Pregnancy Week By Week (Week 33)

Week 33 Fetus

Some Basic Pointers (Week 33)

Symptoms of Preeclampsia

• Headaches, nausea, vomiting and oedema

• Visual disturbances

• Raised BP, protein in urine

Key Tips

• Plenty of rest especially between 5pm and 7pm

• Work on reducing stress levels

• Regular gentle exercise

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet

• Plenty of rest helps

Symptoms of Stress and Anxiety

• Insomnia

• Rapid shallow breathing

• Increased metabolic rate

• Muscle tension

Baby on the way?

Key Tips

• Avoid stimulants such as tea, coffee and cola

• Eat foods that release fuel slowly, keeping blood sugar levels steady

• Avoid sugary foods which only provide short term energy bursts

• Make time for yourself, seek counseling if necessary


HORMONES OF PREGNANCY

Name	Action	Effect
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG)	Produced by the chorionic villi. Causes the ovary to produce more progesterone thus suppressing menstruation and sustaining the pregnancy. Reaches the peak of production around the 70 th day and then falls to a constant value for the rest of the pregnancy. Maintains the function of the ovaries until the placenta takes over.	High levels in the blood stream coincide with the time when women suffer nausea. Could be associated with morning sickness. Detection in urine is a reliable pregnancy test
Human Placental Lactogen (HPL)	Produced by the placenta; it is essential to normal milk production	Enlarges the breasts and causes secretion of colostrums from about the fifth month
Relaxin	Probably produced by the placenta. In animal experiments it was found to soften the cervix and relaxes the pelvic joints	May have an effect of relaxing the ligaments and joints
Oestrogen	Produced in the placenta using the mother's starter substances and the baby's adrenal glands	Affects all aspects of pregnancy. It is particularly important in maintaining the genital tract, the reproductive organs and the breasts
Progesterone	Produced in the same way as oestrogen, sustains the pregnancy and relaxes smooth muscle	Affects all aspects of pregnancy. Prepares the breasts for lactation. Relaxation of joints and ligaments in preparation for childbirth; can cause constipation and back pain. Raises body temperature
Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH)	Produced in higher levels than normal during pregnancy. Stimulates the skin to produce pigment	Increase in color of nipples, patches of brown pigmentation on the face, inner thighs and a brown line running down the centre of the abdomen. Some women do not experience any of this.

Your Nutrition (Week 33)

Stress burns energy and uses up vital nutrients such as Vitamin C, and minerals such as zinc and magnesium. Your dwindling appetite is no help either but it is important to eat foods rich in these nutrients as well as the B group of vitamins which are essential to release energy. Complex carbohydrates from wholemeal bread which release energy slowly are useful; avoid sugary snacks. Raised Blood Pressure is a common occurrence; a BP reading greater than 140 over 90 is a cause for concern although it does not show symptoms. First time mums, those carrying twins, very young or older mothers are likely patients of this condition. Vitamin C and E have been found to help women combat raised BP. A diet that is low in animal fats and high in fish oils helps to keep the blood thin is recommended. Eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables which are rich in Vitamin C and potassium. Eat garlic regularly to keep your BP level in check and to improve blood flow in the placenta. One tbsp of sesame or sunflower seeds provides you with the extra calcium and magnesium.