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| 33 Weeks Pregnant |
In this article
- Pregnancy Week 33: All About You
- Pregnancy Week 33: All About Baby
- How Big Is Baby?
- What's Happening with Your Baby?
- Multiple Madness
- For Your Partner
- Fun Fact
Have you begun putting together Baby's layette?
Do you have an alternate route to the hospital mapped out? Time to get everything ready ... Baby will be here soon!
Worried about going into labor with your partner nowhere in sight?
Make sure you have your cell phone charged and ready. Also, make sure you and your partner have your doctor and hospital numbers programmed into your phones.
Pregnancy Week 33: All About You
With delivery day quickly approaching, you may already be feeling some false contractions, called Braxton Hicks. At times, you may notice your abdomen tighten and then relax. Braxton Hicks contractions help your body gear up for the real thing. If you take time to relax and put your feet up, the contractions should go away. Snagging some sleep becomes harder as your belly makes it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position.
Buying for Baby: What You Really Need
Tempted to go on a buying binge at your local baby superstore? What mom-to-be wouldn't love a decked out nursery with a matching crib, dresser, changing table combo, designer bedding, and of course a gliding rocker for late night feedings? But you don't need a fully stocked baby room—or to spend thousands of dollars—to give your baby everything she needs. There are a few items you'll want to pick up before your baby arrives, but surprisingly there are several purchases you can hold off on until your child gets older.
Infant seat (car seat): You won't be allowed to leave the hospital unless your infant is snuggly tucked into a car seat. When car seat shopping, you'll find a variety of cloth styles, handle designs, and prices. Try out several models before you buy. Many parents enjoy travel systems that include a stroller. (These allow you to take Baby, still in her infant car seat, from your car and click the seat right into a stroller.) While you're shopping, remember that your baby will log many hours in this seat: For the first year of his life he'll be facing backwards in his seat while riding in cars. You'll also be carrying him in this seat on errands. In fact, many store shopping carts are designed to have baby seats clip into the front.
Diaper Bag: Another must-have, diaper bags have grown up over the years. In style are sleek, efficient bags that can carry bottles, diapers, and wipes while still looking good. Don't limit your search for diaper bags to baby superstores. Many fashion designers are now catering to the baby crowd. Check online or at your favorite clothing store for diaper bags or even large purses that might do the job. You may even want to purchase a couple of bags to fit different occasions. And remember, diaper bags aren't just for moms; many designers also offer models specifically for dads.
Diapers, onesies, sleepers, and blankets: Stock up on these basic supplies for your home. Load up on diapers, but keep your receipt: depending on your infant's weight, he may fit newborn diapers or he may be big enough for size one. Along with diapers you'll need several changes of clothing for your little one. Purchase plenty of onesies, sleepers, and blankets for your baby's daily needs. (Save the cute outfits and delicate blankets for when you take your baby out to meet friends.)
Feeding Supplies: If you're planning on nursing you may consider purchasing a breast pump. These pumps can be especially helpful in the first few weeks after delivery when your body is adjusting to your baby's nursing needs. If your breasts produce too much milk, you can simply pump the excess out. You can also use the pump to store milk for times when you're away from your baby at feeding time. Along with the pump, buy a few cloth or disposable nursing pads, and bottles. (You may be able to borrow a pump from a friend or relative.) For formula-feed babies you may want to purchase some beforehand. But don't go overboard. Your baby's pediatrician may have certain recommendations about what kind of formula to use. If you can't resist the urge to stock up, call the pediatrician's office and ask about what kind of formula your baby will most likely need.
Baby carrier: Although it's not a must, baby carriers can make getting around with your baby easier. These cloth-made contraptions hold your infant close against your body. There are several designs—and price ranges—from which to choose. One reason to wait on this purchase is so you can try it out with your baby. While some carriers look nice, they may be difficult to use once you're trying to hold your child and strap the carrier on at the same time.
Crib: There are several highly rated cribs you can buy for around $100. Of course, the price for cribs goes up from there into the thousands, but just because cribs are a nursery mainstay doesn't mean you have to buy one before Baby. If you plan on co-sleeping (having your baby snuggle in bed with you at night), a crib may be unnecessary for the first few months. Some parents also opt for portable play yards that include built-in bassinets for newborns.
You may choose a cradle or bassinet instead of a crib as your baby's first bed. Eventually, you will need a crib, but don't rush into buying one you don't like—remember your baby will most likely be sleeping in this crib for two or three years.
Stroller: There are literally hundreds of strollers to choose from in a wide range of designs and prices. As with baby carriers, you may want to wait until your baby arrives to buy. Stroller models that look great in the store may not be as wonderful once you start using them everyday. And you might not want to buy just one stroller: you may decide you need at least a couple.
A Word about Used Baby Items
Friends and relatives may offer you their used baby items. Before you accept these hand-me-downs, do a little digging to make sure the items haven't been recalled by logging on to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission website. Even if you don't find the item on a recall list, keep in mind that many of these products, such as car seats, go through safety design overhauls every couple of years.
If you can't resist the urge and buy several big-ticket items before your baby's arrival, hold on to your receipts. Check the store's return policies so that you don't get stuck with a stroller you can't stand or a crib that just doesn't fit your baby's nursery.
Pregnancy Week 33: All About Baby
Your unborn baby's senses continue to develop. If you talk to your baby, she can hear you. In fact, her world is full of sounds. In addition to your voice, she can hear your stomach growling and your lungs taking in air, along with the reassuring vibrations of your heart beating. Also, your baby's skin has turned from red to pink and she has started preparing for life outside the womb by storing iron in her liver.
How Big Is Baby?
