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Trimester 3 · week 33 of 40

33 weeks pregnant

The baby is gaining fat and the limbs are filling out. The bones keep hardening, while the skull stays flexible for birth.

Translated from the original Brazilian Portuguese content with the help of artificial intelligence. Read the original in Portuguese

Read about your current week or get ready for what comes next.
Visual size comparison at week 33: a pineapple
Visual reference: a pineapple. Not an individual clinical measurement.
Quick read

In 1 minute

  • The limbs become rounder.
  • The skull stays flexible.
  • In many babies, the position for birth starts to settle.
Fetal development

How your baby is doing this week

Between 33 and 36 weeks, the bones keep hardening, but the skull bones stay more flexible. The nails reach almost to the fingertips, and the arms and legs gain more fatty tissue.

3D artistic representation of fetal development at week 33
Artistic 3D representation. This is not an ultrasound and does not represent your baby's individual development.
Body and routine

What may change in your body

Pelvic pressure, tiredness and difficulty finding a comfortable position may increase. Your breathing may feel short when the uterus sits high.

Possible steps

Care for this week

  1. Move calmly and respect your limits.

  2. Talk about the signs of labor and when to go to the maternity hospital.

  3. If you haven't arranged postpartum support yet, start with specific people and tasks.

Prenatal care focus

  • Continue appointments every two weeks in low-risk care until the switch to weekly monitoring.
Twin pregnancy

If you're expecting twins

In twin pregnancies, discussions about the mode and timing of birth take into account the babies' positions, the placenta(s), the amniotic sacs and maternal/fetal conditions.

Support network

For those by your side

Plan meals, transportation and the household routine to reduce last-minute improvising after the birth.

Common questions

Questions for this week

Is it normal that the skull isn't completely hard?

Yes. Flexible sutures and fontanelles (soft spots) are a normal part of getting ready for birth.

Is pressure in the pelvis a sign of labor?

It can happen because of the baby's weight and position, but if it comes with regular contractions, leaking fluid or bleeding, seek care.

When to seek care

  • Once movements have become familiar, a significant decrease in the pattern you notice should be evaluated without waiting until the next day.
  • After 20 weeks, a severe/persistent headache, vision changes, severe pain in the upper abdomen or sudden swelling deserve evaluation for a possible hypertensive condition.
  • Before term, regular contractions, increasing pelvic pressure or signs of labor need prompt advice.

In an emergency, go to the urgent care service in your area. This content does not replace a professional assessment.

Next · week 34

The next chapter

In week 34, the lungs, brain and nervous system keep maturing while the body gets ready for birth.

See week 34

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Sources and transparency

Nilu editorial content, written from the official sources above. Individual clinical review of each week is in progress — this text is for information and does not replace your prenatal care.