What to Expect in the 34th Week of Pregnancy

Introduction

Pregnancy is generally 40 weeks long from the last menstrual period (LMP), with the due date being only an estimate. Most pregnant women deliver their babies between weeks 38 and 42. Reaching week 34 is a significant phase as both the mother and baby are getting ready for delivery.

This article presents what to expect in the third trimester at the 34th week of pregnancy including fetal development, changes in the pregnant’s body, and medical attention needed for optimal delivery outcomes. (1,2,3)

Fetal Development

By the 34th week of pregnancy, the fetus rapidly develops in height (around 44.5 cm) and weight (around 2.3-2.5 kg). The baby’s organs are fully developed, including:

The lungs; however lungs continue to mature until birth.
The skin becomes smoother.
The body fat increases to help regulate body temperature after delivery.
The central nervous system continues to mature.
The bones are hardened, except for the skull.
Fingernails are fully grown.
Breathing movements are enhanced.
The baby may be upside down to prepare for childbirth.

Changes in the Mother’s Body

The mother’s body also undergoes noticeable changes in her body during the 34th week of pregnancy, including:

The uterus expands further at a consistent rate, increasing pressure on the bladder. The mother experiences more frequent urination. The amniotic fluid levels peak between weeks 34 and 36.
Braxton Hicks contractions can occur, which are irregular, usually mild to pain-free contractions to prepare the body for childbirth.
Sleeping difficulties can also develop due to the increased weight of the fetus and expansion of the uterus size affecting the comfort of the mother.
The lower back and pelvis carry more pressure as the baby’s weight increases.
The feet and ankles swell, due to water retention and increasing pressure on the veins, causing edema.
The movement of the baby is felt differently during this week.
The belly button becomes extremely sensitive.

Health and Medical Attention

During the 34th week of pregnancy, regular medical checkups are essential to ensure the health of both the baby and the mother. These checkup evaluations include:

–For the Fetus:

The physician should assess the baby’s position, as it should be upside down to prepare for delivery, and suggest medical options to help turn the baby if still in a breech position. Also, the baby’s heart rate and growth are monitored using ultrasound.

– For the Mother:

Monitoring the mother’s blood pressure to early detect and prevent the occurrence of a condition called preeclampsia is essential. Additionally, a urine test is examined for signs of proteinuria that indicates preeclampsia or gestational hypertension.

Additional tests may include a glucose test to check for gestational diabetes and the amount of amniotic fluid is assessed.

Furthermore, the healthcare provider can recommend medications to relieve symptoms experienced during this week, such as heartburn drugs.

Preparing for Labor and Delivery

Healthcare providers can offer educational knowledge about what to expect during the third trimester and how to prepare for labor and delivery. The mother can attend education classes and read childbirth guides, as many online websites and applications provide comprehensive information on labor, delivery, and postpartum expectations. Additionally, a hospital bag with essentials for the baby and the mother should be packed, including clothing, sanitizers, and items for the baby.