fb tracking
No Result
View All Result
BellyBelly
  • Home
  • Getting Pregnant
    • Conception
    • Two Week Diaries
    • Conception Calculator
      • Conception Calculator
      • Ovulation Calculator
  • Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Articles
    • Pregnancy Week By Week
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Pregnancy Calculator
      • Pregnancy Calculator
      • Reverse Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Journals
      • Irene’s Pregnancy Journal
      • Pregnancy Diaries
      • Diary of Ambah article
      • Diary of Belinda article
      • Diary of Rachael article
      • Diary of Sherie
      • Diary of Janelle
      • Diary of Sharon
      • Diary of Lucy
      • Diary of Kathryn
      • Diary of Julie
    • Prenatal / Perinatal
  • Birth
    • Birth Articles
    • Doulas
    • Midwives
    • Birth Diaries
  • Mothers
    • Mother Articles
    • Post Natal/Post Partum
  • Baby
    • Baby Articles
    • Baby Week By Week
    • Star Signs For Baby
  • Sleep
    • Sleep
    • Conception Sleep
    • Pregnancy Sleep
    • Infant / Baby Sleep
      • Infant Sleep
      • Baby Sleep
    • Toddler Sleep
    • Weaning / Feeding Sleep
      • Feeding Sleep
      • Bottle Sleep
      • Formula Sleep
      • Weaning Sleep
    • Child Sleep
    • Adult / Family Sleep
      • Mothers Sleep
      • Fathers Sleep
      • Family Sleep
      • Cosleeping
  • Baby Names
    • Baby Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Gender-Neutral Baby Names
    • Unique Baby Names
  • Breastfeeding
    • Breastfeeding Articles
    • Breastfeeding Week by Week
    • Lactation Cookies
  • Toddler
  • Child
  • Men/Dads
  • Parenting
  • Health Lifestyle
    • Health
      • General Health
      • Cooking & Recipes
      • Meal Planning
      • Exercise
    • Lifestyle
      • Family Travel
      • Relationships
      • Men/Dads
  • General
    • Forum
    • Product Reviews
    • Competitions
  • Advertise
  • Home
  • Getting Pregnant
    • Conception
    • Two Week Diaries
    • Conception Calculator
      • Conception Calculator
      • Ovulation Calculator
  • Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Articles
    • Pregnancy Week By Week
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Pregnancy Calculator
      • Pregnancy Calculator
      • Reverse Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Journals
      • Irene’s Pregnancy Journal
      • Pregnancy Diaries
      • Diary of Ambah article
      • Diary of Belinda article
      • Diary of Rachael article
      • Diary of Sherie
      • Diary of Janelle
      • Diary of Sharon
      • Diary of Lucy
      • Diary of Kathryn
      • Diary of Julie
    • Prenatal / Perinatal
  • Birth
    • Birth Articles
    • Doulas
    • Midwives
    • Birth Diaries
  • Mothers
    • Mother Articles
    • Post Natal/Post Partum
  • Baby
    • Baby Articles
    • Baby Week By Week
    • Star Signs For Baby
  • Sleep
    • Sleep
    • Conception Sleep
    • Pregnancy Sleep
    • Infant / Baby Sleep
      • Infant Sleep
      • Baby Sleep
    • Toddler Sleep
    • Weaning / Feeding Sleep
      • Feeding Sleep
      • Bottle Sleep
      • Formula Sleep
      • Weaning Sleep
    • Child Sleep
    • Adult / Family Sleep
      • Mothers Sleep
      • Fathers Sleep
      • Family Sleep
      • Cosleeping
  • Baby Names
    • Baby Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Gender-Neutral Baby Names
    • Unique Baby Names
  • Breastfeeding
    • Breastfeeding Articles
    • Breastfeeding Week by Week
    • Lactation Cookies
  • Toddler
  • Child
  • Men/Dads
  • Parenting
  • Health Lifestyle
    • Health
      • General Health
      • Cooking & Recipes
      • Meal Planning
      • Exercise
    • Lifestyle
      • Family Travel
      • Relationships
      • Men/Dads
  • General
    • Forum
    • Product Reviews
    • Competitions
  • Advertise
No Result
View All Result
BellyBelly
No Result
View All Result
Home Pregnancy Week By Week

34 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect

Dawn Reid, EEPM CNCM MMID
by Dawn Reid, EEPM CNCM MMID
Last updated November 15, 2023
Reading Time: 8 min
Weeks Pregnant What To Expect

At 34 weeks pregnant, the excitement is building. You’re ticking off the weeks until it’s time to birth your baby.

