Baby drops into the pelvis! When you are 34 weeks pregnant.
Your uterus is about 5-6 inches above the navel. Remember that each pregnant woman is different and even if you look different from other pregnant woman, don’t be upset. Each pregnant woman holds her baby differently. Some women tend to carry wider, whereas some others carry lower or higher. Still, if you have any doubt, you can contact your care provider.
During these last few weeks, make sure to spend quality time with your husband. After the arrival of your baby, you may become easily overwhelmed with all your new responsibilities and you may neglect your partner. Tell your partner to get involved in your pregnancy experience. Tell him to place his hand on your belly and talk with the baby. Also, take him along with you for your prenatal checkups.
Symptoms experienced by a 34 weeks pregnant woman:
When you are 34 weeks pregnant, you may notice more swelling than before, particularly in your face, fingers, and ankles. Drinking enough fluids, taking enough rest and keeping your feet elevated can help to ease the condition.
Remember that if you notice sudden or intense swelling in any of these areas or have rapid weight gain, immediately consult your healthcare provider as this could be a sign of toxemia or preeclampsia.
Fatigue is also a common symptom, particularly during the third trimester. Aches, pains, difficulty sleeping, weight gain, anxiety about labor and delivery and also taking good care of newborns may lead to exhaustion. Taking enough rest and frequent naps can help to ease fatigue.
The frequency of occurrence of Braxton Hicks contractions may increase and you may notice more pelvic aches, discomfort, and a sore rib cage.
Physical changes that occur in a 34 weeks pregnant woman:
When you are 34 weeks pregnant, with your increasing belly size, you may become more uncomfortable. You may feel that the womb is getting tighter and the increasing uterus size and also the weight of the baby can cause several aggravating pregnancy symptoms.
Your navel may become increasingly sensitive during this week. If the sensation is bothering you, make sure to protect it well. During this week, the lungs are not compressed and breathing will become easy. But this position may lead to frequent urination.
Fatigue is a common pregnancy symptom that becomes even worse during pregnancy week 34. Though you had a break from exhaustion during the second trimester, fatigue comes back with full force during the 34th week of pregnancy. Exhaustion and tiredness are mainly because of physical strain that is resulting from carrying about 20 pounds. Stress and frequent bathroom visits make your energy levels to drop.
Pelvic pressure is the common symptom that you experience when the baby is in head down position. Due to this, you may start to waddle and walking normally may be too uncomfortable for you. In case you experience more pain in your pelvic area, talk to your care provider. He/she will check the baby’s position.
Fetal changes that occur in a 34 weeks pregnant woman:
When you are 34 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the length of 19.8 inches and up to 5 pounds weight. Now the baby is almost looking like an infant.
During week 34, your baby shifts into the pelvis and he/she is almost beyond the danger of breech position.
Now the baby can clearly open and blink the eyes. The little one’s liver is now able to release certain amounts of wastages. The baby receives antibodies that are generated from your blood and so the baby develops immunity to fight against the infections.
The baby’s skin is now becoming red and crinkled, but fat has started to be deposited to round out the baby’s features. (treatment of melasma during pregnancy)
Well developed baby’s lungs now able to generate a substance known as a surfactant that greatly aids in exchanging the oxygen.
Reflexes like grasping and blinking are set and the baby is actually settling into noticeable sleep patterns. The 34 weeks fetus is approximately about the size of Chihuahua.
Vernix coating on your baby’s skin is now becoming thick, while lanugo hair is completely removed. The skeleton bones are becoming hard and now the baby has developed immunity to fight against the infections. Also, the little one’s finger nails have reached the tip of the fingers.
By this time, most of the babies are in the right position for the delivery. When you visit your care provider for 34 weeks pregnant ultrasound, you will know the baby’s position whether it is head down or breech position. Even the baby is delivered during pregnancy week 34; he/she is now able to survive outside the womb. Symptoms of Pregnancy
What care should be taken by a pregnant woman at this period?
Practicing prenatal yoga and meditation will greatly help in promoting good health for you and your baby. Remember that psychological communication with your little one is most essential in those last weeks of pregnancy.
Patterned or abdominal breathing can help you feel relaxed. You can also consider massage as it can help to alleviate stress and perception of pain during labor.
Visualization is very much beneficial during this time. Visualize yourself like you are giving birth to a new life. Just imagine that the little one is in the right position for a safe birth. The sense that the baby is moving freely through the vagina with every contraction.
Have a wonderful journey of pregnancy!! Go on to know more about the exciting things during pregnancy week 35…Obstetrics
