The 33-week prenatal appointment marks a transition into the third trimester, establishing that only a few weeks remain until the baby’s arrival. Appointments have now typically increased in frequency, moving from monthly to every two weeks for many patients, reflecting the heightened focus on maternal and fetal well-being. This visit serves as a comprehensive check-in, shifting the focus toward preparing the body and logistics for labor and delivery. The healthcare provider monitors for late-stage complications and ensures the baby is thriving and correctly positioned for birth.
Routine Vitals and Measurements
A standard part of the 33-week check-up involves a series of recurring measurements designed to track the mother’s health status. The healthcare provider records the patient’s weight, which helps monitor the overall pattern of pregnancy weight gain. Sudden or significant changes in weight can sometimes signal underlying issues that require closer attention.
Blood pressure measurement is performed at every visit, screening for conditions like preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to organ systems, such as the kidneys. A urine sample is also collected to check for the presence of protein or glucose. Protein in the urine can be a sign of preeclampsia, while glucose may indicate gestational diabetes.
The appointment concludes with the use of a Doppler device to listen to the fetal heart rate. This simple assessment confirms the baby’s continued well-being. These routine measures are maintained throughout the third trimester.
Assessing Fetal Growth and Position
A primary objective at 33 weeks is the careful assessment of the baby’s growth and their orientation within the uterus. The fundal height is measured, which is the distance in centimeters from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus. At this stage, the measurement should roughly correspond to the number of weeks of gestation, meaning a reading near 33 centimeters is expected.
Deviations from this expected range may prompt an order for a third-trimester ultrasound. This ultrasound, sometimes called a growth scan, provides a detailed look at the baby’s size, amniotic fluid levels, and overall health. The healthcare provider will also manually palpate the abdomen to determine the fetal presentation, which refers to the part of the baby closest to the birth canal.
The goal is to confirm a cephalic, or head-down, position, which is the optimal orientation for a vaginal delivery. While some babies may still be breech (bottom-first) or transverse (sideways) at 33 weeks, the provider monitors this closely, as there is still a chance for the baby to turn spontaneously. The discussion will also reinforce the importance of monitoring fetal movements, reminding the patient that the pattern and frequency should remain consistent.
Planning for the Final Weeks
The 33-week appointment is a time for educational discussions and setting the logistical groundwork for the upcoming delivery. The Group B Strep (GBS) screening is introduced, though the actual culture is typically performed a few weeks later, between 35 and 37 weeks. GBS is a common bacterium that can be harmless to the mother but can cause serious infection in newborns; if the test is positive, intravenous antibiotics are administered during labor to prevent transmission.
The healthcare team will also review the signs of preterm labor, defined as labor beginning before 37 weeks of gestation. Patients are educated to watch for symptoms such as persistent, regular contractions, a constant low backache, pelvic pressure, or a change in vaginal discharge or fluid leakage. Prompt intervention can sometimes help prolong the pregnancy.
Discussions will also cover common third-trimester symptoms, including increased swelling and the occurrence of Braxton Hicks contractions. Finally, the conversation shifts toward hospital logistics, such as finalizing a birth plan, knowing when to call the labor and delivery unit, and confirming the necessary items are packed in the hospital bag. This planning helps to reduce anxiety and ensures a smoother transition when labor begins.