Pregnancy: Week 34

When the 34th week of pregnancy arrives, the expectant mother should not be left without attention — or she herself must conscientiously monitor her condition.

At 34 weeks, Braxton Hicks contractions become more regular: pains that arise in the upper part of the uterus spread across the entire abdominal area and then subside. However, these are not true labor contractions, so there is no need to worry. If, however, the amniotic fluid begins to leak, this is a reason for concern and an immediate visit to the doctor.

Pregnancy week 34 – fetal size
At 34 weeks of pregnancy, the gestational age of the fetus is 32 weeks. The baby’s weight has increased significantly and now reaches about 2.2–2.4 kg. The baby’s length at this stage is approximately 43–44 cm. The baby continues to grow, sheds fine lanugo hair, the skin tone becomes lighter, and redness almost disappears. At this week, fat tissue makes up about 8% of the baby’s total body weight.

Around weeks 34–35, the layer of vernix caseosa (the waxy protective coating) becomes thicker, providing maximum protection for the baby’s skin against maceration in the amniotic fluid (softening of tissues due to prolonged exposure to liquid). If the baby decides to be born earlier than expected, this coating helps the baby move more easily through the birth canal.

If a baby is born during this week, he or she is not considered premature, but rather born early-term. Such babies are usually able to breathe independently and do not require intensive care.

Pregnancy week 34 – movements
The baby is growing almost by the hour, so space in the mother’s belly is becoming increasingly limited. The baby’s turns and twists are no longer as agile as before. At 34 weeks, the nature of movements changes: the baby’s motions are restricted by the uterine walls. During this period, the once very active baby becomes calmer, allowing the mother to feel a bit more comfortable.

How the mother feels
The body continues intensive preparation for childbirth. The top of the uterus is located 14 cm above the navel and 34 cm above the pubic symphysis. The size of the uterus has reached 30–32 cm; compared to its original size, it has increased about 500 times and become ten times heavier.

At 34 weeks, the volume of amniotic fluid is about one liter. Recall the second month of pregnancy — at that time, their volume was only about 20 ml.

At this stage, you may feel heaviness in the lower back. To relieve discomfort, try making gentle circular pelvic movements from side to side before bedtime. The mammary glands increase in size, and colostrum may be released from time to time. Placental hormones that initiated milk production last week continue to be active.

It is better to postpone sexual activity
At 34 weeks, sexual intercourse should be approached with maximum caution. It is best to postpone intimacy altogether.

First, it is advisable not to disturb the baby at this stage, as there is a possibility that the baby may unexpectedly change position and turn bottom-down. Second, the woman’s reproductive tract is actively preparing for labor and becomes more vulnerable. Even with caution, the risk of infection is currently high.

Make an action plan
Usually, by this time, women have already chosen a maternity hospital, met their doctor, obtained contact details, and clarified the list of items needed for admission.

At 34 weeks, you should devote more time to walks in fresh air (this applies throughout pregnancy), lead a calm lifestyle, avoid stress and excessive physical exertion, and stay away from heavy work — all of this helps prevent premature labor.

Take advantage of this time: get enough sleep, rest, listen to pleasant music, and read uplifting books. Do not forget to sing lullabies to your baby — the baby can hear you.