34 weeks pregnant

What to expect this week

What's happening in week 34

You're at week 34 and there's really not long left to go at all!

Your baby at 34 weeks

Your baby will now weigh close to 5lbs and measure up at about 45cm long. Their skin is increasingly smooth and rounded as they continue to gain weight and fill out with fat.

You are probably not feeling so many 'big' movements from your baby now, as they get themselves ready for delivery in a head down, curled up position. They will still be wriggling and kicking, but you will probably not feel it quite so much as before.

Your baby’s hearing will now be developed enough that they can hear you, so it’s a good idea to begin talking to your baby (they’re particularly receptive to high pitched tones).

Their little lungs are also now almost fully developed so they will be ready to breathe independently after birth. Their tiny finger and toenails have now grown and if your baby is overdue they’ll likely need a trim.

If you are expecting a little boy, his testicles are starting to move down into his scrotum now.

You at 34 weeks pregnant

You'll have an antenatal appointment with your midwife this week, and she will no doubt have a chat with you to make sure you are happy with your birth plan and aware of all your pain relief options in labour. She will probably also run through what to do when your waters break, or if you start having contractions.
She will also be paying particular attention to any swelling in your hands, ankles and face at this stage of pregnancy, as it could be an indicator of pre-eclampsia (although all pregnant women will endure puffy ankles to some degree). Do tell her if you have been suffering from headaches or blurred vision, too, as this can also be a sign.
If you are rhesus negative, you will have your second dose of anti-D around now, too.

What to think about in week 34

As your baby's arrival is now just weeks away, it could be worth doing one last check that you have everything you need in your hospital bag and in your nursery!
Think about back ups too – for example, if you have decided to use cloth nappies, it could be sensible to have a pack of disposables in the drawer as well, just in case.
Making up a 'mobile' basket of nappy change and top and tail supplies to keep in whatever room you are in in the house might also prove useful, too – you won't necessarily want to take your baby to their nursery changing table for every nappy change or clean up.