The idea of giving birth might feel daunting.

But remember, you’ve spent this time building a great support team and getting informed about your choices for birth.

Take what those ‘well meaning’ advice mongers say with a grain of salt, and look forward to the rest of your journey.

If you have questions about what to expect at 34 weeks, read on.

34 weeks pregnant in months

You’re getting so close to the end of your third trimester now!

Maybe people ask you when is your baby due and how many months you are? At 34 weeks pregnant, you’re 8 months pregnant.

Trimester 3

Are You Getting BellyBelly’s Pregnancy Week By Week Emails?
We think they’re the best on the internet!
Click to get the FREE weekly updates our fans are RAVING about.

What should I expect at 34 weeks pregnant?

It’s really important to surround yourself with positivity, leading up to the arrival of your little one.

Most often the negative things you hear are related to other people’s experiences. This doesn’t mean you’ll have the same birth experience.

It’s especially hard if your mother or older women in your life have very negative views. If possible, ask them to keep their views to themselves to avoid stressing you out.

It can help to know what normal, undisturbed labor actually is, to ease your mind about how you’ll cope and get through it.

You might be feeling more Braxton Hicks contractions. These are ‘practice’ contractions to get your body used to the idea of labor.

It’s likely you have backache from the weight of the baby. It can help to have a nice deep bath, and perhaps to see a chiropractor.

It’s important to focus on having some quality time with your partner right now.

You’re getting closer to your due date and soon you’ll both be a little preoccupied. A babymoon break is a great way to spend time together and enjoy the last weeks of being just a couple.

Try to finish the task of getting together everything you need for your nursery.

If you’re unsure about the best way to move your baby about, why not consider a baby carrier?

You might find this is the best investment you make. There are lots of options to choose from. Babywearing is very popular these days, as mamas discover how much their babies love to be held.

Using a carrier means you can go for a walk, do housework or play with your other children, while you hold your baby.

Check out our informative article Choosing a Baby Carrier Or Sling – 7 Styles to Choose From to help you decide whether a carrier or sling is a good choice for you.

34 weeks pregnant blood when wiping

In pregnancy, the cervix is very vascular, which means it has a large blood supply it. During pregnancy, it doesn’t take much for it to bleed or start spotting.

Perhaps you’ve had sex and the touch contact has caused bleeding. Or something more serious could be occurring with your baby or placenta. If you have pain or any other concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your care provider immediately.

To be on the safe side, speak to your doctor if you have any bleeding when wiping at 34 weeks pregnant.

34 weeks pregnant pelvic pain

At 34 weeks of pregnancy, pelvic pain can be quite intense.

Due to the hormone relaxin, which is released to allow your muscles and ligaments to stretch in pregnancy and birth, your body is moving and stretching more than usual.

This can make the ligaments across your belly and pelvis stretch, particularly the symphysis pubis at the front of your pelvis. It can separate a little and is really uncomfortable for some women, and very debilitating for others.

Things you can do to help:

  • Wear a good support garment
  • Don’t do any heavy lifting
  • Sleep with a pregnancy pillow
  • Put your feet up and rest
  • Try simple pain relief.

Speak with your doctor for more advice, and see Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) During Pregnancy for more information.

34 weeks pregnant ultrasound

An ultrasound at 34 weeks isn’t routine, meaning you wouldn’t have a scan unless you or your care provider suspect there’s a complication with your baby.