This week your baby stretches to around 17 inches (crown to heel) and weighs in at about 4 pounds.
What's Happening with Your Baby?
Will I need a C-section? I really want a natural childbirth, what should I do?
Having a vision of a healthy outcome for your pregnancy is indeed important. Imagining and preparing yourself for how you will deliver your baby is also very important. I have counseled many women throughout my years as a labor and delivery nurse who feel as if they have failed in some way because they ended up experiencing a C-section instead of a vaginal birth. The same holds true for women who decided to have an epidural, when what they really wanted was no medication.
With you first baby it is nearly impossible to imagine how you will cope with labor until you are deep in it! It is also difficult to say how labor will progress. I like to tell moms to be flexible, gentle, and open minded when it comes to labor and delivery. Being in this state of mind prepares you for any unexpected twists and turns.
Some women may find out during the latter stages of pregnancy that they need a C-Section (for medical reasons or if the baby is breech) in this case you will have time to mentally prepare yourself. Some women though, may end up needing a C-section as labor progresses. This can be due to a stubborn cervix that won't open, a big baby with a small mommy, a baby that won't budge, and in some cases for stress—experienced by either Mom or Baby.
Here is where your nurse can really help you. She will explain what is happening and prepare you for this change and be there for you through each stage. You or your partner will sign a consent form for surgery, an anesthesiologist will talk to you about what they will do for you, and before you know it—you will be a mommy!
In the latter stages of your pregnancy, be sure to discuss your desires and goals with your doctor or midwife. Consider formulating a birth plan, and be sure to coach your partner and/or doula so that they can be your advocate during labor. It can be disappointing for some moms to have a C-section, but as I tell all the moms I work with—the outcome is the most important thing to keep in mind: A healthy mom and healthy baby.
Multiple Madness
Preparing for the Hospital
When most couples check in to the hospital for delivery, they look like they're planning to stay for a month! The woman sashays in empty-handed wondering when the anesthesiologist will be available, while the husband is buried under her bag, his bag, pillows, throws, cameras, camcorders, CD players, iPods, and more.
Do you need all of this? No! But, whatever you think will make you comfortable and "at home" during the labor, delivery, and recovery are, in my book, fine to lug in.
Don't Be Without:
- Of course, a camcorder and/or camera are necessities. Pack film if your camera isn't digital—and don't forget to charge the camcorder batteries well in advance (and bring the power cord just in case).
- Socks are highly recommended. The hospital room can be chilly, and making the trek to the bathroom in bare feet doesn't feel particularly luxurious. Be sure to bring a pair you are willing to part with before you return home. (Slippers are nice, too, but be sure you are able to walk easily in them. You don't want to risk of tripping or misstepping during this time.)
Nice Additions:
- Your own pillow really is a nice-to-have. (I strayed from bringing my own blanket because, honestly, nothing below your neck stays very clean.)
- An iPod can be a great distraction. Books, magazines, or playing cards are valuable, especially if you have an epidural and spend many hours simply waiting for the babies to be ready to be born.
- Chap stick can be great to have on hand. Some of the flavored ones might also help curb an expectant mom's cravings for food! while she waits.
- We purchased two small stuffed animals, one to put in each baby's hospital bed or next to each baby in the NICU (our twins shared a crib) so that we could identify who was who. Another popular identification strategy for new parents of twins is to bring nail polish and put different colored shades on a toe of each baby to help with identification once they return home (this is especially helpful when filling out food or diaper logs in the wee hours of the morning).
- If you plan to breastfeed, take your nursing pillow with you so that the lactation consultant can help you learn best how to position the babies on it.
- Gum or hard candy provides relief—if the doctor permits it—since you won't be allowed to consume anything other than ice chips.
Not to be corny, but don't forget to pack patience and flexibility. Your delivery plan may change, doctors may be busy, or your nurse may have had a rough morning. If you keep your expectations to a minimum, you'll be better able to go with the flow as you anticipate one of the greatest moments of your life.
For Your Partner
Getting Ready for D-Day
While it certainly is possible for everything to go smoothly on D-Day (Delivery Day!), how often does life go so smoothly? Labor rarely comes at the most convenient time, making it essential that you and your partner are prepared.
Chances are you've already mapped out the best route to the hospital, visited the maternity ward, and learned what to expect during labor and delivery. Familiarizing yourself with these variables and being prepared can lend a sense of comfort when the big day finally arrives.
Have you taken a hospital tour? Make sure you know who you should call and where you need to go when Baby begins her arrival. Does your wife have her bag packed? See that it is loaded and at the ready. Also be sure you have a car seat in your car, clothes for the baby's homecoming, and nursing or bottlefeeding supplies. Stocking the freezer with some frozen dinners or planning out a week of easy, go-to meals is a good idea as well. Things will be busy when you first return from the hospital.
Pack your Go Bag, too. Make sure it includes at least one change of clothes, some snacks (including a couple of energy bars; you're not going to want to leave while she's in labor), any medications that you take (in case you choose to stay overnight with your partner and new baby), a toothbrush and toothpaste (as well as other essential toiletries), a list of phone numbers of family and friends, copies of your partner's insurance information, your camera for pictures of your little one, and maybe even a nice picture of the two of you to put in Baby's hospital bassinet.
Well in advance, work out a "phone tree" with your family so you don't have to call everyone by yourself to share the news of your child's impending birth. When your partner goes into labor, it can be stressful. Being prepared will allow you to focus more on your partner and new baby, without having to worry about anything else.
Fun Fact
The umbilical cord provides your baby with all the nutrients he needs. This strong, twisted cord averages about 20 inches in length but can be up to four feet long. The blood rushing through the umbilical cord travels at around four miles per hour.
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