Week 33

At the mid-point in the third trimester, some women and birthing people may notice leaking of a yellow fluid from the nipples.¹ This fluid is known as colostrum, or “golden milk”. It is the precursor fluid to breast milk and provides the very first nutrition for newborns.²

If breast feeding is considered, colostrum can be harvested from 32–36 weeks gestation, with the approval of your healthcare provider, and stored in a freezer. This means that your newborn can still receive colostrum if there are medical indications that would support its use over specialised formula.²

The main advantage of colostrum is that it is high in a particular protein called immunoglobulin A. This protein is an antibody that helps support the immune system against infections, and notably, can transfer some maternal immunity to the baby.²

If you would like to consider colostrum harvesting, or want more information, speak with your healthcare provider for further support.

• Sciatica⁴
• Leg cramps¹ and restless leg syndrome⁵
• Varicose veins
• Nail changes
• Shortness of breath
• Colostrum (precursor fluid to breast milk)²
• Braxton Hicks contractions
• Foetal movement

Your baby now is comparable to a butternut squash! Measuring around 43 cm and weighing approximately 1.9 kg.³

To help prepare and mature the gastrointestinal system, babies consume around 1 pint of amniotic fluid a day.^3,6 The amniotic fluid is rich in different nutrients, notably a protein called trophic factor. This protein helps support the growth and generation of the cells that line the gastrointestinal tract.⁶

• Try to remember your prenatal vitamins^7,8
• Staying active and keeping a healthy weight can help support overall health⁹
• Try to avoid alcohol consumption and smoking^10,11
• Nourish your body with pregnancy-safe foods. Try to avoid foods high in mercury, such as mackerel and tuna, raw seafood, undercooked meat, poultry and eggs, unpasteurised foods and cheese with a mould rind such as brie, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and any type of herbal tea¹²
• Ensure any meat, fish or poultry is fully cooked through¹³

• Limit caffeine consumption to no more than 200 mg per day¹⁴
• If you are between 32–36 weeks gestation in November to January, you will be eligible for a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This vaccine helps to protect your baby in their first 6 months after being born from severe respiratory disease associated with RSV¹
• Count the kicks¹⁵