Do your research, and speak to your trusted care provider to assess whether or not you need to have a scan.

Ultrasounds aren’t advised, unless completely necessary. There are risks as well as benefits in having them and it’s important you’re aware of those risks.

Unfortunately, many unnecessary scans are done without informed consent. This can lead to an intervention that could’ve been avoided, especially as ultrasound isn’t always accurate for weight and size of your baby.

34 weeks pregnant with twins

In many countries, twin births are usually planned to happen around 36-37 weeks. Most twin births naturally happen by 37 weeks.

Obstetricians and gynecologists will usually recommend steroids for twins, in case they come earlier than 37 weeks. Steroids help their lungs cope with life outside the womb.

Some obstetricians and gynecologists suggest booking a c-section by 37 weeks. Remember, it’s your decision. You might want to wait for your twins to come in their own time.

Finding a supportive healthcare provider who supports natural twin birth can be challenging, depending on where you live.

34 weeks pregnancy symptoms not to ignore

At 34 weeks pregnant, if you notice certain signs and symptoms, it’s vital you seek medical advice and contact your care provider immediately, for the safety of you and your baby.

Some of the symptoms to look out for are:

  • Headache with visual disturbances or vision changes
  • Constant pain in abdomen or anywhere else
  • Really sudden swelling in your legs, ankles, hands, feet and face
  • Mid sternum chest pain
  • You feel like your baby is not moving, or has reduced movement
  • You have vaginal bleeding
  • Your water breaks. It might be clear. Yellow-green indicates meconium might be in the amniotic fluid.

34 weeks pregnant – signs of labor

If you’re a first time mother, you’re probably analysing every little niggle and symptom for signs of labor.

It’s not unusual for your body to start preparing weeks before you actually go into labor. But 34 weeks is very early.

If you see any signs of labor at week 34 of pregnancy, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Signs of preterm labor include:

  • Cramps that feel like menstrual pain just above your pubic bone
  • Pressure, or an achy feeling in back, thighs or pelvis
  • Diarrhea, with or without cramps
  • Increased vaginal discharge that is thick and snot like (mucus plug)
  • Water leaking, or pink-brown discharge
  • Vaginal bleeding.

Be sure to read Premature Labour – Signs, Symptoms and Management for more information. 

Are babies fully developed at 34 weeks?

Your baby at 34 weeks looks like fully developed but there’s still some fine-tuning to go.

If your baby is a boy, his testicles within the scrotum will have descended by now.

When your baby is born you might notice the genitals are quite puffy and swollen.

This can be disconcerting, but it’s a result of your pregnancy hormones and very normal. Baby girls sometimes have a ‘mini menstruation’ as a result of these hormones.

Your baby’s fingernails are growing. By the time she’s born, she might need a manicure!

Your baby’s adrenal glands are kicking up cortisol production.

Cortisol stimulates the production of lung surfactant, which is linked to the time labor actually kicks off.

Even after 36 weeks of pregnancy, your baby’s lungs are still undergoing development.

At this stage, it’s important to give babies all the time they need to gestate, which is why it’s best to avoid unnecessary induction.

What Causes Labor To Start? has plenty of information about your baby’s lung development and labor. 

Although it varies with each individual, a baby’s lungs are not considered fully functioning until around 37 weeks gestation.

Can a 34 week baby breastfeed?

Congratulations on making the decision to breastfeed your baby.

Yes, you can breastfeed your baby if she’s born at 34 weeks. Many women find they already have colostrum and have ‘leaky breasts’ at this gestation.

Late preterm babies, born at 34 weeks gestation, may need help with breastfeeding but it’s excellent for them to have the chance for skin to skin contact with their mothers.

If you’re still unsure about breastfeeding, now is a great time to attend a local breastfeeding class.

A breastfeeding class can help you and your partner understand the importance of breast milk for your baby.

It’s also great for your partner to learn how best to support you in breastfeeding your baby.

If breastfeeding is a challenge, as it can be for some women, seek support from a lactation consultant.

