Pregnancy week thirty-four is an exciting one. You could see your baby’s development at an ultrasound and see your baby gear up for arrival as they settle into the head down position. You might even feel some practice contractions as your body prepares for labour.
But what else is happening this week? That is what we are here to tell you. We have a complete breakdown of your thirty-fourth week of pregnancy, including what baby development to expect, what symptoms to expect, and more!
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 34 Weeks Pregnant?
- Will You Get A Positive Pregnancy Test At 34 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
- Is Pregnancy Viable At 34 Weeks?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 34 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 34 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- Your baby is about the size of a butternut squash
- Your pregnant belly continues to grow as your baby gains weight
- Your baby might drop to your pelvic bone as your baby gets ready for birth
- You might start to gather items ready for your baby’s arrival
- You might experience tiredness, weight gain, and headaches this week
- You might experience Braxton Hicks contractions which might feel uncomfortable but should be painless
What Does It Mean To Be 34 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty-four weeks pregnant, you are nearing the end of your final trimester. You might notice some wriggling as your baby prepares for birth by getting into the right position. As they move down your body to rest on your pelvis and pubic bone, you can feel some relief as abdominal pressure eases and your lungs have more room to breathe. Some pelvic pain is common here, too, but it will pass. This can be a slow process for some women, so don’t panic if you still notice these symptoms.
Your baby has grown again this week and is continuing to gain weight, ready for birth and life outside the womb. You might notice some early milk leaking from your breasts this week. This is colostrum and provides your baby with antibodies that can strengthen your baby’s immune system should you choose to breastfeed. Your midwife might speak to you about breastfeeding this week and your other options should you decide breastfeeding isn’t the right option for you.
As your pregnancy progresses this week, you might feel increasingly tired and fall asleep during the day. Allow your body to rest, and add some naps in where possible. You might also be finishing work and heading on maternity leave this week as the next chapter in your life approaches. This is an exciting time, but it can be stressful, so try to carve out some time to destress and work through any emotions you have.
Will You Get A Positive Pregnancy Test At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
You might not get a positive pregnancy test at thirty-four weeks pregnant. Pregnancy tests measure the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in your urine or blood. The levels of this pregnancy hormone rise dramatically during the first few months of pregnancy before dropping off during your second trimester. At thirty-four weeks pregnant, your hCG levels might be too low to trigger a positive pregnancy test result despite you having a baby bump and being just weeks away from labour.
At this stage in your pregnancy, an ultrasound is a more reliable way to confirm a pregnancy than a pregnancy test.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
You might be invited to your second third-trimester ultrasound this week. Typically, women will have two ultrasounds in their third trimester, which could be your late pregnancy ultrasound. Other women will have them more frequently, especially if they are being monitored for potential complications, which your midwife or doctor can explain.
You will see your baby and their development at this ultrasound. They will have gained weight from your last ultrasound, and your baby weighs around 2.1kg. You will see your baby with their open eyes, and if you haven’t already, you can have the sex of your baby confirmed. You will hear your baby’s heartbeat, and your doctor might check again for any serious health problems or concerns they might have. Try not to panic if your doctor does have concerns; this could mean many things, and all of this will be explained to you by your doctor.
Are There Any Other Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
You might have a non-stress test or cardiotocography (CTG). This measures your baby’s heart rate during any contractions or Braxton Hicks contractions you are experiencing. This helps to rule out any abnormalities or concerns with your baby’s heart rate and monitors your health, too.
You might also be invited for another glucose screening test for gestational diabetes if you are at high risk for gestational diabetes. You might also be offered blood or urine tests to check for infections or anemia.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
You can detect a heartbeat at thirty-four weeks pregnant. An ultrasound, stethoscope, or Dopler machine will detect your baby’s heartbeat. A midwife will likely use a Doppler machine or stethoscope in between ultrasound appointments to monitor your baby’s heartbeat and ensure there are no changes that could be a cause for concern.
