34 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development & Third Trimester Changes

How Is My Baby Developing at 34 Weeks?

At 34 weeks, your baby weighs approximately 2.3 kilograms (5 pounds) and measures about 46 centimeters (18 inches) from crown to heel. Most babies have assumed a head-down position, their lungs are maturing rapidly, and they can hear and recognize sounds from inside the womb.

The thirty-fourth week of pregnancy marks an important milestone in your baby's development. By now, your baby has grown to roughly the size of a cantaloupe melon and has developed most of the features they will have at birth. The proportions of their body are now similar to what they will be as a newborn, though they will continue to gain weight over the remaining weeks of pregnancy.

Your baby's brain is continuing to develop at a remarkable pace during this period. The brain has been forming grooves and folds (called sulci and gyri) that increase its surface area and processing capacity. This development will continue well after birth, but the foundations being laid now are crucial for cognitive function, learning, and memory throughout your child's life.

The lungs are one of the last organs to fully mature, and at 34 weeks they are working hard to prepare for breathing air. Surfactant production, which prevents the tiny air sacs (alveoli) from collapsing, has increased significantly. While babies born at 34 weeks may still need some respiratory support, most can breathe with minimal assistance, and the outlook is excellent.

Baby's Position at 34 Weeks

By week 34, most babies have settled into a head-down position, known as cephalic presentation. This is the ideal position for vaginal birth, as it allows the baby's head, which is the largest part of their body, to lead the way through the birth canal. If your baby is still in a breech position (bottom or feet first), there is still time for them to turn, though the space for movement is becoming more limited.

Your healthcare provider will assess your baby's position during prenatal appointments by feeling your abdomen (palpation) and may confirm the position with ultrasound if there is any uncertainty. If your baby remains in a breech position as you approach your due date, your provider will discuss options with you, which may include external cephalic version (ECV), a procedure where the doctor manually attempts to turn the baby.

Baby's Senses Are Well Developed

Inside the womb, your baby is surrounded by a rich sensory environment. They can hear a symphony of sounds, including your heartbeat (which they find comforting), the rumbling of your digestive system, the rhythm of your breathing, and muffled sounds from the outside world. Research has shown that babies can recognize their mother's voice and may respond to familiar music or voices after birth.

This connection means that talking, singing, or reading to your baby now helps establish a bond that will continue after birth. Many babies are soothed by the same sounds they heard in utero, which is why newborns often calm when held close to their mother's chest where they can hear her heartbeat.

What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions at 34 Weeks?

Braxton Hicks contractions are practice contractions that help your uterus prepare for labor. They typically feel like a tightening across your abdomen, start at the top of the uterus, and spread downward. Unlike true labor, they are irregular, don't increase in intensity, and usually stop with rest or position change.

At 34 weeks, you may notice that your uterus occasionally tightens and becomes firm to the touch. These are Braxton Hicks contractions, sometimes called "practice contractions" or "false labor." They are named after John Braxton Hicks, the English doctor who first described them in 1872. While they may feel uncomfortable, they serve an important purpose in preparing your body for childbirth.

Braxton Hicks contractions occur when the muscular wall of your uterus contracts and then relaxes. This helps to tone the uterine muscle and prepare the cervix for labor. The contractions typically begin at the top of the uterus and spread downward. You may notice your belly becoming visibly hard during a contraction, and some women describe the sensation as their abdomen "balling up."

For women who have given birth before, Braxton Hicks contractions may be stronger and more noticeable than in a first pregnancy. This is because the uterine muscle has been stretched before and may respond more actively. If the contractions feel uncomfortable, rest and changing position often help. Staying well hydrated is also important, as dehydration can sometimes trigger Braxton Hicks contractions.

How to Tell Braxton Hicks from True Labor

Understanding the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor is important, especially as you approach your due date. True labor contractions follow a pattern and progressively become longer, stronger, and closer together. Braxton Hicks contractions, in contrast, are irregular, do not follow a pattern, and typically ease with rest, hydration, or changing position.

Is Increased Vaginal Discharge Normal at 34 Weeks?

Yes, increased vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) is normal during pregnancy. The vaginal walls thicken during pregnancy, producing more discharge. Normal discharge is clear to milky white with a mild odor. If you're unsure whether it's discharge or leaking amniotic fluid, contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.

During pregnancy, your body produces more vaginal discharge than usual. This increased discharge, called leukorrhea, is caused by higher levels of estrogen and increased blood flow to the vaginal area. The discharge helps to keep the vagina clean and prevent infections from traveling up to the uterus and affecting the baby.

