33 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

At 33 weeks pregnant an expectant mother has reached her third trimester. This week her baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark, states Baby Center. Symptoms in the third trimester will vary from woman to woman, and may differ from those of a previous pregnancy. There are some common side effects at 33 weeks pregnant that expectant mothers should become aware of.

Expectant mothers should avoid standing for long periods of time. (Image: Digital Vision./Photodisc/Getty Images)

Numbness and Aching

Expectant mothers may begin to experience numbness or aching in their wrists, hands, and fingers. Like many other tissues in the body, those in the wrist can retain fluid, which can increase pressure in the carpal tunnel, a bony canal in the wrist, reports Baby Center. This causes a pinching of nerves leading to carpal tunnel syndrome in some women. Wearing a supportive wrist brace may prove helpful at relieving pain and discomfort. If an expectant mother's job includes typing or a repetitive motion of she hands, she should take many small breaks to rest her wrists, hands and fingers.

Backache

Many women experience backache during week 33 of pregnancy. The hormones of pregnancy, along with the additional weight of their growing baby can lead to pressure on the lumbar and sacral area of their back. Rest and warm heat can relieve back pain during pregnancy. Expectant mothers should avoid standing for long periods of time and wearing high heel shoes. If pain becomes severe, they should ask their physicians if they may go for a pregnancy massage or use an over the counter medication to help relieve back pain and discomfort.

Braxton-Hicks Contractions

Braxton-Hicks contractions can occur at 33 weeks pregnant. These are the body's "practice" contractions for true labor. These types of contractions come and go with no increase in discomfort or regularity. Contractions of true labor will increase in pain and severity, and begin to occur at regular intervals. If an expectant mother is unsure if her contractions are Braxton-Hicks contractions or labor, she should contact her obstetrician immediately. They will want to examine her to determine if she is in labor.