At 34 weeks pregnant, you’re well into the third trimester, just six weeks away from your due date! Your baby is growing rapidly, and your body is going through some dramatic changes to prepare for birth. While the anticipation is mounting, it’s normal to feel a mixture of excitement, anxiety, and even a little discomfort as you near the finish line. Understanding what’s happening to your body and baby can help you feel more prepared and confident.

This week brings notable milestones for both you and your baby, from their brain development to the physical changes you’ll experience. Knowing what to expect can empower you to navigate these final weeks of pregnancy with confidence, especially as your baby’s development reaches the final crucial stages.

Baby’s Development at 34 Weeks Pregnant

Your Baby’s Size and Weight

At 34 weeks pregnant, your baby weighs about 4.7 to 5.8 pounds and measures approximately 17 to 18 inches long—about the size of a cantaloupe or honeydew melon. They are continuing to gain weight at a steady rate, around half a pound each week, which is crucial for maintaining body heat after birth. This weight gain will make your baby look plumper and more rounded as they pack on fat.

Brain and Lung Development

During the 34th week, your baby’s brain is developing rapidly. Their brain cells are forming connections that will be vital for their cognitive abilities after birth. The lungs are also maturing, producing more surfactant—a substance that helps the lungs expand and contract outside the womb. While your baby’s lungs are not fully mature yet, they are much closer to being able to function independently, increasing their chances of breathing on their own if born prematurely.

Eyes, Senses, and Reflexes

At this stage, your baby’s eyes are open when they’re awake and closed while sleeping, and their pupils can now respond to light. Their eyesight is still developing, but they can detect light changes and will begin to focus more sharply in the coming weeks. Your baby’s sense of hearing is also sharpening—they can hear your voice, music, and even external sounds from the environment. You might even notice them kicking or reacting to loud noises!

Movements and Activity

You’ve probably noticed your baby’s movements becoming more pronounced over the past few weeks. At 34 weeks, your baby is running out of room to move around freely, but you should still feel regular kicks and shifts. If their movements suddenly decrease, it’s important to reach out to your healthcare provider, as this could indicate a problem.

Changes in Your Body at 34 Weeks Pregnant

Common Pregnancy Symptoms

As your body prepares for labor and delivery, the third trimester brings a new set of symptoms that may feel intense. These include:

• Shortness of breath: As your uterus expands, it can press against your diaphragm, making it hard to take deep breaths.
• Frequent urination: With the baby pushing down on your bladder, bathroom trips will become more frequent.
• Braxton Hicks contractions: You may start experiencing practice contractions, which help prepare your body for labor. Unlike real contractions, they are irregular and don’t increase in intensity.
• Swelling: It’s normal to experience mild swelling in your hands, feet, and ankles due to water retention.
• Heartburn and indigestion: As your uterus grows, it can push stomach acids up into your esophagus, leading to that burning sensation.
• Back pain: The extra weight you’re carrying can strain your lower back, making it uncomfortable to stand or sit for long periods.

Physical Changes

Your body is continuing to stretch and adjust to accommodate your growing baby. Weight gain during the third trimester is typical, with most women gaining about one pound per week. You might also notice that your belly button has popped out, and your breasts may start leaking a small amount of colostrum, the nutrient-rich fluid that will nourish your baby in the first few days of life.

As you get closer to your due date, you may notice your baby “dropping” lower into your pelvis. This is called lightening, and while it may relieve some pressure on your lungs, it can increase the pressure on your bladder, causing even more frequent urination.

Preparing for Labor and Delivery

Signs of Preterm Labor

While most women deliver between 38 and 42 weeks, it’s important to be aware of the signs of preterm labor, which can occur before 37 weeks. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Regular contractions that become more frequent and intense.
• Lower back pain that doesn’t go away.
• A feeling of pressure in your pelvis or lower abdomen.
• Vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge.
• Water breaking (rupture of membranes).

Packing Your Hospital Bag

With just a few weeks to go, now is a good time to start preparing your hospital bag. Be sure to pack:

• Comfortable clothing (like maternity leggings, loose tops, and a robe).
• Toiletries (including lip balm, as hospital air can be drying).
• Slippers or non-slip socks.
• Important documents (such as your insurance card and birth plan).
• A going-home outfit for your baby.
• Snacks for both you and your partner.

Birth Plan: What to Consider

If you haven’t yet created a birth plan, now’s the time to do so. Discuss your preferences with your healthcare provider, including:

• Pain management options (like an epidural or natural childbirth).
• Labor positions (whether you want to walk around, use a birthing ball, or stay in bed).
• Who you’d like in the delivery room with you.
• Preferences for your baby’s first feeding (whether you want to breastfeed immediately or use formula).

FAQs About 34 Weeks Pregnant

1. What should I avoid at 34 weeks pregnant?

At 34 weeks pregnant, avoid lifting heavy objects, standing for extended periods, and over-exerting yourself physically. It’s also important to avoid certain foods, such as raw or undercooked seafood, deli meats, and unpasteurized dairy, to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Staying hydrated and eating well-balanced meals is key.

2. How much weight should I gain by 34 weeks?

By 34 weeks pregnant, most women have gained between 25 and 35 pounds, depending on their pre-pregnancy weight. However, this can vary based on factors like body type and how much weight was gained earlier in the pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if your weight gain is on track.

3. Is it normal to feel increased pressure in my pelvis at 34 weeks?

Yes, it’s common to feel increased pressure in your pelvis around this time. This can happen as your baby drops lower into your pelvis in preparation for birth, known as lightening. While this can relieve some pressure on your lungs, it may increase discomfort in your lower abdomen and make walking more difficult.

4. Can my baby be born at 34 weeks and be healthy?

While babies born at 34 weeks are considered preterm, many do well with proper medical care. At this stage, most babies are able to breathe on their own, though they may need some assistance and a brief stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to ensure their lungs and other organs are fully developed.

5. What should I expect at my 34-week prenatal visit?

At your 34-week prenatal visit, your healthcare provider will likely measure your belly to check your baby’s growth, listen to the baby’s heartbeat, and monitor your blood pressure. They may also check your baby’s position to see if they’re head down, which is ideal for birth. This is also a good time to discuss any concerns or symptoms you’ve been experiencing.

Final Thoughts

At 34 weeks pregnant, you’re getting closer to meeting your baby, and every day counts toward their development. While your body might be feeling the strain of carrying your growing little one, staying informed and prepared will help ease some of the anxiety you might be feeling. Take time to rest, practice self-care, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from your healthcare provider if you need it.

Each week brings you one step closer to your baby’s arrival, so enjoy these final moments of pregnancy—even if they come with a few extra bathroom trips!