The Final Countdown: Navigating the Last Weeks of Pregnancy (Weeks 33-37 Recap)

As the final days before Baby G’s arrival draw near, an undeniable wave of emotion washes over me. It feels surreal to acknowledge that we are truly on the cusp of welcoming our little one into the world. This journey, which once seemed like a distant dream, has now reached its exhilarating home stretch. The blend of anticipation, excitement, and a touch of nervous apprehension creates a unique tapestry of feelings as we prepare for this life-altering moment.

The last month of pregnancy often feels like a beautiful, chaotic whirlwind. Between diligently ticking off an ever-growing to-do list, wrapping up work commitments, and meticulously putting the finishing touches on our baby nesting preparations, it’s a period unlike any other. Expecting parents are rarely fully prepared for the sheer volume of tasks and emotional shifts that accompany these final weeks. If you find yourself in this beautiful, demanding phase of pregnancy, remember to extend grace and understanding to yourself. It’s a transformative time, and prioritizing self-care amidst the preparations is paramount.

Embracing the Journey: Gratitude and Community Support

As we approach this significant milestone, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering encouragement, invaluable advice, and steadfast support throughout this pregnancy journey. There’s a profound comfort in knowing that a community of incredible mothers, both familiar and newfound, are navigating similar paths. The shared understanding and ability to uplift one another, even across digital distances, is a truly remarkable and empowering experience. While a part of me feels entirely ready to embrace motherhood, another part acknowledges the immense unknowns that lie ahead. Yet, the knowledge that Mr. B and I have such a supportive network in our corner makes all the difference as we prepare to navigate this beautiful new chapter.

For those interested in revisiting the earlier stages of this incredible journey, you can catch up on previous pregnancy posts here: First Trimester Recap, Weeks 14-18, Weeks 19-22, Weeks 23-27, and Weeks 28-32. Now, let’s dive into the detailed recap of these final, exciting weeks!

Third Trimester Deep Dive: Weekly Pregnancy Recap (Weeks 33-37)

Week 33: The Celery Stage & Mountain Escape

Baby’s Size: Approximately the size of a stalk of celery.

Symptoms: One of the most noticeable symptoms this week was significant ankle swelling. While my wedding ring still comfortably fit, my ankles, by day’s end, often resembled puffy marshmallows – a common, albeit uncomfortable, sign of third-trimester fluid retention. It’s a vivid reminder of the body’s incredible work!

The beginning of Week 33 found us enjoying a delightful escape to Steamboat Springs, Colorado – a cherished destination we hadn’t visited in over two years. This quick mountain getaway with family offered a refreshing change of pace, particularly with temperatures in the mid-70s providing a welcome respite from Denver’s heatwave. I was curious to see how my body would handle the physical demands of hiking and jeep touring in my eighth month of pregnancy. I was pleasantly surprised by my stamina during our hikes, though by evening, putting my feet up or resting became an absolute necessity. Carrying an additional 20 pounds definitely adds a new dimension to physical activity!

This week also included my 33-week sonogram appointment, primarily to check on my fibroid and, of course, Baby G. A moment of minor panic ensued when the technician mentioned Baby G was measuring in the 40th percentile, a noticeable drop from the 80th percentile at my previous visit. Naturally, this raised immediate concerns! After discussing this extensively with my OB, she reassured me that such fluctuations are entirely normal. They typically only become concerned if measurements fall below 10% or rise above 90%. While the initial numbers caused a fright, her explanation helped temper my anxiety. It’s a good reminder that prenatal care involves careful monitoring, even if the information can sometimes feel overwhelming. Beyond that little scare, Baby G was thriving, delivering plenty of energetic punches and kicks – a constant, comforting presence.

Week 34: Butternut Squash & The Baby Shower Buzz

Baby’s Size: Comparable to a butternut squash.

Symptoms: Breathing became a more conscious effort this week. With Baby G taking up more and more space, simple actions like walking or standing often required a deliberate deep breath. Feeling those powerful kicks right under my rib cage was a constant reminder of how much my body was transforming to accommodate our growing baby.

