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33 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby, Your Body and What to Do
The skull stays soft and flexible for birth, while your baby's immune system strengthens.
Before you use this guide: Pregnancy weeks are counted from the first day of your last period. Sizes are rough averages, and healthy babies vary. This is general information, not an individual medical assessment, so please confirm personal health decisions with your doctor or midwife.
How your baby is growing
The bones of your baby's skull are not yet fused, which lets the head change shape a little during birth. The rest of the skeleton is hardening. Your baby's immune system is developing, helped by antibodies that pass across the placenta.
Your baby is putting on weight and may sleep for much of the day. The pupils now react to light, and your baby may open the eyes when awake.
How you may be feeling
You may have vivid dreams, pelvic pressure and aching hips. Your belly button may pop out, and your tummy may feel stretched and itchy. Carrying extra weight can leave you feeling clumsy and tired. Feeling nervous about the birth is very common.
Your to-do list for week 33
- Rest with your feet up and eat small, regular meals.
- Talk to your birth partner about what you would like at the birth.
- Check your leave arrangements and your plan for handing over at work.
- Carry on with gentle walking or swimming.
When to ask for help
Sudden severe tummy pain, vaginal bleeding, or a hard, tender womb that does not relax needs emergency care. Phone your maternity unit or emergency services.
For heavy bleeding, severe pain, fluid leaking, a severe headache with vision changes, or a baby who is moving less than usual, do not wait for your next appointment. Contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit straight away. Our guide to pregnancy warning signs has more detail.
Not sure which week you are in? Use the due-date calculator to estimate your due date and current week.
Useful at this stage: pregnancy weight gain calculator, baby shower planner, baby movement counter and hospital-bag checklist.
Trusted resources to read next
These public health resources provide additional information. Guidance can vary by country, so prioritise advice from your own care team and local health service.
- NHS: Pregnancy — Pregnancy care, common symptoms, screening and complications.
- NHS: Week-by-week pregnancy guide — Pregnancy development and care by week.
This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and every baby is different. Always talk to your doctor, midwife or paediatrician about your own situation, and seek urgent care if you are worried.