Pregnancy Week: 34

Exciting News!

At 34 weeks, your baby is almost ready to enter the world. Focus on resting, eating healthy, and preparing for labor. Your baby is already recognizing your voice, so keep talking, singing, and bonding with your little one.

You are now 6 weeks away from meeting your little one! Your body is making final preparations for labor, and your baby is growing fast.

Mom’s Health Concerns
  • Weight gain: You may have gained 14-18 kg by now.
  • Tiredness and lack of sleep due to discomfort.
  • Increased swelling in feet and ankles (normal, but watch for sudden swelling).
  • Difficulty walking due to pelvic pressure or back pain.
  • Shortness of breath as the baby pushes against your lungs.
  • Increased vaginal discharge, which is normal but should not be bloody or smelly.
Baby Activities
  • Your baby is about the size of a cantaloupe (muskmelon), measuring around 45 cm (17.7 inches) long and weighing approximately 2.2-2.5 kg (4.9-5.5 lbs )
  • Lungs are almost fully developed, preparing for the first breath.
  • Eyes can now open and close, and baby reacts to light.
  • Brain development is rapid, allowing the baby to dream during sleep.
  • Baby’s immune system is getting stronger, preparing to fight off infections after birth.
  • Baby continues to gain weight rapidly, adding more fat for warmth.
  • Baby can recognize your voice and familiar sounds. Talking or singing to your baby can help create a bond.
Symptoms
  • Strong baby movements – You may feel more intense kicks, stretches, and rolls.
  • Shortness of breath as the baby pushes against your diaphragm.
  • Increased pelvic pressure as the baby drops lower into the pelvis.
  • Back pain and hip pain due to the weight of the baby.
  • Braxton Hicks contractions (false contractions) may become stronger./li>
  • Frequent urination due to pressure on the bladder.
  • Swelling in feet, ankles, and hands (normal, unless sudden or severe).
  • Colostrum leakage from breasts as your body prepares for breastfeeding.
  • Trouble sleeping due to discomfort or frequent urination.
emotional changes
  • Mixed emotions about labor and motherhood.
  • Strong nesting instinct – You may feel like organizing or cleaning the house.
  • Increased anxiety about labor, delivery, and baby care.
  • Excitement about meeting your baby soon.
When to Call the Doctor
  • Severe abdominal pain, intense cramps, or back pain.
  • Heavy vaginal bleeding or abnormal discharge.
  • Severe headache, dizziness, or blurred vision.
  • Frequent painful contractions (more than 5 in an hour).
  • Sudden swelling in hands, face, or legs.
  • Decreased baby movements or no movement in a few hours.
Preparation Tips for Week 34
  • Pack your hospital bag – Include clothes, toiletries, baby clothes, and other essentials.
  • Discuss your birth plan with your doctor (normal delivery or C-section).
  • Plan your maternity leave if you're working.
  • Prepare a baby space at home – crib, clothes, diapers, etc.
  • Practice breathing exercises or attend prenatal classes.
safe-actions
The Good
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The Bad
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red-signal
Food to Eat
  • Calcium for strong bones – Milk, yogurt, cheese, almonds, sesame seeds.
  • Iron to prevent anemia – Spinach, red meat, beans, fortified cereals.
  • Protein for muscle development – Eggs, fish, chicken, lentils, tofu.
  • Fiber to prevent constipation – Fruits, vegetables, whole grains.
  • Healthy fats for brain development – Avocados, nuts, fish (low mercury).
  • Plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Food To Avoid
  • Raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and seafood.
  • Unpasteurized dairy products.
  • High-mercury fish (shark, swordfish, king mackerel).
  • Excess caffeine (limit to 200 mg/day).
  • Sugary, processed, and junk food.
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