The start of Week 34 was a whirlwind of emotions and activity, marked by the arrival of both my parents and in-laws, all geared up for our Denver Village baby shower. This week brought a heightened sense of being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks required to prepare for our baby. A crucial “pro tip” I discovered: dedicate a specific week solely to unboxing and organizing all the baby products you’ve acquired – blankets, bumbos, high chairs, bottles, and countless other supplies. It consumes an astonishing amount of time, not to mention the monumental task of discarding all the packaging! The nesting instinct is real, and the practical application of it can be quite consuming.

Thankfully, with both sets of parents lending their invaluable support, my nerves began to settle. Their help was instrumental in tackling a significant portion of our to-do list: assembling changing tables, organizing diaper carts, washing countless baby clothes, putting together the stroller, and deep cleaning the upstairs. By the time they departed, I felt a profound shift, much more mentally prepared and calm about welcoming our baby. Their presence truly made a world of difference.

Beyond the mission to prepare our home for Baby G, my wonderful Denver Village friends hosted an absolutely charming Mexican fiesta-themed baby shower at El Jeffe! Every single detail, from the vibrant menu to the exquisite flowers, delicious cake, and thoughtful party favors, was executed with such warmth and beauty. Mr. B and I had an absolute blast, especially when he enthusiastically read “The Wonky Donkey” aloud to the delight of our guests. It was an evening filled with laughter, love, and immense gratitude for the incredible community surrounding us.

Week 35: Pineapple Perceptions & Prioritizing Rest

Baby’s Size: Roughly the size of a pineapple.

Symptoms: Napping became a non-negotiable part of my day. To maintain a consistent energy level, a 20-minute power nap proved incredibly beneficial. Additionally, and perhaps a bit too much information, I experienced a minor colostrum leak from my left breast. For a brief moment, a wave of panic washed over me, wondering if labor was imminent! However, a quick bit of research reassured me that this is merely my body’s way of signaling that it’s preparing for milk production – an interesting and affirming sign of readiness.

The beginning of Week 35 brought a welcomed sense of calm and centeredness. After the invaluable help from both sets of parents with nesting, house projects, and emotional support, Mr. B and I felt significantly more at ease. My dad shared a piece of advice that truly resonated with us: “You want to go into your last two weeks before the baby arrives with at least half a tank of gas in each of your tanks.” He emphasized that while there’s always an endless list of things to accomplish, it’s crucial to intentionally create moments for rest, connection, and refueling. The last thing you want is to arrive at the hospital already depleted. By prioritizing self-care and enjoyment in these final weeks, you can truly savor the profound process of becoming a parent. This wisdom profoundly shifted our perspective. Our new plan: intentionally weave in “us” time throughout this last month, releasing the pressure to get absolutely everything done. We accepted that not everything would be perfect, and that was perfectly okay.

As we headed into a holiday weekend, my primary goals were to ensure our hospital bags were packed, the car seat was properly installed, and all my maternity content for the blog was finalized. While I did manage to organize the hospital essentials and complete my blog work, the car seat installation and some remaining house tasks were put on hold in favor of much-needed rest and quality time with my husband. And you know what? It was absolutely okay! Instead of feeling frustrated by an unfinished list, I found immense joy and freedom in simply relaxing and enjoying the moments. Sometimes, letting go of perfection is the most liberating feeling.

Week 36: Papaya Progress & Listening to Your Body

Baby’s Size: Roughly the size of a papaya.

Symptoms: A noticeable slowdown in my overall pace and a continuous feeling of expansion defined this week. Whether it was my body expanding, leading to slower movement, or a combination, my entire system seemed to have downshifted. It felt as if all my body’s energy was focused on supporting Baby G’s final growth spurt, ensuring everything was in place for a healthy arrival.

