Pregnancy Week 34

What does my baby look like and how big is my baby?

This week your baby is roughly the size of a cantaloupe. You're now in the 8th month of your pregnancy.

Your baby is more curled up in the womb now, with the legs possibly drawn up toward the chest. Because there's less room inside, you may feel movements less as big kicks and more as sliding, rolling, and shifts in the shape of your belly.

In baby boys, the testicles may continue descending from the abdomen into the scrotum during this time. After birth, some swelling in the genital area is possible; this is usually caused by extra fluid or hormones and tends to ease within a few days.

What stands out in your baby's development this week?

As your baby gets ready for life outside the womb, they keep storing fat. These layers of fat help keep your baby warm after birth.

The hearing system also keeps maturing. The cochlea in the inner ear becomes more developed, which is why your baby can recognize your voice and other familiar sounds.

Your baby may have started settling down into your pelvis. In first-time moms, this often becomes noticeable a little later.

If your baby were born this week, they would usually adjust quite well; even so, they might need closer monitoring than a baby born at full term.

Breech position

If your baby is in a breech position, talk with your doctor about options that may help turn the baby head-down. Always get the go-ahead before trying any exercises, special positions, or alternative methods on your own.

What's happening in my body?

When your baby drops down into the pelvis, it's sometimes called "lightening." When this happens, your lungs and stomach may get a little relief, which can ease symptoms like shortness of breath or heartburn. On the other hand, pressure on your bladder may increase, so you might pee more often. Walking can also become a bit harder.

Colostrum, sleeping on your side, and aches

Your breasts may feel heavy and full, and you might even notice yellowish colostrum leaking. This is the early milk that comes in after birth, and it's rich in antibodies. If your breasts feel sore, a light bra at night and a more supportive one during the day can help.

Lying on your side is often more comfortable. This position can help reduce back pain and support your circulation.

General aches and pains are common at this stage of pregnancy. You may experience pelvic girdle pain, lower back pain, groin pain, round ligament pain, and sciatica, with discomfort felt in your pelvis, groin, legs, or hips. If the pain is affecting your daily life, talk with your doctor.

Vision changes

During pregnancy your vision can become blurry, your eyes may feel dry, and contact lenses can feel more uncomfortable. Changes in the fluid in your eyes can cause temporary shifts in your prescription. These changes usually settle after birth.

Swelling and shortness of breath

You may notice swelling in your ankles, feet, and fingers. It can be more pronounced at the end of the day.

As the womb presses on your diaphragm and lungs, you may also find yourself getting out of breath. This can ease a bit once your baby drops down. But if the shortness of breath is severe or feels unusual to you, contact your doctor.

Vaginal discharge, mucus plug, and waters breaking

During pregnancy, milky white or clear discharge with a mild odor can be normal. When it contains a small amount of old blood, you may also see brown discharge.

Green, foul-smelling, painful, or itchy discharge can be a sign of infection. Toward the end of pregnancy, the mucus plug may come away. This can show up as increased discharge over several days or as clear, pink, brown, or slightly bloody thick mucus.

If your waters break, the amniotic fluid usually:

• leaks continuously
• is clear or slightly yellowish
• is watery
• is odorless or has a faintly sweet smell

If you think your waters have broken, let your care team know right away.

RSV vaccine

If you haven't yet had the RSV vaccine (typically recommended between weeks 28 and 36), you can talk it over with your doctor; this vaccine helps protect your baby from severe respiratory infections after birth.

Symptoms you may notice this week

You may notice these symptoms this week:

• leaking colostrum
• frequent urination
• pelvic pressure
• lower back pain
• pelvic girdle pain
• round ligament pain
• sciatica
• constipation
• swelling
• shortness of breath
• increased vaginal discharge
• dry or irritated eyes
• darkening of the skin or a "pregnancy mask"
• oilier, more acne-prone skin
• thicker hair

Symptoms to watch for

Contact your doctor if you have:

• regular or constant pain
• lower back pain that suddenly worsens
• any suspicion your waters have broken
• foul-smelling, green, or painful discharge
• a decrease in your baby's movements
• any symptom that worries you

A feeling that "something just isn't right" should also be taken seriously.

Nutrition for you and your baby

At this stage, you may need about 200 extra calories a day to support you and your growing baby.

Because your baby is taking up so much room, smaller and more frequent meals may feel more comfortable than three large ones. At lunch and dinner, complex carbohydrate sources like pasta, rice, potatoes, beans, and lentils can provide steady energy. Sweet foods are better enjoyed in smaller portions and only now and then.

Make breakfast a priority

If you tend to skip breakfast, planning a small but nourishing morning meal can help. Convenient options like yogurt, granola, dry cereal, nuts, or a smoothie may be easier to fit in.

Time to get moving

Regular, safe exercise can support your energy levels. Walking, yoga, or other suitable gentle exercise can boost blood flow and help you feel better.

You should keep feeling your baby's movements as usual. If you notice a decrease in movement, contact your doctor or a healthcare provider right away.

The nesting instinct

In these weeks, the urge to organize the home and finish preparations may grow stronger. This is normal. But don't put pressure on yourself. What your baby needs most in those first months is a safe, calm environment where the basics are ready.

For the first 6 months, the safest place for your baby to sleep is in their own crib, in the same room as you.

Prenatal classes and planning

Prenatal classes may start or already be underway around this time. These classes can help you prepare for labor, birth, and newborn care.

Car seat

Installing your baby's car seat correctly is important. Rear-facing is the safest way to carry your baby, and the seat needs to be secured firmly in the car.

Pelvic pain, joints, and swimming

If you have pelvic girdle pain, it can help to add this to your birth plan. That way, the team supporting you during labor can help you move into more comfortable positions.

Because your joints loosen during pregnancy, it's important to avoid high-impact movements, bend your knees when lifting something, and not carry very heavy loads.

Swimming can be a soothing form of exercise during pregnancy. But you'll want to avoid movements that make the pain worse. If you have pelvic girdle pain, some swimming strokes may be tough on you.

Feeling worn out by pregnancy

As you near the end of pregnancy, it's normal to feel tired or overwhelmed. If these feelings start to weigh on you, talk with your doctor.

Warm baths

Taking a warm bath is usually fine. Just make sure the water isn't too hot. Watch your balance getting in and out of the tub, too; a big belly can raise the risk of falling.

Baby's nails and skin

By now, your baby's fingernails and toenails may be well defined. Fat storage and skin maturation also continue.

Getting ready for the birth

As the birth gets closer, it can be a good idea to review your plans, finish packing your hospital bag, and keep the contact details you'll need on hand.