Normal pregnancy discharge is typically thin, milky white or clear, and has a mild smell. It should not cause itching or burning. If you notice discharge that is yellow, green, or gray in color, has a strong or unpleasant odor, or is accompanied by itching, burning, or irritation, contact your healthcare provider, as these could be signs of an infection that needs treatment.

In the later stages of pregnancy, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between normal vaginal discharge and amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is typically clear and odorless, and it may come out in a gush or as a slow trickle. If you think your water may have broken, or if you're experiencing a continuous leak of fluid, contact your healthcare provider or go to your hospital for evaluation. A simple test can determine whether the fluid is amniotic fluid.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

While increased discharge is normal, certain changes warrant medical attention. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• A sudden gush of clear, watery fluid (possible ruptured membranes)
• Continuous leaking that soaks your underwear
• Discharge that is green, yellow, or gray
• Discharge with a strong, unpleasant odor
• Discharge accompanied by itching, burning, or irritation
• Any bleeding or blood-tinged discharge

Why Is Breastfeeding Recommended?

Breast milk is uniquely tailored to your baby's nutritional needs, containing antibodies, enzymes, and live cells that support immune function, brain development, and overall growth. Major health organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods until at least 12 months.

As you approach the end of your pregnancy, it's a good time to learn about breastfeeding and make informed decisions about how you will feed your baby. Breast milk is often described as "liquid gold" because of its remarkable nutritional and immunological properties. It is specifically designed by nature to meet your baby's needs and changes composition throughout the day and as your baby grows.

Breast milk contains the perfect balance of nutrients for your baby, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains antibodies from your immune system that help protect your baby from infections and diseases. Research has shown that breastfed babies have lower rates of ear infections, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections, allergies, asthma, and obesity.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods for up to two years or beyond. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding for at least 12 months.

Breastfeeding also offers benefits for mothers, including faster uterine recovery after birth, reduced risk of postpartum depression, and lower lifetime risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes. The act of breastfeeding releases hormones like oxytocin, which promotes bonding and helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size.

How Painful Is Giving Birth?

Pain during childbirth varies significantly between individuals and is influenced by factors such as labor length, baby's position, and individual pain tolerance. Multiple pain relief options are available, ranging from natural techniques like breathing exercises and water therapy to medical options including epidural anesthesia.

One of the most common concerns among expectant parents is the pain associated with childbirth. It's natural to wonder what labor will feel like and how you will cope. The good news is that there are many effective pain relief options available, and you can discuss your preferences with your healthcare provider well in advance of your due date.

Every labor and birth is different, and pain perception varies greatly from person to person. Some women describe contractions as intense menstrual cramps, while others compare them to waves of pressure or tightening. The experience can also vary depending on factors such as the length of labor, the baby's size and position, whether this is your first baby, and your individual pain threshold and coping mechanisms.

Understanding what happens during labor can help reduce anxiety and help you feel more prepared. Labor pain primarily comes from the contraction of the uterine muscles and the stretching of the cervix as it dilates to allow the baby to pass through. As labor progresses, the intensity of contractions typically increases, but so does the release of endorphins, your body's natural pain-relieving hormones.

Pain Relief Options During Labor

There are many approaches to managing pain during labor, and you can combine different methods based on your needs and preferences. Some options include:

• Breathing techniques: Controlled breathing can help you relax and manage pain during contractions
• Movement and position changes: Walking, swaying, or changing positions can help ease discomfort
• Water therapy: Warm baths or showers can provide significant relief during labor
• Massage and counter-pressure: Having your partner or support person apply pressure to your back can help
• TENS machine: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation can help reduce pain perception
• Nitrous oxide (gas and air): Inhaled pain relief that you can control yourself
• Opioid medications: Injectable pain relievers that can take the edge off contractions
• Epidural anesthesia: Regional anesthesia that blocks pain in the lower body while keeping you awake

It's helpful to learn about all available options beforehand so you can make informed choices during labor. However, it's also important to remain flexible, as labor may unfold differently than expected. Discuss your preferences with your healthcare provider, but know that it's okay to change your mind as labor progresses.

What Are the Best Positions for Giving Birth?

There is no single best position for giving birth - the optimal position varies for each woman and may change throughout labor. Upright positions like standing, squatting, and hands and knees can help use gravity to facilitate delivery, while lying on your side can help you rest between contractions.

The position you adopt during labor and birth can significantly affect your comfort, the progress of labor, and your overall birth experience. Research shows that being able to move freely and change positions during labor is associated with shorter labors, less need for pain relief, and more positive birth experiences.

Different stages of labor may call for different positions. During early labor, staying active and upright can help labor progress and can make contractions easier to manage. Walking, swaying, or bouncing gently on a birthing ball can all be helpful. As labor intensifies, you may want to try different positions to find what feels most comfortable for you.