The start of Week 36 was bustling! The short week kicked off with our 36-week prenatal appointment with our OB. I admit, I was a little apprehensive, especially after the previous percentile shift. However, to my immense relief, the measurements showed Baby G was right back on track, now in the 60th percentile. What a relief! Our little one already weighed a healthy 6 pounds. Additionally, I learned I was 1 cm dilated with a thinning cervix, which my OB considered positive signs of progress. It felt a bit odd to be walking around knowing I was already 1 cm dilated, but it was another clear signal that labor could truly begin at any moment. Aside from the somewhat awkward Group B strep test, the appointment went wonderfully.

This week also brought a difficult decision: I decided to pause my Orange Theory workouts. This was incredibly hard as I absolutely loved the classes! However, after a particularly intense session two weeks prior, it took me a day and a half to recover, which was simply too taxing on my body in these final stages of pregnancy. My new plan involves lighter lifting and treadmill work at our local gym, a more gentle approach to stay active. I eagerly anticipate returning to Orange Theory later this fall!

In preparation for postpartum, I embarked on a major Trader Joe’s run to stock up on freezer goods. My cart was so laden with provisions that the checkout attendant commented, “You must have a big freezer!” Thankfully, with two refrigerators, I had plenty of space. I also dedicated time to making several homemade meals, drawing inspiration from the “Pinch of Yum Freezer Meal Guide” and some of my cherished family recipes. I feel confident that our pantry and freezer are well-prepared, ensuring we’ll have nourishing meals ready once Baby G makes their grand entrance.

Week 37: Romaine Realities & Final Preparations

Baby’s Size: Comparable to a head of romaine lettuce.

Symptoms: Increased pressure in my pelvis became a prominent feeling this week, a clear sign of the baby settling lower. My appetite shifted significantly, with cravings for simple, basic foods, and a constant, almost insatiable thirst, leading to me drinking an abundance of water.

The start of Week 37 brought with it a profound reality check: WE ARE GOING TO BE PARENTS! This realization hit with full force after my 37-week prenatal appointment. My OB confirmed that while I wasn’t exhibiting strong pre-labor signs, Baby G’s head had indeed begun to engage more deeply into my pelvis. This critical development meant that labor could genuinely commence at any moment. The added tidbit about a supermoon arriving that coming weekend certainly heightened the anticipation – we’ll see if the lunar cycle plays a part in our little one’s debut!

Thank goodness we had already installed the car seat and managed to complete a few crucial tasks around the house, ensuring our re-entry with the baby would be as smooth as possible. While the nursery won’t be entirely finished until November, we’ve accepted that some things will simply have to wait. I absolutely cannot wait to share the finished space with all of you! For now, we are in a holding pattern, patiently waiting for Baby G to decide it’s time to make their grand arrival. The biggest question remains: do you think it’s a BOY or GIRL?!

Essential Maternity & Nursery Must-Haves

As I reflect on these past weeks and prepare for the next chapter, I wanted to share a few maternity and nursery items that have truly made a difference in my comfort and preparation:

• Konny Carrier: Many new moms rave about the Moby wrap, but after discovering the Konny carrier, I was completely won over. Its design eliminates the need for complicated pre-wrapping; simply slip the baby in, and you’re ready to go! It’s an incredibly convenient solution for keeping your little one close.
• Gap Nursing Tank: A fellow mama highly recommended these nursing tanks, and I am so grateful I purchased several. They are wonderfully soft, comfortable, and feature an incredibly easy snap-on and snap-off design, making nursing much simpler.
• Gap Maternity Jogger: I am practically living in these joggers right now. They offer unparalleled comfort for daily wear during late pregnancy, and I fully intend to bring them to the hospital to wear on our journey home. They’re a maternity wardrobe essential!
• Gap Nursing Sweater: This sweater has become a favorite. It’s not only super cute and comfortable but also thoughtfully designed for easy and discreet nursing access. It’s a stylish yet practical piece for both maternity and postpartum.

Moreover, if you’re seeking assistance with curating your baby registry, I invite you to explore my comprehensive Amazon registry. It was thoughtfully put together with the expert input of several experienced mothers, ensuring that we’ve covered all the essential bases. I genuinely wouldn’t change a thing on it, and I hope it can serve as a helpful guide for your own preparations!