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Welcome To Week 33


33 Week Old Embryo

Your Baby: Floating In Fluid
With less than two months to go, your baby weighs about 4.4 pounds (1996 grams) and is 18 inches (46 cm) long. If your baby is a boy, this is time when his testicles move into the scrotum. The baby has gotten big enough now that you may even be able to tell what part of the baby is moving or kicking such as foot, arm, and knee! There is just not as much room to move around now.

Your Body: Reducing The Risk Of Preterm Labor
Labor that begins before the end of the 37th week is considered "preterm" or "premature." Approximately 1 out of every 10 babies born in the United States is born preterm. No one knows the exact cause of preterm labor, but certain situations increase the odds for it. Those include the following:

  • Preeclampsia, a form of high blood pressure that can develop in the second half of pregnancy.
  • Maternal health problems such as kidney disease, diabetes, or heart disease.
  • Multiple pregnancy. About 97% of twin pregnancies, for instance, result in preterm labor.
  • Problems with the placenta, such as placenta previa or placenta abruptio.
  • Problems with the uterus, such as structural defects, an incompetent cervix, or fibroids.
  • Past preterm labor or delivery.
  • Short intervals (less than a year) between pregnancies.
  • Being younger than 18 or older than 40 during pregnancy.
  • PROM (Premature Rupture of Membranes).

Other possible culprits include vaginal infections, poor nutrition, stress, depression, smoking, and alcohol and drug abuse.

Warning signs for preterm labor include:

  • More than five contractions an hour, or contractions that get longer, stronger, and closer together
  • Abdominal cramps, pain, or pressure
  • Lower back pain
  • Spotting, bleeding, mucous, or watery discharge from your vagina
  • Ruptured membranes

If you have any of those signs before Week 37, you should contact your healthcare provider.

On That Note: Signs From Inside
Many first-time moms wonder what a real contraction feels like, and how it differs from Braxton Hicks. Some even question how they will know when "it's time." For answers to these questions and more, check out signs of labor.

The Signs Of True Labor
If you've never given birth before, you may assume that you'll just "know" when the time has arrived to have your baby. In reality, onset of true labor isn't always easy to identify, and events leading up it can drag on for days. Remember, too, that your due date is simply a point of reference -- it's normal for labor to start any time between three weeks before and two weeks after this date.

So how will you know that labor is starting? First, you need to understand the birth process. In a nutshell, here's what happens during labor: The uterus repeatedly contracts (tightens and relaxes), causing the cervix to thin (efface) and open up (dilate) so you can push your baby into the world.

Labor May Be Nearing If You Notice One Or More Of These Signs:

  • Lightening: This happens when your baby's head "drops" down into your pelvis. Your belly will suddenly look lower and you'll have an easier time catching breath than you did when your baby was crowding your lungs. The downside, though, is that he's now pressing on bladder, increasing need to urinate. For first-time mothers, lightening usually occurs a few weeks before birth. For veteran moms, it may not happen until labor has begun.
  • Bloody show: If you have blood-tinged or brownish vaginal discharge, it means your cervix has dilated enough to expel the mucus plug that sealed it for the last nine months. This is a good sign, but active labor may still be days away.
  • Your baby moves less: Women often notice that their baby is less active the day before labor kicks in. No one is sure why this might be, but one theory is that the baby is simply saving his energy for the big event. If you notice decreased movement, contact your health care provider.
  • Your water breaks: When the amniotic sac ruptures, you'll feel fluid leak from your vagina in a trickle or a gush. For most women, contractions follow shortly thereafter. But even if they don't, let your caregiver know as soon as you think your water has broken. In about 1 in 10 women, contractions don't begin on their own within 24 hours. If this happens, your labor may need to be induced, since the likelihood of infection goes up once your baby's sterile bubble bursts. For other women, the amniotic sac doesn't rupture until labor is well underway.
  • Diarrhea: If you feel a frequent urge to empty your bowels and your stools are looser than normal, labor may be imminent.
  • Nesting: There's no scientific proof linking it to the onset of labor, but plenty of mothers-to-be are gripped by a sudden urge to "nest" -- to vacuum the entire house at 3 a.m., say, or put those last, finishing touches on the nursery -- right before labor begins.

False Labor
Most expectant mothers feel mild contractions before they're actually in labor. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions. It can be hard to distinguish Braxton Hicks contractions from the real deal, especially if you're near your due date. If contractions aren't causing your cervix to dilate, though, it's known as "false" labor. While true labor contractions get longer, stronger, and closer together as time goes on, false labor contractions tend to be:

  • Irregular: Braxton Hicks contractions are sporadic, have no predictable pattern, and usually stop if you rest or change positions.
  • Felt in your belly and your groin: True labor contractions, on the other hand, usually "wrap around" from your back to your belly. If Braxton Hicks contractions are making you uncomfortable, take a warm bath and drink plenty of fluids to ease discomfort.

Weekly Tip
When the going gets tough, go to the movies. Many pregnant women we know enjoy taking an afternoon off and heading to a matinee. It's a great way to spend quiet time and to lose yourself. Be sure to see something light - a romantic comedy or family feature - and avoid the sappy or scary stuff. The last thing you want to do is end up in tears or have nightmares!

Review Date: July 23, 2001
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial.


The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2001 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.