Week 34 of Pregnancy
Third trimester
For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
Baby is
about the size of a butternut squash
17.75 inches · 4.75 lbs
Baby this week
- •Practicing breathing movements with amniotic fluid
- •Eyes can open and close; can perceive light and dark
- •Toenails and fingernails are fully formed
- •Brain is developing rapidly with increased neural connections
- •Bones are hardening, though skull remains flexible for birth
You this week
- •Increased Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions)
- •Pelvic pressure and heaviness as baby drops lower
- •Swelling in feet, ankles, and hands
- •Shortness of breath as uterus presses on lungs
- •Frequent urination and urgency
- •Fatigue and difficulty sleeping due to size and position
- •Lower back pain and sciatica
This week's tips
- •Start timing Braxton Hicks—they're irregular and painless, but call your provider if they become frequent or painful
- •Elevate your feet whenever possible and stay hydrated to manage swelling
- •Practice relaxation techniques and positioning (side-lying, pelvic tilts) to ease back pain
- •Wear supportive shoes and consider maternity compression socks
- •Schedule your 34-week prenatal appointment to check baby's position
- •Begin gathering hospital bag essentials so you're not rushed later
Informational only — always check with your doctor or midwife for advice specific to you and your baby.
Looking ahead
In the coming weeks, baby will continue gaining weight (about a pound per week now) and positioning themselves head-down for delivery. Your provider will start monitoring baby's position more closely at appointments.
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For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and baby is different. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or pediatrician for guidance specific to your situation.
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