For more information about week 34 in a twin or multiple pregnancy, tap here.
How’s Baby?
Right now, Baby is measuring in at around 18 inches, the size of a savoy cabbage, and weighs in the neighborhood of 5 lbs. But your baby has some growing to do, and your little one’s lungs, brain, and central nervous system will keep rapidly developing. Baby’s immune system is still not yet mature, so your little one will depend on your body sharing antibodies to help them fight future infections. Getting recommended third trimester vaccines can aid in this process. What other exciting developments are happening? The vernix caseosa, that slippery coating that protects Baby’s skin, is now covering their body as they get closer to delivery day. Your little one is also peeing up to a pint (473 mL) a day and preparing that tarry meconium for their first poop.
What’s new with you?
As Baby gets stronger, you might feel less energetic. Try to get as much rest as possible, to stay active with movement you enjoy if you can, and eat a range of nutritious foods that help you feel good. This won’t make all of your symptoms go away, but it can help you feel as good as possible — and your due date is on the horizon now.
What symptoms might you be dealing with in week 34? Third trimester symptoms like swollen feet, constipation, heartburn and hemorrhoids may also be at a high point right now. And while these symptoms are common, if uncomfortable, side effects of pregnancy, make sure to tell your healthcare provider if you notice your vision changing, headaches, pain in your upper abdomen, and/or if your hands or feet swell suddenly, as these could be signs of preeclampsia, which is dangerous for both you and your baby.
Your hormones are also preparing your pelvis for birth, so you might notice some new symptoms, including increased vaginal discharge and the need to pee more frequently. And your expanding belly and pelvis could cause an increase in lower back pain at this point. As annoying as these symptoms are, just remember that these changes are your body’s way of preparing for labor and birth.
It’s also time to make sure that your hospital or birthing center trip and your time away from home are planned out. Is your bag packed? If you already have a little one at home, do you have someone on call for babysitting? If you have a pet, do you have someone ready to pet-sit? Do you have any details to sort out at work? And even if you know the way to the hospital or birthing center, it doesn’t hurt to do a dry run to see how long it realistically takes to get there from door to door. If you’re delivering at a larger hospital, it’s also a good idea to double-check what entrance to use, where to park, and what paperwork you’ll have to deal with when you are admitted. If you get all of these ducks in a row, it will leave you with a lot less to stress out about on your big day.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
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Sources
- G Singh, G Archana. “Unraveling the mystery of vernix caseosa.” Indian Journal of Dermatology. 53(2): 54-60. Web. 2008.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Fetal development: The 3rd trimester.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. June 30, 2020. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20045997.
- Mark A Curran, M.D. “Fetal Development.” Perinatology.com. Perinatology.com. March 31, 2019. https://www.perinatology.com/Reference/Fetal%20development.htm#1.