34 weeks pregnant – baby movements

Babies develop their own pattern of movement, and most women can feel these movements from around the end of the second trimester.

By the time you are 34 weeks pregnant, you’re getting very familiar with your baby’s pattern of movement.

This pattern is different for all babies but shouldn’t change. Some babies move more in the evening or in the morning. Some kick all the time while others might punch.

Find out more in Baby Kicking – 9 Important Facts You Need To Know.

The key is if your pattern changes or you feel reduced movements, you need to contact your doctor for an assessment.

There are a few outdated practices out there – for example, have a cold drink and the baby will move, or your baby’s movements slow down in the third trimester.

This information isn’t correct and is potentially dangerous.

Babies do sleep and won’t move as much during this stage. If you’re not sure how long your baby has been quiet, or if you’re at all concerned about your baby’s movements, it’s always best to contact your healthcare provider.

What position is the baby in at 34 weeks of pregnancy?

At 34 weeks pregnant your baby can be in any position she likes!

Most babies toss and turn before they settle head down, usually in the next few weeks. If your baby isn’t yet head down, there’s still plenty of time for her to get into the optimal fetal position.

Be mindful not to recline too much and try a more forward leaning position to encourage the baby into an anterior position (where her back is facing your belly).

Here are some tips to help get the baby into an optimal position:

  • Optimal fetal positioning with Spinning Babies
  • Acupuncture
  • Chiropractic care
  • Relaxation – let that oxytocin flow.

Chat to your midwife or doctor or midwife for more advice.

More information about baby position can be found in Optimal Fetal Positioning – How To Make Birth Easier.

34 weeks pregnant baby weight in kg

At 34 weeks pregnant, your baby’s weight could be as much as 2.6 kgs (5.7 pounds), and she is about 39-47 cm long (15-18 inches) – about the size of a cantaloupe.

Previous Post

33 Weeks Pregnant | Symptoms, Belly And Birth Plan

Next Post

Attachment Parenting – What Is It?

Dawn Reid, EEPM CNCM MMID

Dawn Reid, EEPM CNCM MMID

Dawn Reid is a mother of four and is married to a wonderful man for more than 27 years. She's been a midwife and nurse for over 30 years, with experience in many areas - most recently in her own private practice. Dawn is passionate about advocacy, rights and informed consent for women and their families. She loves travel, reading, fishing and the beach. Dawn is pursuing her PhD in Midwifery in 2021 and is very excited to be a writer at BellyBelly.

Next Post
Attachment Parenting What Is It

Attachment Parenting - What Is It?

Featured Articles

how to conceive a boy

How To Conceive A Boy | 6 Special Tips to Have A Baby Boy

Last updated 4 months ago
endometriosis stage

Endometriosis Stages | Understanding The 4 Critical Stages

Last updated 7 months ago

Authors

  • Amy Cameron, RM, IBCLC
    Amy Cameron, RM, IBCLC
  • Anne Macnaughtan
    Anne Macnaughtan
  • BellyBelly Ed
    BellyBelly Ed
  • Carly Grubb B.Ed (Primary) Hons.
    Carly Grubb B.Ed (Primary) Hons.
  • Darren Mattock
    Darren Mattock
  • David Rawlings
    David Rawlings
  • David Vernon
    David Vernon
  • Dawn Reid, EEPM CNCM MMID
    Dawn Reid, EEPM CNCM MMID
  • Deborah Cooper
    Deborah Cooper
  • Desiree Spierings
    Desiree Spierings
  • Sarah Buckley
    Sarah Buckley
  • Dr. Jack Newman MD FRCPC
    Dr. Jack Newman MD FRCPC
  • Dr. Thomas W. Hale
    Dr. Thomas W. Hale
  • Emily Brittingham, IBCLC, BHSc
    Emily Brittingham, IBCLC, BHSc
  • Emily Robinson
    Emily Robinson
  • Fiona Peacock
    Fiona Peacock
  • Gloria Lemay
    Gloria Lemay
  • Graham White
    Graham White
  • Heather Hack-Sullivan CPM, LDM, BS in Midwifery
    Heather Hack-Sullivan CPM, LDM, BS in Midwifery
  • Christopher Tang
    Christopher Tang
  • Irene Garzon BSc (Hons) Midwifery
    Irene Garzon BSc (Hons) Midwifery
  • Janet Powell
    Janet Powell
  • Jared Osborne
    Jared Osborne
  • Jennifer Block
    Jennifer Block
  • Joana Camato
    Joana Camato
  • Jordan Gray
    Jordan Gray
  • Kara Wilson
    Kara Wilson
  • Karen Wilmot RM, RYT, MAEd
    Karen Wilmot RM, RYT, MAEd
  • Kelly Rennie
    Kelly Rennie
  • Kelly Winder
    Kelly Winder
Tools and Features

