Pregnancy Calendar at Week 34

What's Happening with the Baby

The baby is now fully developed and has taken up almost all the available space in the womb. There's not much room left for him to move freely around. He can only wiggle his limbs and shift positions. The remaining time until birth is being used wisely. The baby:

has smoother skin,
develops a thicker subcutaneous layer,
loses the reddish tint of the skin.

Final developmental processes are happening at the organismal level. The endocrine glands are starting to function, and bone tissue continues to mineralize. The brain has already taken on the responsibility of coordinating all movements. The thumb of the right hand often ends up in the mouth, while the other hand sometimes touches or tugs at the umbilical cord. The legs are also actively moving, although the baby spends most of the day sleeping.

What's Happening with Mom

Week 34 – the time when mom is already prepared for childbirth. Her belly starts to drop, and the baby's movements become more noticeable. Walking becomes more difficult due to the shift in the usual center of gravity. Fatigue sets in faster, and her legs often swell. Shortness of breath gradually subsides as the uterus drops down.

Abdominal Pain

This is explained by the relaxation of the ligaments in the pelvic joints, caused by the hormone relaxin. This process is considered normal as the female body gradually prepares for childbirth. However, if the pain is severe, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Lower Back Pain

The belly is growing, and to maintain balance, the woman is forced to shift her center of gravity backward. To enable herself to move, she strains her back muscles. They become toned and may start to hurt. A prenatal support belt can help alleviate this strain.

Vaginal Discharge

At 34 weeks, discharge is almost always observed. If it is whitish in color, with a slightly sour smell or no smell at all, there is no need to worry. Especially since this is no different from previous months. If there is itching in the external genital area and the discharge has a cottage cheese-like consistency, you need to see a doctor. It's important to rule out a yeast infection. Discharge of other colors – brown, red, green – is a concerning symptom. Only a doctor can accurately determine the cause and prescribe treatment.

Nausea and Vomiting

This symptom at 34 weeks is mentioned by those who have gastrointestinal issues. Another reason could be the consumption of foods that cause fermentation and gas. Heartburn, which has been bothering the woman for six long months, subsides because the uterus stops pressing on the stomach and esophagus.

Venous Stasis and Varicose Veins

To prevent severe bleeding during childbirth, a woman's blood starts to thicken in the third trimester of pregnancy. This happens under the influence of special hormones. Thicker blood moves more slowly through the vessels, increasing the risk of blood clots. Blood stasis in the lower extremities leads to varicose veins and the subsequent development of varicose veins. Additionally, the fetus compressing the inferior vena cava complicates normal blood circulation in the lower extremities.

Leg Cramps

Muscle cramps are especially common in the calf muscles. They can also occur in the neck, back, hands, and on the front and back surfaces of the thighs. The main cause of this symptom is a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. If leg cramps are accompanied by dizziness, weakness, and mild nausea, a doctor might suspect the development of anemia. Reduced hemoglobin levels in red blood cells prevent tissues from getting enough oxygen, leading to hypoxia.

Urinary Incontinence

This symptom is typical in the later stages of pregnancy. The enlarged and lowered uterus compresses the ureters and bladder. Drops of urine may leak out during sneezing, coughing, or laughing. This is natural and doesn't require any special measures.

Medical Examination

As the due date approaches, a woman may feel anxious. She pays close attention to every movement of the baby and notes any new changes in her body. To ensure a healthy pregnancy, the following examinations are recommended at the 34th week.

Doctors

Gynecologist, with mandatory weighing, blood pressure measurement, uterine height measurement, and listening to the baby's heartbeat;
Ophthalmologist – if indicated;
Endocrinologist – in case of hormonal imbalances;
Hematologist – if there are changes in the blood;
Neurologist – if there are complaints related to the nervous system;
Cardiologist – if there are relevant symptoms.

Tests

General urine analysis;
Microscopy of a vaginal smear;
Blood tests for Hepatitis B and C, HIV, and TORCH infections, if not done previously;
Biochemical blood analysis – as needed;
Throat swab for staphylococcus – if indicated.

Examinations

Doppler ultrasound. Assesses the quality of blood flow in the vessels;
Cardiotocography. Monitors the baby's heartbeat and uterine contractions. Necessary to rule out intrauterine hypoxia;
Electrocardiogram – if indicated;
Ultrasound – if missed according to the schedule.

Pregnancy Challenges

33 weeks in, the woman has already adapted to her condition, but pregnancy challenges still persist.

Preterm Labor

Preterm labor can occur due to infections in the uterine cavity, stress, falls or impacts, or cervical insufficiency. Symptoms include cramping pains, sometimes accompanied by the leaking of amniotic fluid or the mucus plug.

Increased Fetal Movement

Due to the lack of space for active movements, the baby often kicks the mom, sometimes causing pain. As the uterus drops, the location of the pain also shifts downward.

Poor Sleep

Getting a good night's rest is hindered by difficulties in finding a comfortable position, frequent urges to urinate, back pain, and false contractions.

Skin Itching

This can be of allergic or neurological nature. Under no circumstances should antihistamines be taken without consulting a doctor. Only a healthcare professional can make the correct recommendations.

What You Can and Can't Do

Maternity leave has been going on for a while now, and the woman has created a daily routine that works for her as she responsibly prepares to become a mom. During this period, it's important to follow the doctor's recommendations and keep them informed about all your sensations.

What an Expectant Mom CAN Do:

Engage in prenatal gymnastics, including breathing exercises and pelvic muscle strengthening;
Swim regularly and moderately, experiencing light muscle exertion;
Take multivitamin complexes with minerals as prescribed by a doctor;
Get light prenatal massages and take warm, soothing baths;
Attend childbirth preparation classes;
Spend time outdoors, avoiding intense UV rays and extreme cold;
See a therapist for psychological preparation for childbirth;
Engage in hobbies: sewing, knitting, embroidery, drawing, reading;
Read literature about welcoming a new baby into the family;
Participate in charitable activities;
Learn yoga;
Use special creams to soften the skin and prevent deep stretch marks;
Wear a prenatal support belt and compression socks if there are symptoms of varicose veins;
Maintain oral hygiene and take care of your teeth;
Treat somatic diseases as prescribed by a doctor;
Engage in sex carefully if there are no medical contraindications.

What an expectant mother should NOT do:

Lead an unhealthy lifestyle: get little sleep, avoid fresh air, eat irregularly;
Wear clothes that restrict movement and abdominal growth;
Wear high heels;
Consume alcohol, drugs, nicotine;
Take medications without consulting a doctor;
Spend time in hot baths and saunas;
Stay under bright sunlight or in tanning beds for long periods;
Lift heavy objects;
Engage in strenuous physical labor;
Experience emotional stress and overexertion;
Do physical activities that include jumping or running;
Ride a bicycle or similar transportation;
Come into contact with aggressive household chemicals;
Try new skincare products and cosmetics;
Neglect doctor visits and necessary tests;
Be in contact with infectious patients;
Attend large public events with many spectators;
Continue working in harmful production environments;
Spend long periods sitting, for example, at a computer.

Helpful Tips

To strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and support the uterus, rectum, small intestine, and bladder, you can learn the technique developed by gynecologist Arnold Kegel. This involves 5 exercises that focus on the alternating contraction and relaxation of specific muscles. Healthy pelvic organs are key to a smooth childbirth and quick recovery during the postpartum period.