Your baby’s heartbeat is also monitored in a cardiotocography or CTG test. These are also called non-stress tests and involve a monitor with sensors that monitor your baby’s heartbeat during any contractions you might be having. Their heart rate is looked at during this time to rule out any concerns with your or your baby’s health that could impact them, like high blood pressure or any heart conditions.
Your baby’s heart will be beating quickly, averaging between 110 and 160 beats per minute.
Is Pregnancy Viable At 34 Weeks?
A pregnancy is viable at thirty-four weeks pregnant, but your baby will likely spend some time in an intensive care neonatal unit. A pregnancy is considered viable when your baby can survive outside the womb. At thirty-four weeks, your baby is fully formed but still needs to put on weight, and their lungs aren’t quite developed yet. Breathing will be difficult; they might need help while their lungs develop.
They can receive round-the-clock care at a hospital, which can help them gain weight and ensure they are developing correctly. This can be a scary time for parents, seeing their tiny baby covered in wires, but the chances of survival are good. Your baby has a 95% chance of survival at thirty-four weeks, according to Hamilton Health Services. There is still a chance of your baby having lifelong health conditions, but the chance of this falls week after week.
Your doctor and midwife are on hand to support you should you have preterm labour and delivery at thirty-four weeks pregnant.
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty-four weeks, the common pregnancy symptoms include Braxton Hicks contractions, tiredness, and leaky breasts. Your breasts might leak small amounts of yellowish colostrum, an early milk that provides your baby with antibodies that can help fight diseases should you choose to breastfeed.
Braxton Hicks or false labour contractions can be uncomfortable this week, and might be painful for some women. These should last no more than a minute or so. Speak to your doctor or midwife if the contractions last longer or become more painful, as these could be a sign of labour.
The severity of these symptoms varies from woman to woman and can change daily. Don’t worry if your symptoms differ from other pregnant women; everybody handles pregnancy differently.
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels will fall again this week, averaging between 940 and 60,000.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping can happen this week. They could be linked to your practice contractions or round ligament pains on the side of your stomach. You might also experience leg cramps this week.
Speak to your doctor or midwife if abdominal cramping becomes more frequent, painful, or if there is any bleeding.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness usually happens in the first sixteen weeks of pregnancy, but some women still experience it at thirty-four weeks pregnant.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts might feel tender or sore this week. They might also start leaking early milk or feel full. You can wear breast pads to keep yourself dry or switch to a light bra at night to relieve soreness.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen throughout your pregnancy, including at week thirty-four. You might crave unusual food combinations or foods you previously didn’t like.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
You may pass urine more frequently at thirty-four weeks pregnant. Your growing baby can add pressure to your bladder, making you need to urinate more often.
While this can be frustrating, do not reduce your fluid intake to counteract frequent urination. You still need to be hydrated and consume plenty of fluids!
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue is common at thirty-four weeks pregnant. Many pregnant women suffer through the night as they struggle to get comfortable. Adding a pregnancy pillow or a pillow between your legs can help.
Will I Feel Bloated At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
You might feel bloated at thirty-four weeks pregnant. You can switch to smaller meals throughout the day and avoid eating late at night to help with bloating during pregnancy.
Will I Get A Headache At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are common throughout pregnancy, including at thirty-four weeks pregnant. Typically, women who suffer from headaches frequently before pregnancy will experience more headaches than others during pregnancy.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth is more common during the first trimester of pregnancy, but you can still experience it at thirty-four weeks pregnant.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell is common during your first trimester, but you can also experience it at thirty-four weeks pregnant.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
You might experience shortness of breath at thirty-four weeks pregnant. As your growing baby takes up more space in your body, it can restrict your lung space, leaving you feeling short of breath or breathless. This can feel worse when lying on your back or climbing stairs.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea is normal during pregnancy, but at thirty-four weeks pregnant, it could be a sign of early labour. Watch for other symptoms like contractions, and speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Once labour is ruled out, you should wait forty-eight hours to see if your diarrhea improves. Speak to your doctor if it does not.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
You can experience discharge throughout your pregnancy, including at thirty-four weeks pregnant. Your discharge will likely be milky or white with little to no odour. Any changes in your discharge should be reported to your midwife or doctor so they can check for infections.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain is common at thirty-four weeks pregnant. Your body is carrying extra weight, and as your ligaments and joints are looser, this can add pressure to your back, causing pain.
