What’s happening to the mother in week 33 to 35?
Your body will gradually begin to prepare for childbirth at the end of this period through more frequent and clearer contractions in the uterus. These start at the top of the abdomen and spread throughout the uterus before subsiding. They normally last about 30 seconds.
These are known as Braxton Hicks contractions. At first, Braxton Hicks contractions may feel like weak menstrual pain, but they can gradually become increasingly uncomfortable. They should not be painful.
If you have given birth before, you may feel Braxton Hicks contractions earlier in your pregnancy and often perceive them as being stronger and more intense.
It can sometimes be difficult to tell Braxton Hicks contractions from proper contractions. Braxton Hicks contractions normally pass quickly and can change if you lie down, change position or move. They are not regular and rarely increase in intensity.
Development of the foetus
By now, the foetus is about 44 cm long and weighs around 2,000 grams, but both length and weight can vary from pregnancy to pregnancy.
The foetus continues to grow in both length and width in order to prepare itself for life outside the uterus.
The foetus can probably perceive the difference between light and dark.