What to expect at thirty-four weeks pregnant. Everything you need to know about you and your baby at week thirty-four of your pregnancy.

At thirty-four weeks pregnant you are really feeling at one with your baby. Prepare to see your baby’s gorgeous little hands and feet poking through your tummy. You’ve got six weeks to go and you need to spend this time eating healthily, doing light exercise and resting well.

You’re likely feeling huge in every way, from your bump to your breasts. In fact, you’ve probably adopted the signature pregnancy waddle as a result of your weight. You also might be lucky enough to have noticed an easing of symptoms. This drop down is called ‘lightening’.

Keep reading for our tips on how to embrace this time in your pregnancy, as well as more information about what to expect when you’re expecting. Alternatively, if it’s another week you’re curious about, head to our pregnancy week by week page.

Thirty-Four Weeks Pregnant Baby Size

If you’ve been following our week-by-week guide, we imagine you are probably eager to find out what fruit your baby is measuring up to this week. Grab your nearest cantaloupe melon; this should give you an idea of the size of your little one.

Your Baby at Thirty-Four Weeks Pregnant

8 months in, your baby is experiencing changes into the little human they are. Tiny fingernails and toenails have appeared, and they have begun to settle into a sleeping pattern. With their eyes opening and closing whenever they sleep, babies are now in a little routine. Your sleeping schedule, however, may not be running quite so smoothly. Difficulty sleeping is a common symptom of pregnancy in your third trimester and is nothing to worry about.

If you are struggling to sleep, here’s some news to reassure you: your baby can now recognize your voice and even lullabies. Research suggests that if you sing a lullaby to your baby from this stage during your pregnancy, it’s likely they will recognize and be soothed by it once they are born. The reason for this is that your baby’s cochlea is maturing. The cochlea is the part of the ear that sends messages to the brain.

Thirty-Four Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

At this point in your pregnancy, there is a chance that your baby’s head is now facing down in your pelvis. Your uterus is therefore no longer putting so much pressure on your lungs. This means the shortness of breath you have been experiencing recently could be alleviated. However, other symptoms could still be bothering you. Read below for some potentially relatable content:

Constipation

An uncomfortable reality of being thirty-four weeks pregnant is constipation. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for constipation to be accompanied by hemorrhoids. Try doing Kegels to improve circulation to the area. Gentle walks and herbal teas should also ease the constipation.

Blurry Vision

If you’re low on sleep, this combined with a surge in hormones is enough to make your vision blurry. This is a common symptom at thirty-four weeks pregnant. However, if it is worrying you due to being accompanied by headaches, rapid weight gain and swelling, consult with your doctor or midwife. In some cases, this could be a sign of preeclampsia.

Vaginal Discharge

A rise in estrogen has caused rapid blood flow to your uterus and has stimulated the mucous membranes. Pantyliners should make this symptom a minor one.

Stretch Marks

This is a classic symptom of pregnancy and is something to see beauty and loveliness in. You will be more prone to stretch marks if you’re fair haired or fair skinned. Keep your weight gain gentle and gradual to minimize these marks as much as you can.

Leaking Colostrum

Colostrum is a pre-natal milk that will be a yellowish-cream in colour. You may notice a few drops leaking here and there. It’s not glamorous but it’s just your body preparing to breastfeed.

Pre-natal Blues

Experiencing depression during pregnancy is something that many mothers-to-be go through and don’t understand why. There are so many hormones being pumped around your body. You’re anxious about the birth, you’re protective about your baby and you are feeling a lot of societal pressure to act and feel a certain way. Between 14 and 23 percent of women experience depression during pregnancy so it’s important to understand you are not alone. If you are suffering from pre-natal depression, consult with your doctor or midwife and consider therapy. Help and support are always available to you.

For more information on development and milestones at every stage of your pregnancy, visit our pregnancy week by week page.