34th week of pregnancy for mother and baby - 8th month of pregnancy
You have reached the thirty-fourth week of pregnancy and this means that the eighth month of your journey has already begun, which will lead you to the moment of delivery (less and less!) And to the meeting with your baby. The growth of the fetus is proceeding at full speed also in this last trimester and surely you will have already had the opportunity to see it with the ultrasound. But what else is necessary to know for the expectant mother? Before continuing with the reading, here is a video with the things not to do in pregnancy.
Symptoms in the 34th week of pregnancy
We have collected the typical symptoms of the 34th week of pregnancy. Here they are below.
- food cravings
- frequent urge to pee due to the pressure made by the uterus on the bladder
- pain in the round ligament of the uterus
- insomnia
- shortness of breath and pain in the ribs
- joint pain in the thighs, hips and back
- constipation, bloating, indigestion and bloating
- contractions of Braxton Hicks
- nasal congestion
- burning throat
- cramps in the lower limbs
- varicose veins
- hemorrhoids
- strange dreams due to the increase in hormone levels
- pain in the coccyx
- itching around the belly, back and breasts
- hot flashes alternating with chills
- swollen and bleeding gums
- mood swings
See also
34th week of pregnancy: changes in the woman's body
The fetus grows more and more and takes up more and more space inside the belly, it is no coincidence that the birth is more and more imminent. The baby begins to be tight and within a few weeks it will begin to descend, putting itself in the right position to natural childbirth.
In this week you are still gaining weight which varies by about half a kilo: fear not, most of this increase is due to the development of the baby.
If in this period you happen to feel contractions, which become stronger and more numerous, and to have fluid or blood loss, you must immediately go to the hospital. You will be done all the tests to identify the cause of the leaks and the precise nature of the liquid. Being followed by a doctor allows you to monitor certain parameters such as the appearance of the cervix, to know exactly what stage you are in.
Even if, based on the tests, ultrasounds and calculations, you have been given a possible date for the birth ... there is a good chance that you will not give birth on that day! Because estimates are possible, but in the end it is nature, your organism and, above all, your baby that decides!
On the other hand, even if, on the basis of the ultrasound, an estimate was made on the size and weight of the baby ... it is always a "hypothesis! You will discover the truth only after its birth!"
The growth and development of the baby at the 34th week of pregnancy
By the 34th week, the fetus is the size of a cantaloupe. It measures approximately 45 centimeters in length, and weighs just over 2 kilograms.
Through her eyes that are now fully formed, she sees the light that enters the uterus through the increasingly thin walls, and is also able to distinguish day from night. While before the child spent most of his time with his eyes closed, now he alternates moments in which he manages to open them, managing to create a real sleep / wake pattern.
Ever smoother skin and round cheeks, in these weeks the fetus takes on more and more the appearance of a fully developed baby. All this is due to the layer of fat that gradually increases under its skin.
The central nervous system and lungs of the fetus are now developed enough to function on their own, so if the birth takes place in these weeks, the baby has a very high chance of survival. However, most babies born during the 34th week of pregnancy may need assisted breathing to help their small lungs work at the right pace. Don't worry, the doctors will take care of you and your baby.
If the fetus is a boy, his testicles will now be fully formed and in place. Same thing will happen for the female sexual organs, in case you are expecting a baby girl.
The amniotic fluid levels continue to increase, and allow the baby to still move in the limited space inside you, sometimes even allowing you to see a small hand or foot through your baby bump. By the 34th week, most babies are in the correct position to be born, with their head down, with their legs folded over their chest.
In some rare cases, the baby remains in the breech or transverse position, but it will be the doctor, who you will need to contact, who will tell you how to proceed and try to turn the fetus from the outside of the baby bump.
Have you already chosen the name for your baby? If you run out of ideas, get inspired by our list of names for all tastes and discover their meanings!
Our advice
Heartburn
7 out of 10 mothers suffer from it! Heartburn occurs mainly during the last trimester of pregnancy and is due to the reflux of acid secretions from the stomach into the esophagus.
How do they manifest themselves?
You have a burning sensation, accompanied by acid gastro-esophageal reflux in the esophagus. This disorder can be accompanied by digestive problems, swelling: digestion is slower and more difficult.
The culprits?
- The hormones of pregnancy (progesterone reduces gastric activity: ingested food stays in the stomach for a longer time) and the increase in the size of the uterus, which exerts ever stronger pressure on the stomach.
- The increase in pressure inside the abdomen and the ascent of the organs towards the diaphragm cause a change in the position of the cardia (small valve located between the stomach and the esophagus), thus allowing the reflux of acid gastric juices to pass. upward.
Some tricks to get better
- First of all, avoid lying down immediately after eating. And, when you are lying down, put two pillows under your head. Acid regurgitation is more frequent when the expectant mother is lying down or leaning forward, accentuating the compression.
- Eat slowly and chew well.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing.
- Avoid spices, condiments and sauces. Acidic foods (vinegar, gherkins, lemon) are prohibited. It also limits hard-to-digest and fried foods.
- Try to eat lighter meals, so as not to overload your stomach. For example, divide your meals: eat fruit or dessert in the middle of the afternoon.
Of course, if your heartburn is too bad, talk to your doctor (or gynecologist), he may prescribe a cure to help you get better.
Good to know
As with many pregnancy-related disorders, this disorder also disappears after the baby is born.
Useful information not to be forgotten
- Begin to prepare the room and the necessary for the baby
- Sixth mandatory prenatal gynecological examination, blood test, complete urine examination, vaginal swab for streptococcus, flowmetry, electrocardiogram
- Prepare the maternity bag
