At 34 weeks pregnant, you're nearing the final stretch, with just a few more weeks until you meet your little one! Right now, your baby is growing rapidly, about the size of a pineapple, and becoming chubbier and stronger with each passing day.
As your baby grows, you may notice an increase in pressure and discomfort as your uterus expands to make room. With the due date approaching, you might feel a mix of excitement and fatigue, along with more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions as your body readies itself for labor.
Curious about what else is happening this week? Keep reading to discover more!
Your Baby At 34 Weeks
At 34 weeks pregnant, your baby is roughly the size of a pineapple, measuring approximately 17.5 inches in length and weighing between 5 to 5.5 pounds.
Getting Ready to Meet You
Your baby is preparing for life outside the womb and is probably head down by now, which is the best position for birth. If they aren’t head down yet, don’t worry—there’s still some time for them to turn.
If you’re expecting a boy, this week marks an important milestone as his testicles begin their journey from the abdomen to the scrotum. For around 3 to 4 percent of full-term baby boys, the testicles may not descend by birth, though they typically do so within the first year. This is more common among preterm boys, with about 30 percent being born with undescended testicles.
Practicing Breathing
Your baby’s lungs are maturing, and they’re practicing breathing by inhaling amniotic fluid. This helps their lungs get ready for that first big breath of air. The surfactant, which helps keep the lungs open, is almost fully developed too.
Chubby Cheeks and Baby Fat
Your little one is gaining weight and adding fat to keep them warm after birth. Their skin is getting smoother, and they’re starting to look more like the chubby baby you’ll soon meet. Those adorable cheeks are filling out, and they’re busy practicing sucking, which will help with feeding after they’re born.
Sharp Senses
Your baby’s senses are getting sharper. They can hear your voice, the sound of your heartbeat, and even recognize familiar sounds. You might notice they respond to loud noises or music by kicking or moving around.
Your Body At 34 Weeks Pregnant
Feeling Heavy
Your baby is getting bigger, which means you might be feeling heavier and more tired. Your bump is pretty big now, and it can make it harder to get comfortable, especially when you’re trying to sleep. It’s important to rest whenever you can.
Shortness of Breath
With your baby pushing up against your diaphragm, you might notice it’s harder to catch your breath. This is normal, but try to take it easy and sit up straight to give your lungs more room. Once your baby drops lower in a few weeks, it should get easier to breathe.
Pelvic Pressure
You might be feeling more pressure in your lower belly or pelvis. This is because your baby is moving down, getting ready for birth. If you’re feeling a lot of discomfort, try changing positions or using a pregnancy support belt to help ease the pressure.
Swollen Feet and Ankles
Swelling in your feet and ankles can be pretty common now, especially if you’ve been on your feet for a while. Try to put your feet up whenever you can, and drink lots of water to help reduce the swelling.
Pregnancy Symptoms At 34 Weeks
At 34 weeks, you might notice some new or intensified symptoms as your body gears up for delivery. Pelvic girdle pain can become more prominent as the extra weight adds pressure to your pelvis, making it a bit uncomfortable to move or even stand.
Aches and pains all over are completely normal, especially as your baby grows and puts more strain on your muscles and joints. Sciatica can also act up, causing sharp pain in your lower back and legs from the baby pressing on certain nerves.
You may experience constipation too, as hormonal shifts and your baby’s position affect digestion. It’s natural to feel bigger and maybe a bit more uncomfortable—you're so close!
Must-Have Products for Expectant Moms:
As you’re getting closer to meeting your little one at 34 weeks, I wanted to share some must-have products that can make things a bit easier for you.
A baby carrier that works from newborn to toddler will be super handy for keeping your baby close and your hands-free. A breastmilk cooler bag is great for keeping milk fresh when you're on the go.
The Momcozy Hospital Grade Nasal Aspirator is gentle and effective for those stuffy noses. You might also love the Momcozy Portable Sound Machine with 15 Soothing Sounds to help calm both you and the baby.
The All-in-one M5 Wearable Breast Pump is really convenient and easy to use, and the 3 Mode Adjustable Kneading Lactation Massager can help relieve any discomfort and improve milk flow. These items can really make a difference as you prepare for your baby’s arrival!
Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy at 34 Weeks
Take It Easy
Your body is working hard, so make sure you’re getting plenty of rest. It’s okay to slow down and take it easy—your main job right now is growing that baby! Try to put your feet up during the day and rest as much as possible.
Keep Eating Nutritious Foods
It’s important to keep eating healthy foods to give you and your baby the energy you need. Try to include lots of protein, fruits, veggies, and healthy fats in your meals. Omega-3s are great for your baby’s brain development, so include foods like salmon or chia seeds.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps keep you and your baby healthy. It can also help with swelling and keep your energy levels up. Aim for about 8-10 glasses a day, and keep a water bottle with you as a reminder to sip throughout the day.
Sleep Comfortably
Getting comfortable for a good night’s sleep can be tricky at this stage. Try resting on your left side with a pillow between your legs and another under your belly for extra support. A Momcozy pregnancy pillow can be especially helpful, as it’s designed to provide full-body support, helping you breathe more easily and rest more comfortably.
Prepare for Labor
Now is a good time to start preparing for labor. Practice breathing techniques, make a birth plan if you haven’t yet, and talk to your doctor about what to expect. It’s also a good idea to start packing your hospital bag with essentials for both you and your baby.
What To Expect Next
Your baby is almost ready, and you’re getting closer to meeting them! In the next few weeks, your little one will keep gaining weight and getting ready for birth.
You might feel more pressure as they move down into your pelvis, and your body will be getting ready for labor too.
This is a perfect time to double-check that you have all the baby essentials prepared for your little one's arrival—things like a baby monitor, carrier, and plenty of diapers.
Take some time to set up the baby’s room, finalize a name, and ensure your hospital bag is packed with all the essentials for labor and delivery. Getting everything ready now will help you feel more prepared and excited for the big day!
Check out Momcozy for all your baby essentials and maternity gear to help you get prepared. Having everything ready can help make those first days with your new little one a bit easier and more special!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to deliver at 34 weeks?
Delivering at 34 weeks is considered preterm, but many babies born at this stage can survive and thrive with medical support. They may need special care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to help with breathing, feeding, and maintaining body temperature. While there are risks associated with preterm birth, advances in medical care have greatly improved outcomes for babies born at 34 weeks.
Are babies fully developed at 34 weeks?
At 34 weeks, babies are not fully developed but are quite close. Their lungs are still maturing, and they may have some difficulty with breathing if born early. However, most of their organs are developed, and they continue to gain weight and strength in the final weeks of pregnancy.
Is 34 weeks normal for delivery?
Delivering at 34 weeks is not considered full-term, as full-term pregnancy is between 39 and 40 weeks. However, it is not uncommon for some pregnancies to end early due to medical reasons. While it's not the norm, with proper medical care, many babies born at 34 weeks can do well.
Is 34 weeks considered 9 months pregnant?
At 34 weeks pregnant, you are in your eighth month of pregnancy. Pregnancy is typically counted as 40 weeks, so you are about six weeks away from your due date. While you are nearing the end, you are not yet in the ninth month.
What to avoid at 34 weeks pregnant?
At 34 weeks pregnant, avoid activities that could put you or your baby at risk, such as heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and standing for long periods. Also, steer clear of smoking, alcohol, and foods that could cause foodborne illnesses, like raw fish and unpasteurized dairy products. It's important to follow your doctor's advice and attend all prenatal appointments to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
