34 Weeks Pregnant: Almost Full Term

You’ve reached 34 weeks—just 6 weeks until your due date. At this point, your baby is increasingly capable of surviving outside the womb with minimal intervention. Your body is in full preparation mode for labor, and many women report feeling a shift in mindset from “this pregnancy will last forever” to “my baby will be here soon.” This week marks an important transition as you move into the final countdown. Understanding what to expect physically and emotionally can help you prepare more effectively for labor, delivery, and the postpartum period ahead.

Baby Development at 34 Weeks

Your baby is about the size of a cantaloupe this week—approximately 18 inches long and weighing roughly 4.75-5.5 pounds. Your baby continues to gain about a pound per week and will add approximately another 2 pounds over the next 6 weeks before birth.

Your baby’s bones are hardening significantly, though the skull plates remain pliable to allow passage through the birth canal. The fontanels (soft spots) will remain open after birth to allow for continued brain growth and will gradually close over the first 18-24 months of life.

Your baby’s hearing is fully developed and refined—they can distinguish between different sounds and voices and may respond with increased movement to familiar voices or music. Your baby’s skin is becoming increasingly smooth and less translucent. The downy hair (lanugo) that covered your baby’s body has largely shed. Your baby’s nails are now long enough that they could scratch their face.

Most importantly, your baby’s lungs are now mature enough to function outside the womb. While babies born at 34 weeks may need some respiratory support initially, they generally do very well. Your baby’s digestive system is also ready to function, and colostrum or breast milk would be well-tolerated by a baby born at this stage.

Your Body This Week

At 34 weeks, you’ve likely gained 23-29 pounds. Your uterus is now about 5.5 inches above your belly button. Some women experience their baby “dropping” or engaging in the pelvis around this time, which can relieve pressure on your diaphragm but increases pressure on your bladder.

Your blood volume has now increased by about 50% compared to pre-pregnancy levels. This increased blood volume supports your baby’s growth and prepares you for potential blood loss during delivery. The increased blood volume also increases your risk for blood clots, particularly in the legs. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop calf pain, swelling, or warmth in one leg.

Some women experience restless leg syndrome in late pregnancy—an irresistible urge to move their legs, particularly at night. This can further disrupt sleep and is sometimes associated with low iron levels.

Common Symptoms at 34 Weeks

Fatigue Reaching Maximum Levels: Your body is working at maximum capacity. This is not laziness—it’s a biological reality of late pregnancy. Rest when you can and prioritize sleep over other tasks.

Frequent Urination: Your baby is increasingly pressing on your bladder, and you may need to urinate 10 or more times per day. Continue staying well-hydrated but limit fluids after 6 PM to reduce nighttime bathroom trips.

Swelling (Edema): Swelling of feet, ankles, hands, and face is very common. Elevating your feet, wearing compression socks, and staying hydrated all help. Sudden or severe swelling with headache or vision changes requires immediate medical evaluation as this can indicate preeclampsia.

Heartburn and Acid Reflux: Heartburn is often at its worst in late pregnancy. Eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding acidic or spicy foods, staying upright after eating, and sleeping with your head elevated can help.

Difficulty Sleeping: Physical discomfort, frequent urination, vivid dreams, and anxiety about labor make restful sleep challenging. Full-body pregnancy pillows and relaxation techniques can help.

What to Do This Week

Confirm Your Baby’s Position: If you haven’t had an ultrasound recently, ask your provider to confirm that your baby is head-down. Most babies settle into head-down position by 34 weeks. If your baby is breech, your provider will discuss options including external cephalic version.

Schedule Your GBS Screening: GBS screening typically occurs between 35-37 weeks. This simple vaginal and rectal swab test determines whether you carry Group B Strep. If positive, you’ll receive IV antibiotics during labor.

Start Perineal Massage (If Interested): Some research suggests that perineal massage starting around 34 weeks may reduce the risk of perineal tearing during labor. Ask your healthcare provider for instructions.

Discuss Pain Management Options: By 34 weeks, you should have thoroughly discussed pain management preferences with your healthcare provider—whether you’re planning unmedicated birth, epidural, nitrous oxide, or haven’t decided yet.

Install and Test Your Car Seat: Your infant car seat should be properly installed by 34 weeks. Have it inspected by a certified technician. Most hospitals won’t discharge you without proof of a properly installed car seat.

Stay Active: Continue with pregnancy-safe exercises to help manage discomfort and prepare your body for labor.

Nutrition Spotlight: Zinc and Selenium

Zinc and selenium become increasingly important in late pregnancy. Zinc is crucial for your baby’s immune system development, protein synthesis, and DNA formation. Selenium is essential for thyroid function and antioxidant protection. The recommended intake is 11 mg zinc and 60 mcg selenium per day during pregnancy.

Rich zinc sources include: oysters, beef, lamb, pumpkin seeds, cashews, chickpeas, and fortified cereals. Good selenium sources include: Brazil nuts (just 1-2 provides a full day’s worth), seafood, poultry, eggs, and whole grains. Most prenatal vitamins contain both. If you have concerns about intake (particularly if vegan), discuss supplementation with your healthcare provider.

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

• Regular, painful contractions lasting more than an hour or getting closer together
• Gushing fluid from your vagina or constant leaking
• Significant vaginal bleeding or bleeding with cramping
• Sudden severe swelling of face, hands, or feet, especially with headache or vision changes
• Severe headache or upper abdominal pain
• Visual disturbances (blurring, seeing spots, flashing lights)
• Significant decrease in fetal movement
• One-sided calf pain or swelling with warmth or redness
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)

Frequently Asked Questions at 34 Weeks

What is external cephalic version and should I consider it if my baby is breech?

External cephalic version (ECV) is a procedure where your provider manually rotates your baby from breech to head-down position by applying pressure to your abdomen. It’s typically performed around 36-37 weeks with success rates of about 50-60%. ECV carries some risks but may help avoid planned cesarean delivery. Discuss whether it’s appropriate for your situation with your healthcare provider.

When should I actually go to the hospital if I think I’m in labor?

Generally, contact your healthcare provider when contractions are about 5 minutes apart, last about 60-90 seconds, and have been that pattern for about an hour. However, if your waters break, you have vaginal bleeding, or you’re concerned, contact them sooner. It’s better to call and ask than to miss important timing.

Is perineal massage really effective?

Some research supports perineal massage for reducing tearing and the need for episiotomy, though results are mixed. The technique involves applying warm oil and using gentle pressure to stretch the tissue. Some women find it comfortable; others find it uncomfortable. It’s an option to discuss with your provider, but it’s not required.

What are the early signs of labor?

Early labor signs include regular contractions getting closer together, bloody show (a pink or brown mucus discharge), water breaking (gushing or leaking clear fluid), and sometimes diarrhea or loss of appetite. When in doubt, contact your healthcare provider—they won’t be bothered by false alarms.