Congratulations! You’re just one week closer to meeting your little one. Here’s what’s happening during week 34 of your pregnancy.
Changes in Your Body
At this stage, the top of your uterus may be around 5.5 inches (14 cm) above your belly button. Keep in mind that every pregnancy varies, so your measurements might differ from those of other expectant mothers. The key takeaway is that your uterus is growing steadily. Typically, the volume of amniotic fluid peaks between weeks 34 and 36, and after 37 weeks, it starts to decrease to create more room for your baby. As a result, you might notice a change in how your baby moves.
You might also observe that your belly button is either protruding or feeling particularly sensitive. If so, a small piece of tape or a band-aid might help protect it, especially if it’s noticeable through your clothing.
How Big is Your Baby?
Your baby is likely around 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) long and weighs between 5 and 5.5 pounds (2.3 to 2.5 kg).
What’s Happening with Your Baby?
In these final weeks, your baby’s body is accumulating fat under the skin, which is crucial for temperature regulation after birth. The central nervous system is maturing, and the lungs are well-developed. Although most healthcare providers prefer to wait until 38 to 40 weeks for delivery, your baby would have a good chance of thriving outside the womb at this point.
Planning Ahead This Week
During this time, many healthcare professionals will discuss the following with you:
- Group B Streptococcus testing
- Scheduled visits for the remainder of your pregnancy and post-partum
- Location of the hospital’s emergency and maternity departments
- Pre-registration package
- Pain management options
- Possible cesarean delivery
- Postpartum contraception methods
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the medical terms your provider might use during labor. For a list of helpful terms, check out our post on essential birth and delivery terminology.
Tips to Enhance Your Pregnancy Experience
If you’ve attended childbirth classes, you may have already covered the basics of labor stages, but here’s a brief overview:
- First Stage: This begins with true labor and lasts until your cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm. Generally, women head to the hospital during the active phase of this stage when contractions are about five minutes apart.
- Second Stage: This stage occurs once your cervix is fully dilated and continues until your baby is born.
- Third Stage: This involves delivering the placenta, which is the shortest stage, typically lasting between 5 to 30 minutes.
Last week, we discussed episiotomies. One effective way to reduce the risk of needing one is through perineal massage, which many doctors recommend starting around week 34. Consult with your healthcare provider for guidance on how to perform perineal massage safely and effectively.
Advice for Your Partner
Supporting your partner during this time can involve helping with perineal massage, which can aid in stretching the perineal muscles and potentially prevent the need for an episiotomy. Remember, this isn’t a sexual activity but rather a helpful exercise for easing the birthing process. Consider setting aside time each week to perform this massage together until delivery.
For those exploring options for conception, you might find services like Vegas Pregnancy, a free sperm donor matching service, or Make a Mom, which offers reusable at-home insemination options, helpful. You can also learn more about how at-home insemination works by visiting this link. For additional insights into the journey of pregnancy and conception, check out the excellent resource at Womens Health on infertility.
As you prepare for the arrival of your little one, remember to take care of yourself and stay informed about the journey ahead. For more information about what to expect, feel free to explore our post about your baby’s expected arrival date, which can be found here.
Summary
At 34 weeks pregnant, you are nearing the finish line of your pregnancy journey. Your body is adapting, and your baby is developing the necessary skills for life outside the womb. Remember to stay proactive about your prenatal care and explore the various resources available to support you during this exciting time.