Pregnancy Guide for Couples: Week 33
We’re getting closer to the big day, so this week, we’re talking about preparing your hospital bag and Dad preparing his bag, too!
What’s Going on with Baby
At Week 33, your baby is the size of a coffee table book!
Something you can be on the lookout for is when baby has “dropped.” This refers to the descent of the baby’s head into Mom’s pelvic area as she prepares for birth. Typically, a baby drops into this position in the last few weeks of pregnancy, signifying that labor will come soon! If your baby has dropped, you may notice increased pelvic pressure and a change in the look of your belly. Other things happening with your baby this week:
Bones in baby’s skull aren’t fused yet, so their head can still shift as they squeeze through the birth canal.
The skull won’t fully fuse until adulthood
General development of the lungs, brain, and nervous system continues.
What’s Going on with Mom
You may have noticed more “pleasant” pregnancy symptoms in your third trimester. We’re talking about heartburn and more vaginal discharge. Fun, right? Yet, it is totally normal. The vaginal discharge can be watery or even mucousy - both of which are normal. If you experience repetitive discharge along with cramping or contractions, let your doctor know. This could be preterm labor.
While dealing with these symptoms that will likely disappear after baby arrives, consider getting your hospital bag packed up and ready to go in preparation for the big day. Here are some essential things to pack in your hospital bag:
Important documents (birth plan, ID, insurance information, etc.)
Comfortable and loose clothing
Toiletries (toothbrush, hairbrush, lip balm, deodorant, etc.)
Glasses or contact lenses
Required medications
Phone and charger
Books, magazines, etc.
Need more of a list? Look below for our Hospital Bag Checklist for Couples!
What’s going on with Partner
Hey Dad, while Mom is getting her hospital bag together, why don’t you consider packing your bag? Here are some things that you may want to add to your hospital bag:
Pillow and blanket
Comfortable clothing
Toiletries
Glasses or contact lenses
Required medications
Phone and charger
Books, magazines, etc.
Camera (if separate from phone’s camera)
We include a full list for Dad's bag in our Hospital Bag Checklist for Couples, below!
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
Download our comprehensive hospital bag checklist for Mom, Dad and Baby below!
