Overview of Week 34 of pregnancy
During week 34 of pregnancy:
- Your baby is 17.5 inches long
- You are in trimester three
- 6 more weeks to go
- There are 1.5 pints of amniotic fluid
At 34 weeks pregnant, you may be getting increasingly worried about going into labor. The good news is that, although still premature, babies born at this point are just as likely to have the same long-term health outcomes as babies born at 40 weeks. They may have to spend a bit of time in the NICU, but they shouldn’t have to stay long. There will be no difference in health or development as compared to full-term babies.
How many months pregnant is 34 weeks?
At 34 weeks pregnant, you are about 7 months and 3 weeks pregnant. You are in the third trimester and only have one and a half more months of pregnancy left.
How big is baby at 34 weeks pregnant?
Your baby is now around 17.5 inches long, from head to toe. Curled up in your uterus, your baby is about the size of a honeydew melon. As for weight, your little one weighs about 5 pounds by week 34 of pregnancy. Your baby is gaining about half a pound each week until birth.
Baby development during week 34 of pregnancy
Amniotic Fluid
The amniotic fluid that surrounds your baby in the uterus is at its peak level this week. There are about 1.5 pints of fluid that your baby is floating around in. Your little one is also practicing swallowing and digesting by consuming the amniotic fluid.
Pregnancy Week 34 Symptoms
Shortness of breath
As your baby and your uterus grow, there will be increased pressure on your lungs. This means you may find it harder to breathe and catch your breath. A brisk walk or trip up the stairs may lead you to have shortness of breath. If you are having a hard time breathing, it is best to slow down on exercising and take breaks while walking.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your rectum and around your anus. During pregnancy, increased blood flow to the pelvic area, as well as increased pressure from the uterus, causes veins around your rectum to swell. Hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable and if you get them, it is best to avoid sitting for too long at a time, as sitting can cause extra pressure on the veins.
Swelling
Swelling in pregnancy is a normal symptom that usually starts in the second trimester and may worsen towards the end of pregnancy. Excess fluids in the body and pressure from your growing uterus can cause water retention in the feet, ankles, and hands. If you notice your fingers starting to swell, you should remove any rings until the swelling goes down. Let your doctor or midwife know if the swelling worsens or if there is a large amount in your face or around your eyes.
Stretch marks
You may have started to notice stretch marks forming on your belly and breasts. These indented, purple, red, or blue lines occur when skin is stretched quickly. It is challenging to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy and they are usually permanent scars. You may not be able to avoid them completely, but you can start to use lotions and oils on your belly and breasts to help reduce the severity of the marks.
Trouble sleeping
With your growing belly, you may find it increasingly difficult to fall asleep. Your big belly will make getting into a comfortable position a tough task. Add in increasing heartburn and increasing movements from your baby and then sleeping will seem impossible. Make sure you have a comfy pregnancy pillow and avoid eating foods that aggravate heartburn.
Heartburn
Pregnancy hormones may allow the muscles in the esophagus to relax more frequently, allowing stomach acids to push back up into the esophagus. This is what causes the burning sensation in your chest, known as heartburn or acid reflux. Now that your baby and uterus are growing, there is also more pressure on your stomach which causes acids to be pushed further up. Over-the-counter medications, such as Tums or Rolaids, can help to reduce any discomfort. If any pain persists, it is best to talk to your doctor about other medications that may be available.
Pregnancy week 34 tips
Take pictures
Have you taken your weekly baby bump photo yet? These pictures will be a good memory to look back on and it is a fun way to show your belly growing throughout your pregnancy.
Finalize birth plan
Make sure that you have finalized your birth plan, if you plan on having one. It should be written down and packed in your hospital bag. Your entire birthing team, as well as your partner, should be aware of what is in your birth plan. Make sure you have gone over everything with your doctor or midwife and confirm that they understand your wishes. Your partner should also be well versed with everything so that they can effectively advocate for you during labor.
Do your kegels
If you haven’t already, it is recommended that you start doing kegel exercises every day. These exercises are beneficial in strengthening your pelvic floor muscles and will aid in labor. In order to perform Kegels, you must locate your correct muscles, which are the same ones that stop the flow of urine. Once you have located these muscles, squeeze them (as if you were stopping your pee) for a count of 5-6 seconds, then slowly release for another count of 5-6 seconds. Do this repetition around 10 times and repeat 2-3 times per day.
Babyproof home
Your home should be ready for a newborn. You don’t need to have a fully baby-proof home yet – you have until your baby starts to crawl and move around before you have to worry about locking cupboards and securing all furniture. However, you should start to make baby-proofing a priority. If you have pets, make sure you have a way to keep them away from your baby’s sleeping area. Also, make sure that your baby’s bed is free from pillows, blankets, and toys. You should also have a clear space on the floor for your baby to lay on and be able to look around safely. There should be no dangling cords anywhere near where your baby will play or sleep. As your baby grows, make sure outlets are covered and all furniture is secured to the wall.
