34 Weeks Pregnant
Welcome to the thirty-fourth week of your exciting pregnancy journey. With about six weeks left until your little one makes their grand entrance, you're undoubtedly feeling a mix of anticipation and wonder. This week, we'll walk you through the symptoms you may experience at 34 weeks pregnant, your baby’s development, and the size of your little one and bump right now. We even have a few tips to help you prepare for your upcoming arrival. So, let's begin!
Highlights at 34 Weeks Pregnant
Before we get down to the details, here are a few exciting highlights and helpful to-dos for 34 weeks pregnant:
At 34 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a cantaloupe!
Enjoy all those little movements and tiny kicks your baby is making inside your belly right now. You and your family can start bonding with your little one before they even arrive.
If you notice some pressure in your pelvic area, this may be your baby dropping down in preparation for birth.
Take some time to learn the difference between Braxton Hicks and real labour contractions.
Preparation is key! Now might be a good time to pack your hospital bag, prepare and freeze some meals, and speak to your other children about the upcoming new arrival.
Still searching for the perfect baby name? Check out our Baby Name Generator for some extra inspiration:
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Your Baby’s Development at 34 Weeks Pregnant
What is your little one up to when you're 34 weeks pregnant? Keep reading to find out:
It's starting to get a little cramped inside your bump at around 34 weeks pregnant, and your baby is probably now curled up in... yes, you've guessed it: a foetal position, with the knees drawn up towards the chest.
At 34 weeks pregnant, your baby might be very active, and you might already be able to recognise some of the body parts that push out against the side of your bump as your little one shifts position. Was that an elbow or a foot that just brushed past under your hand as it rests on your belly?
Bump watching is a fantastic way for you and your partner to start bonding with your little one before they are even born. And it’s also good to become aware of your baby’s regular pattern of movement. This can help you notice any changes or reduction in their movements.
If you're expecting a boy, his testicles will be moving down from the abdomen into the scrotum at around 34 weeks.
Don't be alarmed if your baby's genitals or breasts seem disproportionately large when they’re born. This is common in newborns (boys and girls alike). It's usually just a little swelling caused by extra fluid or hormones, and goes down a few days after the birth.
Whether you have a little boy or girl, one thing is certain: The first time you lay eyes on your newborn will be one of the most magical moments of your life. You don't have to wait too much longer now!
What Is 34 Weeks Pregnant in Months?
How many months pregnant is 34 weeks pregnant? Pregnancy doesn't fit neatly into full months so it’s not always an easy calculation, but at a rough estimate, you’re probably eight months pregnant.
What Size Is a Baby at 34 Weeks Pregnant?
Now that you're 34 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a cantaloupe, measuring close to 45 centimetres from head to heel, and weighing in at around 2.1 kilograms.
Your Baby: What Does 34 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?
Check out the illustration below for a rough idea of what your baby might look like and what position they may be in at 34 weeks pregnant.
Your Body at 34 Weeks Pregnant
If you're still feeling a little breathless or suffering from heartburn as your little one pushes upwards, squashing your stomach and putting pressure on your lungs, relief could soon be in sight.
From around 34 weeks pregnant on, at some point, some of the symptoms you may have been experiencing like shortness of breath or heartburn could magically ease up or disappear altogether as your baby moves further down into your pelvis, taking some of the pressure off your stomach and lungs.
The downside of this is that you might start feeling the urge to pee more often, as your little one puts more pressure on your bladder.
This is a sign that they are one step closer to venturing out into the big wide world, although it doesn't necessarily mean you're about to give birth.
Don't worry if your baby hasn’t dropped down yet at 34 weeks pregnant. It might not even take place until just before labour, especially if this is your first time giving birth.
Babies aren’t usually born precisely on the due date at the end of 40 weeks – it’s common for labour to start within a week or two either side of the due date.
Your little one probably still has several more precious weeks in which to grow and develop inside your bump, but it’s good to be aware of the signs of labour at 34 weeks pregnant and in the weeks ahead, just so you’re aware of the symptoms not to ignore.
The signs of labour at 34 weeks pregnant and going forward can include:
Cramping or period-like pains, with or without diarrhoea
Regular or painful contractions
An unusual backache
Fluid trickling or gushing from your vagina
A ‘show' – when the mucus plug sealing your cervix comes out.
If you're 34 weeks pregnant with twins or triplets, it's even more important to keep an eye out for these symptoms in the next few weeks, as there's a higher chance of multiples being born a little early.
