You shouldn't worry about this. =
Causes of pain
Pain can occur at any stage of pregnancy, and it is important to correctly identify its source:
- Pain during urination may indicate a genitourinary infection. The body temperature may also rise, and sometimes unusual discharge from the genital tract appears.
- Hemorrhoids are indicated by rectal pain and blood stains on underwear.
- Headaches indicate a lack of rest, excessive fatigue, overheating of the body, or oxygen starvation. Often, to get rid of it, you just need to lie down to rest or take a walk in the fresh air.
- Due to the increased weight, pain in the back, legs, and in the lumbar region may appear. To reduce them, you need to carefully monitor your posture, wear a prenatal bandage, and choose comfortable shoes. It is necessary to avoid prolonged physical activity, do not lie on your back, do not sit on chairs without a back.
- Lumbar pain bothers almost all pregnant women. They are associated with the pressure of the enlarged uterus on the sciatic nerve. The pain is worse if the woman lies on her back.
- Pain in the knee joints appears due to the increased load on them. Cool baths help reduce pain in the lower extremities. After such a procedure, it is good to raise your legs to some kind of hill.
- Pain in the pelvic region and in the pubic region appears due to the fact that the woman's body is gradually preparing for the process of delivery. The pelvic bones slowly separate, which causes discomfort. Swimming, wearing a bandage, taking a bath helps to reduce their severity.
- Pain in the hypochondrium occurs due to the fact that the child has grown up and began to kick the mother with more force from the inside. Perceptible fetal movements are often associated with an uncomfortable posture that a woman takes, or with external pressure on the uterus. When the belly is lowered before childbirth, the pain in this area will become less intense.
In any case, the doctor should be informed about the pain that occurs. Sometimes training contractions occur at 33 weeks of gestation, so a woman may feel a slight painful tension in the lower abdomen. This is normal, provided that the intensity of the contractions does not increase. Otherwise, you need to call an ambulance.
What happens to the belly at 33 weeks of gestation?
In addition to the fact that a woman will experience painful sensations, heartburn may follow her. By this time, it has increased significantly. There are two reasons: the pressure of the uterus on the stomach and physiological changes in the body, provoking an increase in gastric acidity.
Another unpleasant sensation that occurs at 33 weeks of gestation is shortness of breath. It should decrease when the child lowers a little. Until this happens, you need to reduce your physical activity and look for comfortable postures.
Itchy skin of the abdomen is another common complaint of expectant mothers. It can be reduced by applying a moisturizer to your belly. It is good to rub olive or almond oil into your skin immediately after a shower.
By this time, the stomach rises very high, which will be associated with some discomfort. But you should not worry about this, because in the coming weeks it will go down and it will become easier to breathe.
Sometimes a woman is surprised to notice rhythmic twitching of the abdomen. This happens when the baby starts to hiccup. And this happens quite often.
You also need to be very careful, because the stomach has become heavier and pulls the woman forward. Falls during this period are very dangerous.
What's going on in the tummy? Hand pain, baby wiggling and omega-3 benefits:
Weight
You need to track your weight carefully. This is important, since a sharp increase in body weight, especially in the third trimester, may indicate gestosis.
It is important to follow the diet, do not overeat, and limit the consumption of sweets. It is necessary to reduce calorie content at the expense of bakery and confectionery products, fried and fatty foods.
Sometimes a woman gains weight due to edema. To avoid the retention of excess fluid in the body, it is necessary to limit salt intake. Sometimes the doctor advises to abandon it altogether.
From the moment of pregnancy, the woman's weight increases by 9-13.5 kg. These are average indicators that may vary slightly in one direction or another, but should remain within the normal range.
Feelings of a future mother
By this time, the woman begins to feel awkward and clumsy. Sometimes a feeling of tiredness and helplessness is added. After all, it is often not possible even to get a good night's sleep - the enlarged belly does not allow finding a comfortable position and makes breathing difficult. Urination also becomes more frequent, because the uterus presses on the bladder, so there is a desire to empty it even when it is partially filled. To reduce the number of night trips to the toilet, you need to drink less fluids in the evening.
If a woman's blood pressure rises, then this may be a sign of gestosis. Therefore, it is imperative to inform the doctor about such races. In general, high blood pressure for a pregnant woman is dangerous.
