Welcome to your week-by-week guide to pregnancy at Home Insemination Kit! Here, we provide you with everything you need to know about what to expect during this exciting time, from symptoms and your baby’s growth to your changing body and upcoming appointments. Here’s the scoop on week 34.
Your Body at 34 Weeks Pregnant
Your Belly Button Is Outie!
At this stage, your belly is not the only one making waves! The top of your uterus is about 5 ½ inches above your belly button, which may have transformed from an innie to an outie. Think of it as a little timer indicating that your baby is nearly ready to make their grand entrance. Just a heads up: this new protrusion might be quite sensitive. If that’s the case, a band-aid can help cushion it.
Hairy Situations
You might’ve heard that pregnancy can alter your hair, making it thicker and shinier. However, you may not have anticipated that hair could sprout in unexpected places! According to Dr. Anna Lee, an OB-GYN at Maplewood Medical Center, hormonal changes can lead to more hair growth “around the nipples, on the head, and elsewhere.” Shaving can become tricky as your belly grows, but if you find it bothersome, don’t hesitate to ask a trusted friend or partner for a little assistance.
Your Baby at 34 Weeks Pregnant
A Waxy Little Snack
Your baby is currently around 17 ½ inches long and weighs between 5 to 5 ½ pounds, roughly the size of a family-sized bag of chips. They are now covered in a protective coating known as vernix caseosa, which helps keep their skin moisturized and safe until birth. This sticky substance will wash off during their first bath.
Testicle Migration Continues
If you’re having a boy, this week marks continued movement of his testicles from the abdomen into the scrotum. Most male fetuses experience this descent between 30 to 39 weeks. Although some boys are born with a condition called cryptorchidism where the testicles don’t descend, they usually drop on their own within the first six months.
Hiccups in Utero
As your baby grows, you may feel occasional spasms in your belly – don’t worry, it’s likely just hiccups! This is a sign that their central nervous system is developing properly. As they practice breathing, amniotic fluid flows through their lungs, potentially causing these little contractions.
Symptoms and Health at Week 34 Pregnant
Feeling Familiar
By now in your third trimester, you’re likely well-acquainted with pregnancy symptoms. At 34 weeks, you might experience fatigue, constipation (hello, pregnancy hemorrhoids), bloating, swelling, Braxton Hicks contractions, increased vaginal discharge, and back pain. Always consult your healthcare provider if anything feels off.
Pressure Down Below
As your baby settles deeper into your pelvis in preparation for birth, you may feel a persistent pressure in that area. This means more frequent trips to the bathroom! You might even want to start a punch card system for all those trips.
A Blurry Perspective
Looking back on your pregnancy journey may feel like a whirlwind, but it’s also natural to feel a bit disoriented looking forward. Factors like insomnia and fluid retention can cause temporary blurry vision. Should this issue be accompanied by significant swelling or headaches, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor, as these could be signs of preeclampsia.
Twins on the Way?
For those expecting twins, each baby might weigh around 5 pounds by now. If you haven’t been placed on bedrest, make sure to take it easy. Swelling may also make your feet ache, so consider soaking in an Epsom salt bath or simply elevating your legs at home for relief.
For further information and insights into pregnancy, check out this detailed guide on artificial insemination kits and consider reading about intrauterine insemination for additional support.
In summary, at week 34, your baby is growing and developing rapidly while you may be feeling the familiar symptoms of pregnancy. With just a few weeks left, it’s vital to stay in tune with your body and reach out to your healthcare provider if anything seems unusual.
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