34 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development, Symptoms & Signs

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As you enter the 34th week of your pregnancy, you’re officially cruising through the eighth month! Your little one is now approximately the size of a pineapple, weighing around 5 pounds—comparable to a standard bag of flour. Meanwhile, your uterus is continuing to expand to accommodate your growing baby.

Baby Development at 34 Weeks

  • Sleep Patterns: Your baby is starting to establish a sleep routine, closing their adorable eyes when snoozing and opening them when awake.
  • Skin Changes: The waxy coating known as vernix is thickening this week, preparing for shedding in the coming weeks.
  • Visible Movements: As your baby grows, you might start to see little hands and feet pushing against your belly!

If you’re curious about what this means in terms of your pregnancy timeline, being 34 weeks pregnant places you in the eighth month, with just one month remaining until your little one arrives!

How Big is Your Baby?

At this stage, your baby weighs around 5¼ pounds and is about 18 inches long. If you want a visual, just hold a 5-pound bag of flour—it’s about the same size!

For those considering alternatives to traditional conception, check out Make a Mom, a company specializing in at-home insemination with a unique reusable option. You can also learn more about how at-home insemination works. If you’re interested in connecting with other moms and families, consider joining the Make a Mom Facebook group, a free sperm donor matching community.

Managing Symptoms

As you approach your due date, you might experience various symptoms, including:

  • Increased fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Braxton Hicks contractions

Make sure to stay informed about your health and options. For insights on infertility treatments, refer to ACOG’s guidelines on treating infertility.

If you have any lingering questions about pregnancy or home insemination, our resource page offers valuable information on both topics, including tips and advice for your journey, which you can explore further here.

For a deeper understanding of what to expect during this time, you can also read about how moms prefer authentic marketing over idealized representations in our recent post here.

Summary

At 34 weeks pregnant, you are nearing the end of your pregnancy journey. Your baby is developing their sleep patterns and growing rapidly, while you may experience various symptoms as your body prepares for labor. Remember to explore options related to at-home insemination, connect with other moms, and stay informed about your health through trusted resources.