As the 34th week of pregnancy progresses, you’re well into the third trimester and 8th month of pregnancy, with your due date fast approaching. Your body experiences various pregnancy symptoms, including regular Braxton Hicks contractions – practice contractions that can be painful and start from the upper part of the uterus, spreading throughout the pregnant belly.
Baby’s Size and Development at 34 Weeks Pregnant
By 34 weeks, your baby’s size is about 45 cm in height and weighs around 2.1 kg. The baby’s head and abdominal circumference are both approximately 30.5 cm. The baby’s weight could sometimes even cross 2.2 kg, indicating the baby’s development in this late pregnancy stage.
Inside the mother’s womb, it becomes quite crowded, limiting the baby’s movements, but don’t worry – you should still feel your growing baby move regularly. Watch out for excessive or too little activity, which could suggest potential issues like fetal-placental insufficiency.
As pregnancy progresses, the blood flow to the placenta decreases. Despite this, it continues producing pregnancy hormones, essential for lactation. Calcium remains crucial at this stage, actively accumulating in the baby’s bones, hence the importance of incorporating it into your diet.
What Does a Pregnant Woman Feel During the 34th Week of Pregnancy?
When you’re 34 weeks pregnant, one of the most frequent thoughts is about giving birth and welcoming the new baby. As your pregnancy symptoms become more pronounced, you might notice increased swelling in your legs and hands. This could potentially affect the baby’s health by compromising the placenta’s oxygen and nutrient supply.
You might also start experiencing pelvic pain as your body prepares for the upcoming birth. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential during this stage. If you notice any changes, such as an increase in vaginal discharge or blood in your vaginal discharge, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider immediately. These could be signs of serious health problems like placental abruption.
Optimal Diet Choices at 34 Weeks Pregnant
Rapid weight gain is common at 34 weeks pregnant, and if coupled with swelling, it might be time to adjust your diet. Remember to drink plenty of fluids and monitor your daily fluid intake and the amount of urine you produce.
Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin K can aid in the baby’s immune system and bone development. Vitamin K is found in Brussels sprouts, nuts, and green tea. Regularly take vitamins C and E, which can help prevent preterm birth and are necessary for preparing the baby’s lungs.
Preparing for Childbirth as You Reach 34 Weeks Pregnant
As your due date approaches, it’s time to make your final preparations for the baby’s arrival. Start arranging the nursery and gathering baby gear. If there are any older children in the house, now is a good time to talk to them about the arrival of their new sibling.
Ultrasound Insights at 34 Weeks Pregnant
An ultrasound during the 34th pregnancy week will give your healthcare provider a view of the baby’s development, placenta condition, and amniotic fluid volume. The growing baby’s body proportions may have slightly changed, and it continues to gain weight, with its head remaining larger than its body.
Wrapping Up the 34th Week of Pregnancy: Conclusions and Preparations
At 34 weeks pregnant, your body is getting ready for the exciting new arrival. It’s a time to pay close attention to your body and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. Ensure to take good care of your diet, manage your weight, and keep an eye out for any sudden changes that may occur.
Embrace these last few weeks of pregnancy, prepare for your baby’s arrival, and remember to take care of your mental and physical health. Pregnancy is a unique journey, and every step brings you closer to welcoming your new baby.
Questions and Answers
Is it safe to deliver at 34 weeks?
Delivering at 34 weeks, although considered preterm, is generally safe with over a 95% survival rate due to the advances in modern healthcare. While a baby born at 34 weeks gestation is fairly well-developed, the birth is still earlier than the full-term period, which typically extends to 39 weeks or more. The early arrival could mean that the baby may face certain challenges such as respiratory difficulties attributable to underdeveloped lungs, trouble in feeding, and potentially an extended stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It’s crucial to remember that the extent of these complications varies greatly and many babies born at this stage do exceptionally well with proper care. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended to navigate any potential concerns or complications related to a 34-week delivery.
What should I be feeling at 34 weeks pregnant?
As a woman who is 34 weeks pregnant, you are deep into your third trimester and your body is actively gearing up for the approaching birth. This stage is typically characterized by the onset of Braxton Hicks contractions, sometimes referred to as ‘practice contractions.’ As your baby continues to grow in size, the movements might be more pronounced, often leading to a certain degree of discomfort. Along with these changes, you may encounter heightened backaches, discomfort in the pelvic region, and swelling in your hands and feet. The urge for frequent urination may persist and alterations in your vaginal discharge could be noticeable. It’s crucial to communicate any sudden or significant changes in your symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly. So, in essence, at 34 weeks pregnant, a mixture of discomfort, anticipation, and excitement is what you should be feeling.
What not to do at 34 weeks?
As you reach the 34th week of pregnancy, it’s crucial to stay clear of intense physical activities and heavy lifting, which could risk injury or premature labor. Extended periods of sitting or standing can worsen swelling in the ankles due to blood pooling, hence should be avoided. The emergence of sudden swelling in your hands and face, abrupt weight gain, severe headaches, or vision changes necessitate immediate medical attention, as these could indicate preeclampsia, a serious health condition. Maintain abstinence from substances like alcohol, nicotine, and any medicines not expressly approved by your healthcare provider. Therefore, at 34 weeks pregnant, cautious health and lifestyle choices are vital to ensure both your wellbeing and that of your growing baby.
What is the most common week to go into labor?
Typically, women are most likely to go into labor between the 38th and 42nd week of their pregnancy, with the 40th week emerging as the most common for childbirth. This period is recognized as the full-term range, indicating that babies are often fully matured and prepared for life outside the womb. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that every woman and each pregnancy is distinctive, so consistent communication with your healthcare provider becomes critical as you near your due date. In a nutshell, while variations exist, labor most commonly initiates around the 40th week of pregnancy.