Speak to your doctor if your back pain worsens or impacts your day.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings are common during the first trimester of pregnancy, but you can still experience them at thirty-four weeks pregnant. Changes to your pregnancy hormones are the likely cause of mood swings.
Is Spotting Normal At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting might be harmless at thirty-four weeks pregnant, but it could also be a sign of something serious, so be sure to get it checked out immediately.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 34 Weeks Pregnant?
The following symptoms are also common at thirty-four weeks pregnant:
- Piles
- Stretch marks
- Bleeding and swollen gums
- Swollen ankles, feet, and hands
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Urine infections
- Vaginal infections
- Dizziness
- Raised basal temperature (feeling hot)
- Spotty and oily skin
- Shinier and thicker hair
- Brown patches or darkened skin on your face
How Big Is A Baby At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby now measures roughly 45cm long from head to heel and is about the size of a cantaloupe melon. Your baby is curled in your uterus with their legs bent up to their chest. There isn’t much space in your womb now, but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel them move.
You can expect to feel them shifting around, and you might see your bump change, too. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t have a perfectly round stomach; lumps and bumps are common when your baby is moving.
Your baby’s testicles will descend into their scrotum if you are having a boy. Their genitals can look enlarged when born, but this is mainly swelling. It is often caused by a late rush of hormones or extra fluid and will go down in a few days.
Can You Feel The Baby At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you can feel your baby at thirty-four weeks pregnant. Your baby has less space to move around thanks to their growth spurt, but that won’t stop them. It might mean you feel a few more kicks to the ribs as they shuffle around in your stomach.
These moves might be seen outside of your stomach, too. It is not uncommon to see your belly move as your baby wriggles. It can be a special moment to share with your partner, family, or friends. It also picks up well on camera, so have your phone at the ready to record this precious memory!
Should you notice any changes to your baby’s movements, like a sudden decrease, speak to your doctor or midwife immediately. Do not wait; it is better to talk to them sooner rather than later in case of complications.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty-four weeks pregnant, a miscarriage is considered a stillbirth. The common symptoms include a decrease in your baby’s movements or your baby has stopped moving, abdominal pressure or pain, bleeding, and pregnancy symptoms stopping.
Your waters might break, and you might deliver your baby quickly, or you might not experience any symptoms. Not all women will know they have miscarried their baby until they attend an antenatal or ultrasound appointment.
At thirty-four weeks pregnant, you will have to deliver your baby if you have a miscarriage. This can be done at the hospital, and you might be offered medication to induce labour. Some women might be allowed to wait for labour to start naturally at home, depending on any complications they might have.
Your doctor can explain your options and offer any support you might need during this difficult time.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
The chance of a stillbirth at thirty-four weeks is quite low. The rate of stillbirths in Australia in 2020 sat at 2.6 per 1,000 births, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. This includes stillbirths from ninety-eight weeks pregnant onwards, giving you a low chance of a stillbirth.
The chances of a stillbirth do increase depending on any pregnancy complications, if you smoke or drink during pregnancy, or your weight. Your doctor can explain these factors and how they might apply to you and your pregnancy.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
The following precautions should be taken to maintain your health at thirty-four weeks pregnant.
Eat A Balanced Diet
Try to eat a healthy and balanced diet this week. Your doctor might recommend increasing your calorie consumption by two hundred a day, which you can incorporate easily. A varied diet of lean protein, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats should be consumed.
