33 WEEKS PREGNANT

• Your baby's brain is continuing to grow and develop.
• In this scan, the red and blue show blood flow to the part of his/her brain that lets the two halves of the brain communicate with each other.

• At week 33, although your baby's skeleton continues to harden, the bones in his/her skull are not yet fused together. This makes it easier for the baby to move and fit through the birth canal.
• Your little one continues to accumulate fat under his/her skin, which reduces that translucent look more and more. This also reduces his/her wrinkly appearance. Your baby now weighs around two kilograms and measures about 18 inches in length.
• Although your baby could sense light and decipher the difference between day and night a couple of weeks ago, his/her sense of light is improving day by day as your uterine walls are becoming thinner. You may feel that your baby's movements and kicks are getting sharper at this stage of your pregnancy.
• What's the big news this week, you may be wondering! The big news comes in the form of your baby's very own immune system. While antibodies are being passed on from you to your little soldier, he/she will continue to develop their fetal immune system.
• Once born, he/she will use their own immune system as armour to protect from germs and other harmful elements.
• As your baby is already in position with his/her head facing downwards, the baby could descend into your pelvis at given time in the next few weeks to come. It not only makes it easier for the mother to give birth but also allows for the blood to flow to your baby's rapidly developing brain.
• At this stage, your baby continues to suck on his/her little thumb and can hear your heart beating at all times.

• Round ligament pain : Round ligament pain is another name for the pain that you have been experiencing in your growing belly. This pain occurs because the ligaments that have so far been supporting your belly are now stretching out and gradually getting thinner. The more your belly grows, the more the ligaments stretch. Go easy, will you?
• Leg cramps : Your legs may be cramping because of all the sudden weight that you have gained recently. It can also be said that as your baby is growing in size, the nerves and blood vessels that go to your legs may have added pressure put on them.
• Varicose veins : Are you sleeping on your left side now? That is the best position for maximum blood circulation. Also, try keeping a soft pillow for better support for your legs.
• Lower back pain : What you may be facing is called Pelvic Girdle Pain. This is an umbrella term for all the pain arising in regions near the pelvic area. Your body is working overtime and needs all the rest it can get. Go easy on your chores and take naps during the day.
• Shortness of breath : Do you feel like you are gasping for air every now and then? If yes, here is what you need to know. As your baby is slowly and gradually growing week after week, your uterus is pushing up against your diaphragm. This, in turn, leaves very little space for your lungs to expand. If you are facing an extremely difficult time, even while normally breathing, then it is time to rush to the doctor.

Check out mylo's solution to your lower back pain

• As you find yourself in week 33, you will notice that your footsteps are getting clumsier, and you have started walking like a duck.
• It is only natural as you have put on so much weight, your baby has grown so big, and your feet have become larger and swollen, thanks to all the water retention.
• You could have some fun by recording that new duck waddle of yours!
• It is going to get difficult lifting your feet properly now, so do not put too much pressure on them.
• Avoid climbing too many stairs in one go, and always wear comfy flat shoes with good grip.
• These two months require you to rest as much as you can.
• You will also feel like your body is getting warmer with each passing day.
• This is because your metabolic rate is acting all sorts of crazy.
• As the last few weeks come into the picture, the pregnancy brain also kicks into full gear.
• You can blame your crazy hormones for this.