Whether you're expecting to have one baby or more, your midwife and doctor will be monitoring your pregnancy closely at 34 weeks and onwards to make sure that you're getting the best possible care. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or midwife for advice on symptoms or if you’re feeling ‘off’ at 34 weeks pregnant and onwards.
Your Symptoms at 34 Weeks Pregnant
Here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing at 34 weeks pregnant:
Braxton Hicks contractions. As your due date approaches, you might be noticing more of these. It's most likely nothing to worry about if these cramping sensations come at irregular intervals and aren't painful, but if you think you might be having labour contractions at 34 weeks pregnant, call your midwife or doctor straight away. Your midwife and doctor are best able to assess your symptoms if you're in any doubt, but it might help you feel at ease to read up on the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labour contractions.
Leaky breasts. Fluid leaking from your nipples at 34 weeks pregnant is likely to be colostrum, the first milk produced by your breasts in preparation for feeding your newborn. This kind of leakage is nothing to worry about. In fact, those yellow stains in your bra are a sign that your body is gearing up to provide nourishment for your little one after they are born, should you plan to breastfeed. If the dribbles are bothering you, get some absorbent breast pads (sometimes called maternity breast pads or nursing pads) to put in your bra. It’s probably worth stocking up on these anyway for after your little one is born, especially if you plan to breastfeed your baby.
Pelvic and lower back pain. The weight of your growing bump could be adding to any pain or pressure you might be experiencing in the pelvic or lower back area at around 34 weeks pregnant. As your little one moves further down into your pelvis in preparation for birth, you could also find that pelvic pain makes it hurt a little to walk at around 34 weeks pregnant. To help relieve pelvic pain, try to stay off your feet when you feel most uncomfortable. A massage or soak in a warm bath may also give you some relief from pelvic and lower back pain around 34 weeks pregnant. If these ideas don’t work, ask your midwife or doctor for more advice.
Swollen ankles and feet. It's not unusual for you to experience swelling in your ankles and feet at this stage in your pregnancy, due to water retention. Fluid tends to collect in the lowest parts of your body as the day progresses, so one way to help relieve the swelling is to cut down on standing time. Plus, when you're sitting down, you can prop up your legs on a pillow. Oddly enough, drinking water can actually help your system, so it's more important than ever to stay hydrated at 34 weeks pregnant and beyond. Normal swelling in pregnancy comes on gradually, and isn't likely to harm you or your foetus; but if you experience sudden, rapid swelling of the face or extremities, call your doctor or midwife straight away, especially if you also have a bad headache, blurred vision, pain below the ribs or vomiting at 34 weeks pregnant or at any point in your pregnancy. These might be symptoms of pre-eclampsia, a relatively uncommon but serious blood pressure condition that needs to be treated immediately.
Constipation. Infrequent and hard bowel movements can occur for all sorts of different reasons, but your hormones can also make things worse during pregnancy. Whatever the cause, constipation can be a ‘pain in the bum’ at 34 weeks pregnant or beyond. Straining to poo can also cause or aggravate piles (haemorrhoids), a painful or itchy swelling of blood vessels in or around your anus. Good tactics for keeping constipation at bay include drinking plenty of water and getting enough fibre in your pregnancy diet. Fruits, vegetables, wholemeal bread and cereals, as well as pulses like beans and lentils, are all great sources of dietary fibre. Walking or gentle exercise can also help your digestive system become more regular.
What Size Is a Bump at 34 Weeks Pregnant?
As we mentioned above, the weight and size of your growing bump might be causing you some discomfort, such as back and pelvic pain at around 34 weeks pregnant. If your fundal height (the distance between your pubic bone and the top of the womb (uterus)) is measured at 34 weeks pregnant, it may be around 32 to 36 centimetres. But remember, no two bumps are the same!
What Does 34 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?
For an insight into how your baby bump might look around 34 weeks pregnant, check out our visual below:
Things to Consider at 34 Weeks Pregnant
From stocking up your kitchen to including your older children in your pregnancy journey, there’s plenty to consider as you get closer to your due date:
The arrival of a new baby can be hard for older siblings to handle. Parents put a lot of effort into preparing for a new baby, and then caring for the newborn takes up a lot of the family’s attention once they arrive. An older brother or sister might feel like the centre of your world until the new arrival, so a little jealousy and resentment isn’t unusual. These feelings can result in tantrums or baby-like behaviour. There’s a lot you can do to help your older child adjust to the new family dynamic:
Even now, at 34 weeks pregnant, it’s not too early to encourage your older children to take an interest in the new arrival, by showing them pictures from your last ultrasound scan and letting them feel your little one’s movements in your bump.