You can still enjoy treats, but ensure that most of your diet is fuelling your body and baby with the necessary nutrients. Your doctor can help you with this if needed.
Stay Hydrated
You should also drink plenty of water throughout your pregnancy. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) found that drinking water during pregnancy aids digestion, circulates nutrients through your body, and helps form the amniotic fluid around your baby.
The ACOG recommends drinking eight to twelve glasses of water daily throughout pregnancy to remain hydrated.
Stop Smoking
You should stop smoking if you have not already. Smoking during pregnancy is extremely dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that smoking doubles your risk of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and delivery.
Smoking can also increase your baby’s risk of congenital disabilities and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Speak to your doctor if you need help to stop smoking during pregnancy.
Allow Yourself To Rest
You are likely to feel tired this week. There is plenty going on to zap your energy, so be sure to get plenty of rest. It can seem hard, especially if you feel there is lots to do before your baby arrives – but now is the time to delegate.
Enlist the help of your partner, family, and friends to help where necessary so that you can rest as much as possible. After all, there won’t be much time to rest when you have a newborn baby at home. Naps during the day can help your body rest and head to bed earlier than normal.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty-four weeks pregnant, the following foods should be avoided.
- Raw juices and smoothies
- Highly processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurised dairy and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw sprouts
- Organ meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Deli or processed meat
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Seafood with high mercury content
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all alcoholic drinks at thirty-four weeks pregnant. Alcohol is extremely dangerous to consume while pregnant, according to the CDC. It can increase your chances of stillbirth and could cause behavioural, intellectual, emotional, and physical disabilities, known under the umbrella term of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs).
These include lifelong conditions and disabilities that can impact how your baby moves, thinks, and interacts with others. There is no safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy; even a small amount can increase your baby’s chance of FASDs. Speak to your doctor if you need help to stop drinking.
You should also reduce your caffeine intake during pregnancy. Consuming more than 350mg of caffeine a day increases your risk of preterm labour, low birth weight, or a miscarriage. The Royal College of Midwives recommends reducing caffeine intake to 200mg daily during pregnancy to prevent this.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid any supplement that your doctor does not recommend you take. Most supplements are labelled unsuitable for pregnant women and should not be consumed. Unless your doctor’s orders state to take a certain supplement, we recommend avoiding them. It is not worth the risk to your baby’s health!
Can I Exercise While 34 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise at thirty-four weeks pregnant. You should avoid high-impact exercises or contact sports. Low-impact exercises like walking and swimming should be done instead. Frequent walks will help you keep your fitness levels up and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and excessive weight gain, according to The National Library of Medicine.
You can speak to your healthcare provider if you are unsure what exercises to do during your third trimester.
Is It Safe To Travel When 34 Weeks Pregnant?
Travelling at thirty-four weeks pregnant is safe, but there are some things to consider. Air travel is usually deemed unsafe at this point for pregnant women with multiple pregnancies, but you could still travel by car or public transport if your midwife or doctor has approved the travel.
Women with single pregnancies can fly up to thirty-six weeks pregnant, but you will need a fit to fly letter for your airline. This must state your due date, any complications, and how many babies you are carrying. Your airline might also ask for other information, so check this before travelling.
You should also check if there are any vaccinations you need before travelling to another country or advisories in place for pregnant women. It is also worth considering whether you want to travel at thirty-four weeks pregnant. You might feel too uncomfortable to travel, or you might be worried about going into labour early. You can talk this through with your midwife or doctor to decide what is best for you.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at thirty-four weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 34 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to have sex at thirty-four weeks pregnant unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or midwife.
How Should I Sleep At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
You might struggle to sleep at thirty-four weeks pregnant. All that extra weight you carry can make finding a comfortable sleeping position hard. Adding extra pillows to soothe any sore areas or using a pregnancy pillow can help you get more comfortable at night.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 34 Weeks Pregnant?
