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Sign InWeek 33 — Head Down
Overall Pregnancy
Your Baby is About
pineapple
Your baby is about 44cm and 1.9kg — the size of a pineapple. Many babies shift into the head-down position around this week in preparation for birth. The bones are continuing to harden, and the skull remains soft and pliable. The brain is still growing rapidly. Your baby's immune system is absorbing more and more antibodies from you, building up protection for the first few months of life outside the womb.
If your baby is in a breech position, your provider may discuss ECV (External Cephalic Version) — a procedure where a doctor manually attempts to turn the baby from outside the abdomen. It's typically offered between Weeks 36–37 and is successful about 50% of the time. There are also gentler positions and exercises some midwives recommend — ask at your next appointment.
The skull bones of a fetus are not fused together — they're separate plates that can overlap slightly, allowing the head to change shape enough to fit through the birth canal. This is called moulding, and it's why some newborns have slightly cone-shaped or elongated heads after a vaginal birth. The bones gradually fuse together over the first 18–24 months of life.
Colostrum — the concentrated early breast milk — may already be leaking from your nipples by now. This is completely normal and a sign your body is preparing for feeding. If you're planning to breastfeed, ask your midwife about antenatal colostrum harvesting from Week 36 — hand-expressing small amounts and freezing them as a backup supply for those first days.
Hydration becomes even more critical in the final trimester — dehydration can trigger Braxton Hicks contractions and increase fatigue. Aim for 8–10 glasses of water or herbal tea daily.
Research ECV if your baby is breech — understanding the procedure means you can discuss it clearly with your provider and support your partner through the decision.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. Read full disclaimer