Upright positions, such as standing, kneeling, or squatting, allow gravity to assist in bringing your baby down through the birth canal. These positions can also help open up the pelvis, giving the baby more room to navigate through. The hands-and-knees position can be particularly helpful if you have back labor or if your baby is in a posterior position (facing your front instead of your back).

Common Labor and Birth Positions

• Walking and standing: Helps labor progress and uses gravity
• Sitting on a birthing ball: Opens the pelvis while allowing rest
• Hands and knees: Relieves back pain and can help turn a posterior baby
• Squatting: Opens the pelvis by up to 30% and uses gravity
• Side-lying: Allows rest while maintaining labor progress
• Semi-reclined: May be necessary if you have an epidural
• Using a birthing stool: Supports squatting while providing rest

Your healthcare team will support you in trying different positions and will guide you to positions that work well for your specific situation. If you have an epidural, your mobility may be limited, but you can still change positions with assistance. Some hospitals have beds that can be adjusted to support different positions.

Is It Time to Plan Parental Leave?

At 34 weeks, it's an excellent time to finalize parental leave arrangements. Understanding your rights, benefits, and options will help you plan for the time after your baby arrives. Discuss plans with your partner if applicable, and ensure your employer has all necessary documentation.

Planning for parental leave involves understanding what options are available to you and making decisions about how you want to spend your time with your new baby. Policies vary significantly between countries and even between employers within the same country, so it's important to familiarize yourself with your specific situation.

If you have a partner who will also be taking parental leave, discussing how you want to share this time is important. Some families prefer to have both parents home together in the early weeks, while others prefer to stagger their leave to extend the time before childcare arrangements need to begin. There is no right or wrong approach - the best plan is one that works for your family.

Consider discussing the following with your employer or human resources department:

• How much leave you are entitled to and whether it is paid or unpaid
• When you need to give notice of your intention to take leave
• Whether you can take leave flexibly (for example, returning part-time initially)
• What happens to your benefits, such as health insurance, during leave
• What your options are if you decide you want more or less leave than originally planned

When Should I Contact My Healthcare Provider?

Contact your healthcare provider for regular contractions before 37 weeks, ruptured membranes, vaginal bleeding, decreased fetal movement, severe headache or vision changes, or severe abdominal pain. For any signs of emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

While most pregnancies progress normally, it's important to know when to seek medical attention. As you enter the final weeks of pregnancy, being aware of warning signs can help ensure prompt treatment if any complications arise.

Signs of Preterm Labor

At 34 weeks, you are still in the preterm period (before 37 weeks). While babies born at 34 weeks generally do very well, it's best for your baby to remain in the womb until full term if possible. Signs of preterm labor include:

• Regular contractions (more than 4-6 per hour) that don't stop with rest
• Menstrual-like cramps that come and go
• Low, dull backache that doesn't go away
• Pelvic pressure or a feeling that the baby is pushing down
• Change in vaginal discharge (increased amount, watery, bloody, or mucus-like)

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Early intervention may help prevent preterm birth or ensure you receive appropriate care if birth is imminent.

How Should I Prepare for Birth at 34 Weeks?

At 34 weeks, it's time to finalize birth preparations including packing your hospital bag, discussing your birth preferences with your healthcare provider, learning about pain relief options, attending prenatal classes, and knowing the signs of labor and when to go to the hospital.

With approximately six weeks until your due date, now is an excellent time to make final preparations for the birth of your baby. While you still have time, getting organized now means you won't be rushing to prepare if your baby decides to arrive early.

Packing Your Hospital Bag

Having a hospital bag packed and ready by 36 weeks is recommended. Consider including:

• For labor: Comfortable clothing, slippers or flip-flops, lip balm, hair ties, music or entertainment, birth plan copies
• For after birth: Nightgown or pajamas (front-opening for breastfeeding), nursing bras, comfortable underwear, toiletries, going-home outfit
• For baby: Going-home outfit, receiving blankets, car seat installed in your vehicle
• For support person: Snacks, change of clothes, phone charger, camera
• Documents: Identification, insurance information, birth plan, hospital pre-registration forms

Creating a Birth Plan

A birth plan is a document that communicates your preferences for labor and birth to your healthcare team. While it's important to remain flexible as circumstances may change, having thought through your preferences in advance can help you feel more prepared and in control. Consider your preferences regarding:

• Who you want present during labor and delivery
• Preferred pain relief methods
• Mobility during labor
• Eating and drinking during labor
• Positions for pushing and delivery
• Immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth
• Delayed cord clamping
• Feeding preferences (breastfeeding or formula)