A Complete Information Guide on Pregnancy Week 34

By Pregnancy week 34, baby’s kicks and movements have become stronger but not as regular as before.

You are seven months and about two weeks pregnant. As you’re coming closer to your D-day, you should plan for hospital essentials and your baby’s essentials. You are just 6 weeks away from entering the beautiful phase called Motherhood.

Find out what you can expect during 34^th week of pregnancy.

Fetal Development in Pregnancy Week 34:

In Pregnancy week 34:

Size of baby – 17.72 inches (45 cm)- from crown to heel.
Weight of baby – around 4.7 pounds (2.1 kg)
Baby is as big as Butternut Squash.

Your baby is growing rapidly and continues to gain weight.

At this stage, the fundal height reaches up to 5-6 inches above your belly button.
Around this week, your baby will drop from up near your ribs (breech position) to down near your pelvis and comes to the birthing position i.e. head-down position (toward your feet). If the baby hasn’t come to this position yet, there is nothing to worry about as he has time to rotate his position before birth. Or, in such case your doctor may opt for Cesarean-section.
Every organ of your baby is matured except for lungs, as they are still maturing to perform well even outside the womb. It is still continuing to produce surfactant (a fluid secreted from the cell that helps in airways to open and not collapse).
Baby’s skull bone is still soft unlike other bones of the body to get fit in the birth canal.
The vernix around the baby’s skin gets thicken to protect from getting a wrinkle. After the birth, the nurse will clean up the vernix from his skin.
If your baby is born this week, then don’t worry he may do well if he hasn’t got so many health issues after the birth. In such case he may have to be kept under observation in the neonatal nursery. But he would be all fine after few days.
If you are carrying twins, there may be chances of birth of your babies this week (as average twin pregnancy lasts about 35 to 37 weeks).

[icon type=”icon-lamp”] Join our Facebook closed group called “Parenting Mom Style” only for Moms and To-be Moms to share experiences and queries.

Moods & Symptoms in Pregnancy Week 34:

Most of the symptoms of the first trimester will knock you again. In fact, they will come back with more power. As a result, you will feel more discomfort throughout the day.

Pressure to lower abdomen and pelvic area – While being 34 weeks pregnant, your growing bump may make you feel uncomfortable. You may feel that the uterus is getting tighter and the growing weight of the baby is giving pressure to your lower abdomen and pelvic area.
Frequent Urination – As the baby has rotated himself to the head-down position, you may observe that urination intervals have been increased.
Relief from being breathless – One good news at this week is you will get relief from being breathless, as lungs are no more compressed now.
Fatigue – This symptom which you had experienced when you were in your first trimester has come back with a full force. This happens due to an exhaustion and the tiredness which you feel by carrying nearly 2.1 kg in your womb. Take rest as much as you can. Take small nap in afternoon so that your body can relax.
Swollen hands and feet – This will continue to be with you until your child’s birth. It is a common occurrence and rather it gets elevated in the third trimester. This situation is not a matter of big concern. But if you feel that there is something unusual, feel free to contact your doctor for support and guidance. Do not stand for prolonged hours at a stretch. Sit by keeping your feet elevated.
Constipation – The growing uterus pushes up your stomach relaxing your muscles and make an alteration in your bowel movements. Increase your water intake to up your regularity. Even try to take Luke warm water before going to bed. If you can and like the taste of carom seeds (Ajwain) then boil it with water, bring it to Luke warm temperature and take it before going to sleep.
Discharge – You may have increase in your vaginal discharge (which is harmless) because you are getting close to your D-day.
Braxton Hicks Contractions – When this happens, the muscles of the uterus tighten. These irregular and uncomfortable painless contractions which may getting stronger or more frequent (as your body is preparing for delivery) can be felt for 15 seconds to 1 minute. Don’t start confusing with real contractions. Real contractions just keep on coming (at least five in an hour and doesn’t stop after about an hour). While Braxton Hicks Contractions go away when you switch positions. Having real contractions at this stage will be considered as preterm labor.

Note: Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual symptom or condition like vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, pressure in your pelvis, mucus-like discharge, duration of Braxton Hicks Contractions getting longer and painful or you are contracting regularly, water discharge (if you are having a constant flow that’s more like water than discharge, your water might have broken) etc. as these can be the signs of Preterm labor.

Do’s and Don’ts in Pregnancy Week 34:

The last few weeks are generally emotionally tiring. So, do not get emotionally driven, rather be patient, and take a proper rest and healthy diet.
Share your feeling and thoughts with your husband and family.
Prepare the bag for your stay in the hospital beforehand. Carry the basic necessities and baby essential products in your bag.
Whenever you get time, you can do the Kegel Exercise which is a pregnancy-friendly exercise and helps the mother during the labor. It makes the pelvic bone flexible so that the delivery can be done smoothly.
Do not carry heavy objects as it leads to the contraction of stomach muscles and gives intense pressure to the uterus. This intense pressure can lead to a premature delivery.
Stay active as much as possible, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and fresh.

[icon type=”icon-lamp”] Don’t know what all should be there in your hospital bag?

Carry the basic necessities and baby essential products in your bag. Prepare the bag for your stay in the hospital beforehand to avoid last minute panic.

Here are things that should be kept in your hospital bag:

Newborn size branded diapers
Bed-cloth
Cotton nappies
Baby towel
Clothes of baby
Baby blanket
Nightie to wear during labor
Dressing gown
Maternity sanitary towels
Nursing bra

Make sure to wash baby’s new clothes and towel in soft and mild detergent as newborns skin is very sensitive and vulnerable to skin rashes and itchiness.

You might be having sleepless nights. But you need to stay very calm and positive. In just few days, some one will be there who will be calling you Mom.

Happy Pregnancy!

For your reference- Pregnancy Week 34:

Rate this post

About the Author
Latest Posts

About Budding Star

Budding Star is fastest growing parent community and is dedicated to provide best information to the parents to bring up their child creatively and resourcefully.