When you are 34 weeks pregnant, your baby can hear your voice well when you speak or sing. Try a few lullabies – your baby may be easier to comfort after birth by songs that he or she actually recognises already.
During this time of pregnancy mom-to-be usually has to take a few trips to the bathroom every night. Annoying when you want to rest to have the energy needed for giving birth. But normal!
Have you been thinking about your preferred birth position yet? You can read about the benefits of different birth positions here.
In this article:
Your Baby’s Development
The fetal age of your baby is now 32 weeks. The size of your baby can range between 15.5 to 17.5 inches (39.5 – 44.5 cm) in length and approximately 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) in total. As the weeks pass on your new baby will continue to grow and put on more fat stores to help regulate their own body temperature preparing them for life outside the womb.
The lungs are still maturing and will continue to practice breathing by taking in amniotic fluid. This can cause your baby to have periodic bouts of the hiccups and can be felt by you or your partner most times. For those who may deliver at this time, your baby may need some assistance with breathing until the lungs are completely mature.
If your new baby is still not positioned correctly for entry into the birth canal, do not worry. There is still enough time for them to turn things around or even have your doctor or midwife try methods in order for them to manipulate the baby into position before the big day.
Your baby is continually developing immunities to fight off mild infections on their own and the skeletal system is hardening each day, although the skull plates still remain pliable in order to move through the birth canal later.
You may want to start talking and singing to your baby if you haven’t started already. With the developed ears, they can become familiar with your voice or your partner’s (and older siblings’) before they are even born. Many babies will turn towards those familiar voices once they are on the outside, and it is comforting to both them and you with this extended bond.
Mom’s Body when 34 Weeks Pregnant
34 weeks pregnant, you may find yourself battling a tingling or numbing sensation in your legs or pelvic area when you are sitting for long periods of time or even walking for long distances.
This is caused by the increasing pressure of the baby and the extra weight that sits lower now as your pelvic joints loosen getting your body ready for labor.
Finding your sleep is interrupted is very common during the last few weeks of pregnancy for a number of reasons. Your bladder does not hold as much as it used to, and when it is full that little baby may be using it as a punching bag. Other joint and muscle discomforts make it difficult for some women to rest comfortably for a good night’s rest. Try putting a pillow between your thighs, it might help.
If you find your sleep is continuously interrupted, be sure to try and make up for it later by taking naps or at least putting your feet up and relaxing during the day.
The top of your uterus is approximately 5.5 inches above your belly button and can be felt easily during an examination by your doctor or midwife. The amniotic fluid that protects your little one reaches its peak between the 34th and 36th week of pregnancy and can decrease in the last few weeks to allow more room for the baby to fit. Heartburn and swelling of the hands and feet are very common concerns during this time and can be alleviated by watching how much you eat and what types of foods you are consuming.
To start learning about the birth process, visit our section about giving birth here.
Get immediate expert help with your pregnancy questions through JustAnswer Pregnancy:Week 34 Pregnancy Video
Diary of a Daughter
What’s it really like being 34 weeks pregnant…? Here’s a true diary from a 34 weeks pregnant mom (Me..!)
This has been a calm week, but I’m gathering water. Some of my shoes are too small! I haven’t increased all that much in weight, though, a total of 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg). My midwife is actually complaining that I gain too little weight.
Are you also 34 weeks pregnant? Please share your experiences and thoughts by leaving a comment below!
Related Content
- See what your baby is up to in these fetal development videos
- Why does labor have to hurt
- Birth stories shared by visitors
References:
Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
Joanne Stone MD and Keith Eddleman MD, The Pregnancy Bible: Your Complete Guide to Pregnancy and Early Parenthood
Nilsson, L; Hamberger, L. A Child Is Born
Soderberg, L., Mammapraktika. B Wahlstroms.
Mittendorf et al (1990), The Length of Uncomplicated Human Gestation, Obstetrics & Gynecology, V.75, N.6, June 1990
Image: Image of 34 weeks fetus by mclii
Paula Dennholt founded Easy Baby Life in 2006 and has been a passionate parenting and pregnancy writer since then. Her parenting approach and writing are based on studies in cognitive-behavioral models and therapy for children and her experience as a mother and stepmother. Life as a parent has convinced her of how crucial it is to put relationships before rules. She strongly believes in positive parenting and a science-based approach.
Paula cooperates with a team of pediatricians who assist in reviewing and writing articles.