Once your baby’s born, you could find other ways to get the older sibling involved, by encouraging him or her to pass you the nappies and baby wipes during nappy changes, or to sing and talk to the newest member of the family.
If possible, try not to disrupt your toddler’s usual routine. For example, the familiar evening baths and bedtime stories can be a reassuring anchor for a toddler who’s feeling a little left out of things.
Accept that you might not be able to avoid a certain amount of kickback. It’s common and perfectly normal for small children with a new sibling to start asking for a baby bottle themselves, demand to be carried around or even temporarily forget their potty training. Punishing this kind of behaviour or making a big deal of it won’t help. Often a big dollop of patience is the best remedy.
Calcium helps build and harden your little one's bones and teeth, while keeping your own in good shape too. Getting enough calcium during pregnancy is a top priority, both for your baby's health and for your own. Your doctor may advise you to take prenatal vitamin supplements, which could include calcium, but it's also important to eat foods that are rich in this essential mineral. Dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt are great sources of calcium in your diet. To get a little more variety – or if you're lactose intolerant – you can also get calcium from sardines, leafy green vegetables like rocket, kale or broccoli, as well as bread or other bakery products made with fortified flour.
The last thing you want to worry about when you go into labour is deciding what to throw in your bag before setting off for the hospital. That’s why we've compiled a comprehensive hospital bag packing checklist. It’s a good idea to have all these things packed and ready to go well before your due date, just in case.
If your baby hasn’t turned into a head-down position yet at 34 weeks pregnant, don’t worry – there’s still plenty of time until your due date. If your little one hasn’t taken the plunge by around 36 weeks, your midwife or doctor will discuss your options. It may be possible for them to turn your foetus by hand. If that doesn’t work out, a breech (bottom-first) position doesn’t necessarily rule out a vaginal birth if that’s your preference. The safest option for delivering your baby, whether it’s vaginally or via caesarean section, will depend on various factors that are unique to your pregnancy, including the position of your placenta.
If you have time this week, consider stocking up your kitchen and pre-cooking batches of food that you can freeze for after your baby’s arrival. Getting these things ready in advance can ensure you have one less thing to worry about when you’re busy tending to your newborn. You might also like to set up online grocery deliveries now so that they’re ready to go, or ask friends and family members to pitch in with delivering some home-cooked meals during those first few weeks postpartum.
If you haven’t already, start thinking about what comfort measures you might like during labour, and ask your doctor what options may be available to you. Your options may include medical pain relief options like an epidural as well as non-medical pain relief like massage or focused breathing.
Tip for Partners Try to attend all the antenatal care appointments with your pregnant partner during these final weeks. The appointments may be more frequent during this period and your partner might be grateful for the support. As you get closer to the birth of your child, it’s good for you both to prepare for it together as a team. |
Questions for Your Doctor at 34 Weeks Pregnant
Consider some of the following questions during your next appointment with your doctor or midwife:
What position is my baby in at 34 weeks pregnant?
If my baby isn't head down, what are the chances they will move into a head-down position before labour starts?
What are my options if my baby isn't positioned head-down closer to the due date?
What exercises or stretches can I do to help relieve lower back pain at around 34 weeks pregnant?
Where can I find out about first aid courses that include infant CPR in the local area?
What are some symptoms not to ignore at 34 weeks pregnant?
FAQS AT A GLANCE
If your baby is born before 37 weeks, they’re considered premature. If you deliver at 34 weeks pregnant, it’s likely your little one will spend some time in the neonatal care unit to help them finish their developments and ensure they’re ready to go home.
34 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist
Check out our helpful checklist at 34 weeks pregnant:
☐ Make sure you have all the essential gear for your newborn.
☐ Start finalising your baby name choice, or at least start consolidating your shortlist of favourite names. Our Baby Name Generator can help you find the perfect name.
☐ If that perfect baby name is still eluding you, try throwing a baby naming party to get some fresh ideas.
☐ If you’d like to have a newborn photoshoot, find and book a photographer in your area whose work you like and who you will feel comfortable with. To make your choice, you might like to see some examples of past work, or ask other parents in your area for their recommendations. If the photographer is experienced in newborn shoots, ask them for tips on the best time of day to schedule the shoot, where the shoot will take place, and how long the shoot usually takes. You should also talk about whether the shoot will have a theme, and who is responsible for bringing any items like blankets, headbands and props.
34 weeks pregnant - checklist
How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the National Health Service (NHS). You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.
