34th Week of Pregnancy: Changes, Symptoms, Foods & Self Care

Congratulations! You are less than 2 months from D-day. You are in your 34^th week now but you feel like you have been pregnant for a lifetime now.

Don’t you? This week is going to be a bit of relief from indigestion and heartburn and this might get you some comfort.

But there is one thing you should know that might be situations when your baby can arrive after the 38^th week or it can take a couple of weeks after your due date too.

Doctors wait till your baby is ready healthy enough for the outer world. 

What to expect in my 34^th week of pregnancy?

• Contractions will be very common.
• Your little one’s small hands and feet are visible through your belly.
• You will finally get relief from your heartburn.
• You might suffer from insomnia.

Expected Changes in your Body

• Due to excessive fluid in your body, you can feel a bit bulky. Try drinking plenty of fluids to flush out the accumulated fluid from your system.
• Your uterus is still growing and if you look down, you’ll notice that your uterus is about 5 inches above your navel.
• You might be suffering from blurry vision.
• Your pregnancy hormones have decreased the production of tears and that can leave your eyes itchy.

In case you have preterm labor, make sure you look out for these changes in your body:

• Mild abdominal cramps
• Excessive discharge
• If you see that your vaginal discharge is watery, bloody, or with excess mucus.
• Lingering dull pain in the lower back.
• Contractions at regular intervals or frequently.
• Water breaking

Baby’s development

• Your baby is about 17 inches long by now and weighs around 5 pounds. Your little one is almost the size of a cantaloupe now. 
• You might finally get relief from the sudden fetal movements as there is not much space left in the womb for your little champ to do cartwheels.
• Your little one is developing its sleep schedule with her eyes closed when she is snoozing and eyes open when she is awake.
• Vermix, the waxy, cheesy coating on your little one is thickening now and will start to shred in the upcoming few weeks.
• The baby’s little hands and feet can be seen through your belly as the uterine wall is gradually becoming thinner.
• Your little one has taken his/her position for delivery.
• If you are pregnant with a boy, then by now his testicles have dropped into the scrotum.

Twin Development

The vernix caseosa which is like a covering on your babies’ skin is thickening. It helps your babies to regulate their temperature and it also helps them to retain their immunity.

Your babies are almost a foot long by now.

Symptoms

Constipation and gas: 

Your uterus continues to grow and it becomes a burden for the rectum to handle. You have been facing constipation for the past few weeks and you know it’s your pregnancy hormones who are behind this.

The pregnancy hormones have relaxed your intestinal muscles and this might make you feel gassier. Have 6 small meals instead of having three big ones.

Backaches: 

Your joints and ligaments in the pelvic have started to relax and have started to prepare for labor and delivery.

With your ever-growing uterus, the center of gravity is starting to shift and this might make you difficult to balance.

The pressure that your uterus is putting on your pelvic area is the reason behind the sharp pain that you are experiencing. Keep aside your pretty heels and start wearing flats.

Breast growth: 

The increased blood flow to your breasts is making them grow larger day by day. They are preparing for breastfeeding.

And you might find them leaking now and then. Wear your maternity bra while going to bed.

Wearing a good maternity bra or a cotton sports bra can give some support to your ultrasensitive breasts.

Braxton Hicks contractions: 

These are so-called practice contractions that you have been facing for the last few weeks.

They can be extremely painful but if you try changing positions then they will gradually ease.

Shortness of Breath: 

Your belly is growing and pushing aside anything and everything that is coming it’s way. After all your little prince/princess demands all the space to move around now.

The increasing belly also puts pressure on the lungs, restricting their expansion.

This can make you feel out of breath, though your little one is getting adequate oxygen. Maintain a good posture, like standing straight, so that your lungs can get some space to breathe.

Sharp pain in the pelvic area: 

During this week, the ligaments in your pelvic area are starting to loosen and become flexible to adapt to the situation during labor and delivery.

The constant contraction and relaxation of the ligaments can result in sharp dull pain in the pelvic area and lower back.

Be very careful while walking downstairs; do not stand or sit in the same position for a long period.

Consult your doctor if you experience unbearable pain and also do your prenatal exercises to alleviate the pain.

Stretch marks: 

There is nothing to get scared of the stretch marks as they signify a good pregnancy. As your uterus keep on increasing in its size, the skin starts to expand too.

Pink and purple lines start to appear near your breasts, thighs, and belly. You might have itchy skin due to the dryness. Keep your skin well moisturized always.

Edema: 

Your increase in weight and size have made your tissues accumulate and retain fluids. This can result in swelling in the ankles, feet, and fingers.

Wear comforting footwear to help and provide relief to your swollen feet. Also, Consumption of Antibiotics should not be done unless advised by doctors. 

Increase in hair growth: 

You will notice hair growth in unusual places like your cheeks, chin, and back. Your skin is pretty sensitive during pregnancy, so it is better to constrain yourself from waxing.

Leaky breasts: 

Your due date is nearing and since you are on your last trimester, you’ll notice that your breasts have started to leak colostrum which is a yellowish pre-milk. 

Insomnia: 

As your delivery day is nearing, you are getting more anxious about it and that is bound to take away your sleep.

The sudden leg cramps and innumerable visits to the washroom will disturb your sleep. Listen to soft music and meditate to keep your mind calm and composed. You can consider taking a bath in lukewarm water. 

Tips for a healthy pregnancy this week

Take extra care of your eyes: 

Tear production is at a halt now, so that can cause great irritation. Before heading out, wear your sunglasses and keep an eye drop handy, so that you are always ready when your eyes feel uncomfortable.

Keep a check on your salt intake: 

Doctors usually recommend a low-sodium diet during pregnancy. Having just the right amount of salt in your food or consuming lightly salted foods helps your body to regulate fluids.

You can crave pickles and ice-creams now but make sure you do not oversalt whatever you are eating. Too much or too little salt, neither of them are good for your baby and you.

Adequate Calcium intake: 

Calcium is an absolute necessity during pregnancy for both you and your baby. Drinking milk will give you calcium but it isn’t sufficient.

Have leafy vegetables like broccoli and have calcium-fortified juices.

If you are lactose intolerant, having foods that are rich in calcium like leafy vegetables and juices, as mentioned can get you adequate calcium.

You can also consider the effects of Apple Cider Vinegar.

Energize yourself: 

Regular exercise will keep both your body and mind fresh. Go for a brisk walk, do yoga, or go jogging to increase your endorphin levels.

This will be like an energy boost and you will feel better.

Emergency cases to call the doctor

Look out for contractions and call the doctor immediately if you start experiencing them. It is natural for a few women to go into labor early.

Nothing to worry, by now your baby is ready for a healthy delivery. Keep a track of the duration of your contractions too.

If you notice excessive vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage, unbearable abdominal and pelvic pain, or a severe headache, call the doctor right away.

Takeaway

This week is like a roller coaster ride. You need to stay sharp on your senses always and look out for preterm labor.

Less than 2 months away from the big day, you should try and not stress much and get as much rest possible.

Though you might have to deal with constipation, the good news is that you will get relief from heartburn as your baby is slowly moving down into the lower part of the pelvic area.

Do not compromise on your health as that will affect your baby too. Just tolerate the pain for a few more weeks and soon all your tears will pay off!

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about 34th Week of Pregnancy to Know more.

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