34-Week Pregnancy

Welcome to the 34th week of your pregnancy! Birth is now very close, and your baby is making the final preparations to enter the world. This week marks significant progress in your baby's growth and development.

Size and Weight:
At 34 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is approximately 45 cm long and weighs around 2300 grams.

Organ Development:
Your baby's organs continue to mature. The lungs are nearly fully developed, and surfactant production is at an adequate level. The heart beats stronger, and circulation is improving. The brain is rapidly growing, and the nervous system continues to develop. The bone marrow continues to produce red blood cells. The immune system is developing, and antibodies passed from the mother provide protection against certain infections. The liver and kidneys are also maturing. Your baby's nails have grown, and the hair has thickened. The skin is becoming smoother, and the white, creamy substance called vernix caseosa is beginning to decrease.

Sensory Development:
Your baby's senses are further developing. The eyes can now open and close, and pupils dilate and contract in response to light. Additionally, the eyes are starting to focus, allowing your baby to see nearby objects. Hearing is improving, and your baby can distinguish different sounds. Your baby responds to sounds in the womb, music, and especially the voices of the mother and father. Taste buds are developed, and your baby can taste the amniotic fluid. The sense of touch is also developing, allowing your baby to touch the uterine wall, umbilical cord, and their own body.

Movements:
At 34 weeks, your baby's movements may be felt less intensely than in previous weeks because of the limited space in the womb. However, the intensity and type of movements can vary. Your baby may still kick, turn, and hiccup. It is important to monitor your baby's movements and contact your doctor if you notice any changes.

Position:
Your baby usually begins to settle in a head-down position, which is ideal for birth. However, some babies may not have assumed this position yet. If your baby is not yet head-down, your doctor may suggest exercises or techniques to help your baby turn.

At 34 weeks of pregnancy, your body also undergoes many changes.

Physical Changes:

• Growing belly: Your abdomen continues to expand, stretching the skin. Your belly button may protrude.
• Weight gain: By this week, an average weight gain of 12–16 kg is normal.
• Breast enlargement: Your breasts continue to grow, and colostrum production increases.
• Skin changes: You may notice spots, stretch marks, or visible veins on your skin.
• Hair and nail changes: Your hair may become thicker and shinier, and nails may grow faster.
• Other changes: Varicose veins, swelling (edema), back pain, constipation, indigestion, heartburn, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, numbness in hands and feet, sleep problems, snoring, leg cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome, hot flashes, sweating, fatigue, forgetfulness, hemorrhoids, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, reflux, insomnia, palpitations, anemia, pelvic pressure, acid reflux, sleep apnea, and other complaints may occur.

Emotional Changes:

• Emotional fluctuations: Hormonal changes can cause mood swings.
• Anxiety and worry: You may feel concerned about your baby’s health, childbirth, and parenting.
• Nesting instinct: This is the urge to organize and clean your home in preparation for your baby’s arrival.
• Maternal instinct: Maternal instincts continue to develop, increasing your desire to bond with your baby. Feeling your baby’s movements helps strengthen this bond.

Eating a healthy and balanced diet throughout pregnancy is very important for both your health and your baby’s health.

Important Nutrients:

• Protein: Adequate protein intake is important for your baby’s rapid growth. Sources include meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts.
• Calcium: Calcium is essential for your baby’s bone development. Sources include milk and dairy products, green leafy vegetables, almonds, and calcium-fortified foods.
• Iron: Your iron needs increase due to increased blood volume. Sources include red meat, dried legumes, green leafy vegetables, and dried fruits.
• Folic acid: Folic acid intake helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Sources include green leafy vegetables, legumes, grains, and folic acid supplements.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are important for your baby’s brain development. Sources include salmon, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
• Fiber: Consuming fiber-rich foods helps prevent constipation. Sources include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C increases iron absorption and strengthens the immune system. Sources include citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and tomatoes.

