Your baby at week thirty four of pregnancy
You’re now not so little one may have extended to 45cm in length, and weighs just over 2kg!
Your little one’s eyes now open when they are awake, and close when they are asleep. If your baby is a boy, then his testicles will start to ‘drop’, moving from higher up in the abdomen to his scrotum. Do not be alarmed if your little boy is born with undescended testicles, three to four percent of baby boys are born like this and their testicles normally drop within their first year.
At antenatal checks your baby is probably lying with his or her head down now ready for delivery, but if not do not worry as there is still plenty of time for your baby to move into the correct position. If they do not do this on their own your doctor can help with this.
Your baby’s lungs are now fully developed and he or she will be able to breathe independently after birth, and their little toenails and fingernails have grown, and still are growing, so much so that if your baby makes a late appearance, their nails may need clipping straight after birth!
Your body at week thirty four of pregnancy
The top of your bump is now about 14.5cm from your belly button and you may be able to balance a cup on this when you are sitting down! The height of your bump and your womb pressing up against your lungs and diaphragm will be making it harder for you to breathe deeply. Until your baby drops down into your pelvis before delivery you will feel cramped and uncomfortable. Try sleeping propped up on a couple of pillows and sitting with your shoulders back really does help with breathing.
Varicose veins often make an appearance at this stage of pregnancy and if you have a family history of varicose veins you are much more likely to suffer from them. Keep your legs elevated as often as you can and wearing support stockings can help. Be careful of your weight as being overweight also predisposes you to developing varicose veins.
You may notice that your belly button is starting to stick out as your bump grows bigger and the skin tighter.
What you may be feeling at week thirty four of pregnancy
You may feel hotter than those around you; your core body temperature will be higher. You are probably feeling more than just a little bit exhausted and maybe even a little bit self-conscious about your pregnant body, but there are only a few more weeks left and then everything from your popped belly button to your eyesight will return to normal, only everything about you will be improved, because you will be a new mum with a beautiful baby in your arms!
Common symptoms at week thirty four of pregnancy
- Frequent urination
- Tender, heavy breasts which may leak colostrum (the first milk your baby will have)
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Irritability and mood swings
- Heartburn
- Clumsiness
- Blurry vision
- Feeling hot
- Varicose veins
Tips for week thirty four of pregnancy
- Remember to bend your knees when picking things up, to protect your back and joints
- Wear light layers so that you can easily adjust to your ever changing body temperature.
- Keep your legs elevated as much as you can to aid circulation, minimize puffiness and swelling of the legs and to help avoid or ease varicose veins.
If you have any symptoms that concern you it is important to consult your doctor as soon as you can.