Pregnancy Week 33: How Dad Can Help Mom and Baby's Immune System

Only seven weeks to go, but who's counting, right? Your baby is only gaining about ½ a pound per week but mom is gaining a full pound by pregnancy week thirty-three, and your belly is proving it. Your belly is in the way of everything from tying your shoes, painting your toenails, and even your sex life.

Pregnancy Week 33: Baby's Development

Your baby is still gaining about ½ pound per week from your thirty-third week on. The cartilage that is forming his bones are hardening quickly. Those kicks and punches are really starting to hurt as he gets stronger and his bones strengthen. You might be able to pick out an elbow or a foot trying to poke through your belly.

Pregnancy Week 33: Baby's Immune System

Your antibodies are now starting to cross the placenta and enter your baby's blood. Your immune system supplies your baby with protection that he needs to stay healthy. These antibodies will help your baby fight off infections during the first few weeks of his life.

Pregnancy Week 33: Mom's Belly gets in the Way

You now have a watermelon for a stomach. You will be finding it impossible to bend at the waist. You have probably also developed some pretty unique ways of coping with your expanding belly. You may be wearing only slip on shoes to avoid having to tie shoelaces. Shaving your legs or painting your toenails may also be a problem. Why not ask Dad to help you out with those hard to reach places?

Speaking of Dad, you two will definitely have to become creative when it comes to your sex life. Your belly is in the way and some new positions are the only solution. Don't be afraid to try new positions because unless you are on restrictions, sex will not hurt you or the baby.

You are now gaining about one pound per week. Only half of that pound is baby, the other half is fluid retention. So, theoretically, you should lose the entire pound after your baby is born.

Fluid retention is normal but a sudden increase in puffiness of your hands or face could be a sign of preeclampsia. If you experience this, then call your healthcare provider. She may want to test your urine for protein and take your blood pressure to make sure everything is okay.

For more pregnancy weeks and fetal development you can read:
Pregnancy Week 29

Pregnancy Week 30

Pregnancy Week 31

Pregnancy Week 32

Click here to find more information on your pregnancy and baby's development.

Sources:

Personal Experience

Fit Pregnancy (2009). Pregnancy Calendar. Retrieved: April 8, 9, 2009. Web Site: fitpregnancy.com/calendar/40251887.html

Myers-Gorrie, Trula, Slone-McKinney, Emily, & Smith-Murray, Sharon (1998). Foundations of Maternal-Newborn Nursing (2^nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: W. B. Saunders Company.

What to Expect (2009). Weekly Pregnancy Calendar. Retrieved:April 8, 9, 2009. Web Site: whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/landing.aspx