You should sleep on your side at thirty-four weeks pregnant. This is considered the safest sleeping position as it does not add pressure to your belly and can relieve back pain.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 34 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date is to use the date of your last menstrual period. This is the LMP method and is the most common way to calculate a due date. Take the first day of your last menstrual period and count forward forty weeks or 280 days. This will give you an estimated due date.
You can also use the due date provided by your doctor or midwife. This is usually given during the first ultrasound, your dating scan. This due date is based on your baby’s development and size rather than your menstrual cycle.
Remember, these due dates are just estimates. It is not uncommon for women to give birth before or after their due dates.
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 34 Weeks Pregnant?
You might notice that your pregnancy symptoms stop this week, which can happen when your body moves down to your pelvis. This process will free up space in your abdomen and give your lungs more space to breathe. You might also notice that pressure on your stomach eases, which can feel like a relief for many women. It also means you are one step closer to giving birth (although it is still a few weeks away).
Another body change this week is frequent urination and struggling to walk. You might find that you waddle more and struggle to walk as far as you used to. Don’t put pressure on yourself to maintain your previous exercise routines. Walk as far as you can and allow plenty of time to rest rather than push yourself too far.
Another body change this week is weight gain. Your baby is undergoing rapid weight gain to prepare for life outside of the womb, which means you might notice the numbers on the scales creep up.
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your body is slowly preparing for birth. The practice contractions and your baby moving down into the head down position are both signs that your body is getting ready to evict your baby in a few weeks!
While it is getting ready for labour, your body is still caring for your unborn baby. The increased blood flow is circulating, ensuring that you and your baby are getting the blood you need to continue moving. The increased blood flow does mean that your blood is circulating slower than normal, which might make you feel dizzy or lightheaded if you stand up too quickly or when climbing stairs.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
The following tips will help you to prepare for the remainder of your pregnancy.
Pack Your Hospital Bag
You can pack your hospital bag if you haven’t already. Your hospital bag should contain all the items you need for your hospital stay for you and your newborn. A change of clothes for you, some toiletries, maternity pads, and clothing for your baby should be included. Your midwife can run through what items you must take into the hospital.
You can check out many videos online to see what other new mothers are packing in their bags. Here is our favourite video for a comprehensive look at what you should pack in a hospital bag.
Confirm Your Birth Plan
You will have likely already created your birth plan, so take another look at it to see if you want to make any changes. You might have found that your current birth plan cannot go ahead (under medical advice) and need to amend it. In these circumstances, your doctor or midwife will review your labour options and offer advice where possible.
It’s worth looking at your birth plan to see if there are any changes you want to make or if you have anything in the plan that you want to discuss or question with your midwife or doctor.
Attend Birthing Classes
You can also attend birthing classes in your local area. These can help you to prepare for your upcoming labour and delivery. They are also an opportunity to ask questions and gather advice for your upcoming labour. Labour can be a scary prospect for many pregnant women, so use this opportunity to put your worries or concerns to bed.
Birthing classes are also an excellent way to meet other expecting mothers in your area. These women could quickly become friends you can turn to for support, advice, and anything you need during the last few weeks of your pregnancy.
Pregnancy can be a lonely time for some women; it’s worth exploring every avenue where you can find support and some company.
Take Care Of Your Mental Health
You are bound to feel a mixture of emotions as your pregnancy comes to an end. Fluctuating hormone levels, along with anxieties about labour and the next chapter in your life, can leave many women struggling with their mental health.
You must take care of your mental health over the next few weeks. Take time to work through your feelings, reaching out for support where needed. Take the time you need to physically rest, but mentally rest, too.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, everything you need to know about your thirty-fourth week of pregnancy. Your due date is creeping closer, so while you might feel uncomfortable, remember it isn’t for much longer! Make sure you keep an eye on any symptoms and seek medical advice if you are unsure about anything. After all, it is better to be safe and ensure your and your baby’s health!