Here are a few more common complaints from all pregnant women at 33 weeks:
- Ears congestion;
- Bleeding gums;
- Nosebleeds;
- Numbness of the limbs;
- Leg cramps;
- Protrusion of the navel.
Of course, it is not easy to withstand such a load on the body, but one must remember that it is temporary. Very soon a new person will be born, who already needs care and love. Therefore, despite all these minor troubles, you need to try to relax as much as possible and rest as much as possible. First, the upcoming birth is not an easy process. Secondly, the baby will take a lot of strength from the mother, and not only physical, but emotional. Now the woman has very little time left that she can devote only to herself.
What to do if labor starts?
If childbirth occurs at 33 weeks of gestation, then it is premature, and the baby will be premature. However, during this period, the baby can breathe on its own, which is very important. This greatly facilitates the process of nursing him and allows the child to grow up healthy.
Most often, premature birth can be avoided, but at the same time a woman should be extremely attentive to her health and to herself. It happens that childbirth begins, and nothing can be done about it. If this happens, then you need to remain calm and completely trust the doctors. In some cases, childbirth at this time is artificially caused, for medical reasons.
When there are no prerequisites for premature birth, you need to prepare for the upcoming trip to the maternity hospital. The bag must be collected, as well as the package of documents.
What can affect the fetus?
The child is reliably protected in the womb by the placenta and fetal membranes. However, there are many factors that can affect its growth and development.
Of no small importance is the nature of a woman's diet. When she eats little, as well as poor quality food, the child will not gain weight well. Perhaps even a developmental lag.
Another negative factor that can affect a child's health is radiation exposure. The higher the dose is received, the more severe the consequences. Even fetal death or severe malformations is not excluded. Small doses of radiation damage the placenta and impair its protective properties.
It is imperative to avoid any pressure on the abdomen, including falls. This can lead to the fact that the membranes are disrupted, premature labor begins, or placental abruption occurs.
It is important to completely eliminate the ingestion of alcohol, nicotine, drugs. A woman should not come into contact with paints and varnishes, with aggressive chemicals, insecticides.
The intake of medications should be noted separately. They should only be prescribed by a doctor. At such a late date, many drugs are already permitted, for example, NSAIDs, drugs for topical use, but self-medication is in any case unacceptable.
Complications at 33 weeks of gestation
At this stage, it is necessary to take care of the prevention of rickets in the child. To do this, a woman must receive a sufficient amount of vitamin D.
If not enough calcium enters the mother's body, then it begins to wash out of the bones, and for this reason, a woman develops hemorrhoids, varicose veins and calf cramps.
A significant increase in weight will lead to the fact that after childbirth, a woman will develop obesity with all the ensuing consequences: metabolic disorders and diabetes mellitus.
Eclampsia is a very formidable complication of pregnancy. Doctors do not know how to prevent its development and how to cure it. Eclampsia begins with gestosis or preeclampsia. Early signs of this condition: increased blood pressure, increased edema, a jump in the level of protein in the urine. Eclampsia itself is characterized by cerebral edema, seizures and the subsequent death of a woman and / or child.
The only way to save the life of a woman and a child is an emergency caesarean section.
Recommendations
- At this time, it would be nice to attend courses for pregnant women. They will allow you to better prepare for the upcoming birth, help get rid of obsessive fears and increased nervousness.
- If the spouse will be present at the birth, then he needs to prepare the relevant documents and undergo a medical examination.
- You need to monitor your diet. Both overeating and malnutrition are dangerous. The average energy value of food eaten per day should be in the range of 2500-3000 kcal.
- Be careful when drinking familiar drinks like herbal teas. After all, many of them, for example, tea based on hibiscus or St. John's wort, are not recommended during pregnancy.
- If there is a need to take synthetic vitamins, you need to ask your doctor. Hypervitaminosis can be as dangerous as hypovitaminosis.
- While it’s getting harder to move, this doesn’t mean that physical activity should be given up. Muscles should be in good shape, for which a woman needs to do light exercises. Breathing exercises, Kegel exercises are very useful.
- Be sure to spend as much time as possible in the fresh air.
- If it's not difficult yet, then it will be good to visit the pool and do light water aerobics.
The author of the article: Lapikova Valentina Vladimirovna | Gynecologist, reproductologist
Education: Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynecology received at the Russian State Medical University of the Federal Agency for Healthcare and Social Development (2010). In 2013 completed postgraduate studies at N. N. N. I. Pirogova.