Foods to Avoid:

• Mercury-containing fish: Avoid fish such as swordfish, shark, and mackerel that contain mercury.
• Raw or undercooked meat and eggs: These can increase the risk of food poisoning.
• Unpasteurized milk and cheese: These may contain harmful bacteria.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can harm your baby’s development.
• Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and other pregnancy complications.
• Excessive caffeine: High caffeine intake may lead to miscarriage.
• Processed foods: Processed foods are high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat and are unhealthy.

Your baby’s gender should have already been determined in earlier weeks through ultrasound scans.

At 34 weeks of pregnancy, a routine ultrasound scan is generally not performed. However, your doctor may request an ultrasound to assess your baby’s development, check the amount of amniotic fluid, evaluate placental placement, or diagnose any issues. Additionally, an ultrasound may be performed to determine your baby’s birth position.

At 34 weeks of pregnancy, it is important to take certain precautions to protect your health and support your baby’s development.

Signs of Preterm Labor:
At this stage, the risk of preterm birth is still significant. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Leakage of amniotic fluid
• Regular contractions (every 10 minutes or more frequently)
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Back pain
• Pelvic pressure
• Changes in vaginal discharge

Braxton Hicks Contractions:
These are practice contractions of the uterus, usually irregular, painless, and short. They are not a sign of preterm labor, but if they become regular and painful, consult your doctor.

Gestational Diabetes:
If you have not undergone screening between weeks 24–28, you may do so at this stage. If diagnosed, gestational diabetes is managed with diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.

Preeclampsia:
Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy. It is a serious condition for both mother and baby and requires immediate treatment. Symptoms include headaches, visual disturbances, swelling in the face and hands, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Other Recommendations:

• Avoid lying on your back: Your growing uterus can compress major blood vessels, causing dizziness or fainting. Sleeping on your left side is recommended.
• Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothing can restrict circulation and cause discomfort.
• Choose proper footwear: Prefer comfortable, flat shoes instead of high heels or pointed shoes.
• Moisturize your skin: Pregnancy often causes dry and itchy skin; regular moisturizing is important.
• Maintain oral health: Hormonal changes can make gums sensitive. Brush regularly and use dental floss.
• Sexual activity: Continue sexual activity unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Monitor fetal movements: Track your baby’s movements and contact your doctor if there is a decrease or change.
• Participate in pregnancy exercises: These help prepare for labor and maintain fitness.
• Take childbirth classes: Gain knowledge about the labor process and preparation.
• Start purchasing baby items: Helps with preparation and excitement.
• Prepare the nursery: Ensure a safe and comfortable environment for your baby.
• Create a birth plan: Helps communicate your preferences with your birth team.
• Spend time with your partner: Supports bonding and preparation for the baby’s arrival.
• Take time for yourself: Relax with reading, music, a warm bath, or meditation.
• Pack your hospital bag: Include essentials like comfortable clothes, slippers, sanitary pads, nursing bras, and baby blankets.
• Plan for the postpartum period: Arrange home help, research breastfeeding support, or plan childcare.
• Consult your doctor if experiencing shortness of breath: The growing uterus can press on the diaphragm.
• Pay attention to sleep positions: Lying on your left side improves blood flow to the baby and kidney function.
• Accept bodily changes: Embrace the changes in your body and practice self-care.
• Learn about signs of labor: Recognize early signs like mucus plug discharge, water breaking, and contractions.
• Read about childbirth and parenting: Gain knowledge and confidence for the upcoming period.
• Join postpartum support groups: Connect with other mothers to share experiences and advice.

A Life Health Group has a team of experienced obstetrics and gynecology specialists who are experts in pregnancy monitoring. We provide personalized pregnancy follow-up services to expectant mothers and their babies using the latest technology and methods.

Our Services:

• Obstetrics and gynecology specialist examination
• Ultrasonography (including detailed ultrasound scans)
• Prenatal tests (such as first-trimester screening, triple screening test, glucose tolerance test)
• Pregnancy education and counseling
• Childbirth preparation courses
• Labor and postpartum services
• Breastfeeding counseling
• Baby care training

Experience a healthy pregnancy with A Life Health Group!