What to Expect in Week 34 of Your Pregnancy

Thirty-Fourth Week of Pregnancy: Week by Week

When a woman reaches 34^th week of pregnancy, it means that she has almost completed her eighth month and is only a week away from stepping in crucial ninth month. In case of preterm birth, survival chances of a baby are nearly 98% without any complications.

IN THIS ARTICLE

• What to Expect While 34 Weeks Pregnant
• Your Baby at 34 weeks old
• Your 34th Week Ultrasound
• 34 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

What to Expect While 34 Weeks Pregnant

Pregnancy at 34 weeks finds uterus of a pregnant woman at least 5.5 inches above her bellybutton. Uterus sits high on abdomen and a baby finds himself a bit cramped for space inside a womb. It will start lowering in later weeks to prepare for childbirth. At this time a mother gains at least a pound every week and most of this weight gain goes to a developing baby.

Your Baby at 34 weeks old

Following changes are seen in a baby at 34^th week of pregnancy:-

• Uterus walls gradually become thinner and so light can easily enter inside. At 34 weeks a baby can easily distinguish between night and day. He now has a distinctive schedule for sleep and is also mature enough to sleep with eyes closed and wake up with eyes open.
• With ever-growing layer of fat, an unborn baby takes on the appearance of a newborn baby. His skin is smooth and cheeks are round giving him a plump appearance.
• 34 weeks pregnant baby weight is nearly 4.7 pounds or nearly 2 kg and his/her length is 18 inches.
• Lungs and central-nervous system of a 34 weeks fetus is nearly developed to full capacity. In case of preterm birth he/she is capable of surviving on its own. It is sensible to provide external support for respiration at this stage
• Reproductive organs are mostly in place during pregnancy at 34 weeks. Testicles move towards scrotum from abdomen in male fetus. In rare cases if a male child has undescended testicles during birth, then it moves to proper place within a year.
• Increased levels of amniotic fluid enables a baby to move easily even in the limited available space in a womb. By this time a baby settles down in its birth position of heads down and folded legs in front of their chest. In case a baby is in breech or transverse position it is better to consult a doctor.

Recommended Link: 33 Weeks Pregnant Fetus, Baby and Fetal Development

34 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Although every pregnancy is unique in itself, some of the symptoms during 34^th week of pregnancy are similar. Following are some of these symptoms-

• Pregnancy hormones start decreasing production of tears during this period and results in irritation and dryness in eyes and blurred vision
• False alarm of labor as uterus suddenly tightens for a few seconds
• Pain in back, tailbone, joints, inner thighs and groin
• Hot flashes
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Insomnia
• Itchy skin
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Breathlessness
• Leaking urine
• Frequency in urination
• Emotional changes
• Varicose veins
• Swelling
• Stretch marks

Your 34th Week Ultrasound

An Ultrasound performed in 34^th week of pregnancy helps a doctor in knowing the exact position of a baby. Ultrasound also helps in identifying any complications like low-lying placenta.