34 Weeks Pregnant
What’s happening this week? 34 weeks pregnant fetal development?
You’re 34 weeks pregnant and your baby will be considered full term in just 3 weeks. By now your baby should have settled in his final position, which you hope is head down which is the best position for a vaginal delivery.
Your baby’s digestive system is fully mature and functional, which means if he were to be born now, you would be able to feed him both breast milk or formula.
There’s not a lot of space in your womb right now, and any movements your baby makes may become uncomfortable.
At 34 weeks pregnant, your baby may measures around 45 cm and weighs up to 2.1 kg. Your baby will continue to put on weight in the upcoming weeks and is likely to be born weighing over 3 kg.
How is my body changing?
By 34 weeks pregnant, your uterus has moved upward and now sits about 13-15 cm above your belly button.
Make sure you rest while you can and spend quality time with your partner, because your baby will take over your life when he arrives!
That’s probably easier said than done, as you’re increasingly uncomfortable. Try to maintain a good posture, and continue with gentle exercise to alleviate your back pain and general discomfort.
You may feel your baby drop into your pelvis soon (called lightning) in preparation for delivery. However, this may not occur until a few hours before delivery.
This may help you breath more easily, as your baby is now sitting lower in your abdomen, but it will increase pelvic pressure and even walking may become uncomfortable.
By 34 weeks you probably gained about 25-27 pounds, and this could have reached 30 pounds if you’re carrying twins.
Will I need an episiotomy?
This is an incision from your vagina to the top of your rectum, done to avoid tearing during delivery.
Doctors say it prevents unnecessary lacerations, but as with any incision, there’s a risk of infection and will increase healing time after delivery.
The best way to avoid it is to go through a slow and controlled delivery, but if your baby is distressed, it may be the only option to have him delivered rapidly. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.