Pregnancy Week 33: What to Expect This Week

At Pregnancy Week 33, things are getting very real. You might be feeling heavier, more tired, and just a little bit over it—or oddly calm, considering you’re weeks away from birth. Either way, you’re in the final stretch (and the stretch marks might agree).

Let’s take a look at what’s going on this week.

Baby at Pregnancy Week 33

Your baby is now around 43.5cm long and weighs approximately 2kg—about the size of a pineapple (though much more active and considerably less spiky).

Inside the womb:

Baby’s bones are hardening, although the skull remains soft and flexible for birth

Their pupils can now respond to light—even through your bump!

They’re still practising breathing movements, sucking and swallowing

Fat stores are building, helping to regulate temperature after birth

And they’re running out of room—so you may feel more jabs and shifts than flips and rolls

Their immune system is also developing fast now, with antibodies passing from you to them every day.

Your Symptoms at Pregnancy Week 33

By now, you might be feeling very pregnant. Common symptoms include:

Backache, pelvic discomfort or sciatica

Heartburn, especially at night

Swelling in your feet or hands

Insomnia, or waking frequently to pee/stretch/sigh

Braxton Hicks—your uterus is getting in some solid rehearsal time

Feeling generally slow, wobbly, or emotionally full of soup

Top tip: Try a warm bath and gentle bedtime massage with Pregnancy Massage Oil to ease discomfort. For swollen feet, our Thankful Ankle Oil is a soothing, cooling treat that’s perfect after a long day.

Shop your bump & bedtime favourites

What to Do at Pregnancy Week 33

There’s still time to prep—but you’re not too early to get organised either.

Check you’ve booked your 36-week midwife appointment
If you’re working, finalise your maternity leave start date
Start packing your hospital bag, even if it’s just jotting down a list
Keep up antenatal classes—if you’ve not started, now’s a great time
Begin perineal massage if you feel ready—it’s safe to start from 33–34 weeks

Get your Perineal Massage Oil

Honest Midwife Thoughts

At Pregnancy Week 33, everything might start to feel a little more serious. Baby is getting big, your body is slowing down, and people are probably asking “Not long now?” every time you step outside.

This is a great week to focus on building confidence for birth. Whether you’re planning a home birth, an elective section, or you’re still undecided, learning how birth works—and how to work with your body—can shift fear into trust.

You don’t need to know everything. You just need to feel informed, supported, and like you have real tools in your bag (alongside the snacks, of course).

Feeling Ready? Join Me for a Class

Recommended this week:

Hypnobirthing Course – ideal timing to start now and finish before your due date
Natural Labour & Birth Class (Free) – practical insight into what actually happens
Instrumental & Assisted Birth Workshop – essential if you want to be ready for all birth scenarios
Infant Feeding Class – helpful if you’re starting to think beyond the birth