Tools and Features

Get your birth education video

Get your birth education video

Join our Week by Week emails

Join our Week by Week emails

Get your free ebook

Get your free ebook

Belly Belly Logo

We’re passionate about women and men feeling informed, confident and prepared for pregnancy, birth and early parenting.

  • Home
  • Getting Pregnant
  • Pregnancy
  • Birth
  • Mothers
  • Baby
  • Health Lifestyle
  • Product Reviews
  • Pregnancy Symptoms
  • Pregnancy Week by Week
  • Baby Week by Week
  • Sleep
  • Baby Names
  • Breastfeeding
  • Toddler
  • Child
  • Parenting
  • Sleep Education Series
  • Breastfeeding Week by Week
  • Toddler Week by Week

OUR NETWORK

  • Belly Belly Logo
    bellybelly.com.au
  • Around the World Plus Kids
    www.aroundtheworldpluskids.com.au
  • Doula Training
    www.doula-training.com.au
  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise

© Copyright 2002–2025 BellyBelly, All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Getting Pregnant
    • Conception
    • Two Week Diaries
    • Conception Calculator
      • Conception Calculator
      • Ovulation Calculator
  • Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Articles
    • Pregnancy Week By Week
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Pregnancy Calculator
      • Pregnancy Calculator
      • Reverse Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Journals
      • Irene’s Pregnancy Journal
      • Pregnancy Diaries
      • Diary of Ambah article
      • Diary of Belinda article
      • Diary of Rachael article
      • Diary of Sherie
      • Diary of Janelle
      • Diary of Sharon
      • Diary of Lucy
      • Diary of Kathryn
      • Diary of Julie
    • Prenatal / Perinatal
  • Birth
    • Birth Articles
    • Doulas
    • Midwives
    • Birth Diaries
  • Mothers
    • Mother Articles
    • Post Natal/Post Partum
  • Baby
    • Baby Articles
    • Baby Week By Week
    • Star Signs For Baby
  • Sleep
    • Sleep
    • Conception Sleep
    • Pregnancy Sleep
    • Infant / Baby Sleep
      • Infant Sleep
      • Baby Sleep
    • Toddler Sleep
    • Weaning / Feeding Sleep
      • Feeding Sleep
      • Bottle Sleep
      • Formula Sleep
      • Weaning Sleep
    • Child Sleep
    • Adult / Family Sleep
      • Mothers Sleep
      • Fathers Sleep
      • Family Sleep
      • Cosleeping
  • Baby Names
    • Baby Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Gender-Neutral Baby Names
    • Unique Baby Names
  • Breastfeeding
    • Breastfeeding Articles
    • Breastfeeding Week by Week
    • Lactation Cookies
  • Toddler
  • Child
  • Men/Dads
  • Parenting
  • Health Lifestyle
    • Health
      • General Health
      • Cooking & Recipes
      • Meal Planning
      • Exercise
    • Lifestyle
      • Family Travel
      • Relationships
      • Men/Dads
  • General
    • Forum
    • Product Reviews
    • Competitions
  • Advertise

© Copyright 2002–2025 BellyBelly, All Rights Reserved.