At 34 weeks, you have just 6 weeks left and your baby has an excellent chance of thriving if born now! Your baby weighs 2.2-2.5 kg and is about the size of a cantaloupe melon (45 cm). Baby's lungs are nearly fully developed, digestive system is ready, and they can hear your voice clearly. This week your doctor may discuss Group B Strep testing and birth planning.
Your Baby at 34 Weeks
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Size and Development
Measurement
Details
**Length**
About 45 cm (17-18 inches)
**Weight**
Approximately 2.2-2.5 kg (4.8-5.5 pounds)
**Size comparison**
Like a cantaloupe melon (kharbooja)
Baby's Development This Week
Lungs:
Nearly fully developed
Surfactant production strong
Prepared for breathing
Digestive System:
Fully developed and functioning
Holding first meconium stool
Ready for digestion after birth
Hearing:
Fully developed now
Can hear your voice clearly
Responds to sounds
Prefers higher-pitched sounds
Physical Features:
Hair on head, eyebrows, eyelashes
Fingernails and toenails reaching tips
Vernix getting thicker
Brown fat developing for warmth
If Baby is Born at 34 Weeks
Excellent Prognosis:
High survival rate
Rarely have long-term problems
May need short NICU stay
Usually catches up quickly
What's Happening to Your Body
Common Symptoms at 34 Weeks
Symptom
Why It Happens
What Helps
Pelvic tingling/numbness
Loosening pelvic muscles
Normal, rest helps
Hip/pelvic pain
Joints loosening for birth
Consult doctor if severe
Vision changes
Hormones, fluid changes
Temporary, resolves after birth
Back pain
Weight, posture, relaxin hormone
Massage, positioning
Leaky breasts
Colostrum production
Nursing pads
Hair changes
Pregnancy hormones
Temporary
Back Pain at 34 Weeks
Why It Happens:
Extra weight of baby and uterus
Posture changes
Relaxin hormone loosening ligaments
Baby's position (especially back-to-back)
What Helps:
Good posture
Prenatal massage
Swimming or water exercises
Prenatal yoga
Warm (not hot) compress
Supportive footwear
Avoid standing for long
Vision Changes
What You May Notice:
Less sharp vision
Dry, irritated eyes
Slight changes in prescription
Why It Happens:
Pregnancy hormones
Fluid changes behind eye
Reduced tear production
Reassurance:
Almost always temporary
Resolves after delivery
If severe or sudden, see doctor
Step-by-Step Guide for Week 34
Step 1: Prepare for Group B Strep Test
What It Is:
Swab test for bacteria
Usually done weeks 35-37
Results guide treatment during labor
Why It Matters:
GBS can affect baby during birth
If positive, you'll receive antibiotics during labor
Prevents baby from getting infection
What to Expect:
Simple vaginal/rectal swab
Not painful
Results in a few days
Step 2: Discuss Birth Options
Topics for This Week:
Pain management preferences
Labor positions
Cesarean (if needed)
Who will be present
Hospital procedures
Cord cutting preferences
Skin-to-skin contact
Breastfeeding plans
Step 3: Know Your Maternity Rights
At Work:
Request workplace risk assessment
No heavy lifting
Extra breaks allowed
Somewhere to sit
Time off for appointments
Start Planning:
Maternity leave dates
Handover of responsibilities
Contact plan
Step 4: Ensure Adequate Vitamin D
Why It Matters:
Keeps bones and muscles healthy
Important for baby's development
Sources:
Sunlight (morning sun best)
Fortified foods
Supplement if advised by doctor
Step 5: Learn Birth Terminology
Terms You May Hear:
Dilation: Cervix opening (measured in cm)
Effacement: Cervix thinning (percentage)
Station: Baby's position in pelvis
Engaged: Baby's head in pelvis
VBAC: Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
ECV: External Cephalic Version (turning breech baby)
Preparing for Breastfeeding (Stanpan)
Colostrum Already Producing
What It Is:
First milk (pehla doodh)
Thick, yellowish liquid
Rich in antibodies
Leaking Is Normal:
Some women leak, some don't
Both are perfectly normal
Use nursing pads for comfort
Get Ready:
Attend breastfeeding class
Talk to experienced mothers
Know that initial challenges are normal
Support is available
Tips for Success
Discuss birth preferences - With doctor and birth partner
Prepare for GBS test - Coming up soon
Continue movement tracking - Know baby's pattern
Rest when you can - Final weeks are tiring
Know maternity rights - At workplace
Prepare for breastfeeding - Learn, ask questions
Manage back pain - Don't just suffer through it
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring persistent back pain - Seek relief
Not discussing birth preferences - Do it now
Skipping appointments - Important for monitoring
Ignoring decreased movements - Always report
Overexerting yourself - Save energy
Not preparing for breastfeeding - Learn ahead of time
Ignoring vision changes - Report sudden changes
When to Seek Help
Contact Doctor Immediately If:
Decreased baby movements
Regular, painful contractions
Vaginal bleeding
Leaking fluid
Severe headache
Sudden vision changes
Severe swelling
Fever
Discuss with Doctor:
Persistent back or pelvic pain
Birth plan questions
Breech baby options
Any concerns about delivery
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: 34 weeks mein baby breech hai - kya ab bhi turn ho sakta hai?
A: Haan! 34 weeks pe abhi bhi time hai baby ke turn hone ke liye. Most babies turn by 36-37 weeks. Doctor may suggest positions to encourage turning, or ECV (external cephalic version) at 36-37 weeks if baby is still breech.
Q: Itna back pain ho raha hai - baby ulta hai kya?
A: Back pain can happen for many reasons, not just baby's position. If baby is "back-to-back" (their spine against your spine), it can cause more back pain. Doctor can check baby's position. Either way, back pain management techniques help.
Q: GBS positive ho gayi toh kya hoga?
A: Don't worry - GBS positive just means you'll receive IV antibiotics during labor. This protects baby from infection during birth. It's very effective and routine. Many women are GBS positive - it's manageable.
Q: Hair itna grow ho raha hai - delivery ke baad chala jayega?
A: Extra hair growth during pregnancy (even on face/body) is due to hormones. Most of this excess hair falls out in the months after delivery. If concerned, ask your pharmacist about pregnancy-safe hair removal options.
Q: Colostrum leak nahi ho raha - doodh aayega?
A: Yes! Not leaking colostrum doesn't predict milk supply. Many women don't leak at all during pregnancy but have plenty of milk after delivery. Leaking is just one body's response to hormones - absence of leaking is equally normal.
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This article was reviewed by a healthcare provider. At 34 weeks, your baby has an excellent chance of thriving even if born now - but every week in the womb helps!
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