Your baby at 34 weeks
Your baby is the size of a large melon.
Making the drop
If your baby is a boy, his testicles are now descending into his scrotum. If your infant's scrotum seems large right after birth, don't worry: the swelling is due to extra fluid and will go down in a week or so.
No vacancy
Your baby is moving around less frequently, mostly because of the cramped quarters. At a hefty 2.2 to 2.3 kg (4.7 to 5 lb) and 39.4 to 41.9 cm (15.5 to 16 inches) long, baby is right up against the wall of the uterus. You're probably pretty good at guessing which body part (foot? elbow? arm?) is protruding at the 34th week of pregnancy.
Baby blues
At the moment, your little one's eyes are blue. The pigmentation process in the iris won't be complete until your little one’s eyes have been exposed to light for several weeks after birth.
Your pregnancy at 34 weeks
Is it show time?
With only a few weeks to go, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the signs of labor.
The most common symptoms are:
- regular contractions that occur at increasingly short intervals. Also find out early symptoms of labor here.
- lower-back pain accompanied by menstrual-like cramps
- your water “breaking” (rupturing of the amniotic sac)
- blood-tinged discharge (indicating that your cervix has started dilating).
- You may have signs of labor days or even weeks before you actually give birth. If you experience any of these, call your healthcare provider immediately.
Finalizing your birth plan
You've probably discussed your wishes with your health care provider, your partner and the family members you'd like present at the birth. Now is a great time to review your preferences again with your doctor or midwife to refresh his or her memory and make sure you're both still on the same page at the 34th week of pregnancy.
Twin development at week 34
The vernix caseosa that covers your babies’ skin is thickening this week. The vernix caseosa helps your babies regulate their temperature and protects their skin against water loss. It also plays a role in immunity.
Though twins are usually smaller than singletons, your babies might be reaching nearly a foot long from crown to rump.
34 weeks pregnant symptoms
- trouble sleeping
- frequent urination
- fatigue
- sciatica
- shortness of breath
- heartburn and indigestion
Did you know?
Your baby’s weight gain will start to slow down in the last weeks of pregnancy. If a newborn baby continued to grow at this same rate, your little one would weigh 90.7 kg (200 lb) by his or her first birthday!
34 Weeks Pregnant: What is Happening Inside Your Womb?
Want to know more about your upcoming week? Find out what to expect during the 35th week of pregnancy for you and your baby here.
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