34 Weeks Pregnant – Pregnancy Week 34

34 Weeks Pregnant: Common Signs and Symptoms

When you are 34 weeks pregnant, the amniotic fluid in your uterus has likely reached its maximum amount.

You may experience lightening; this is when the baby shifts position and descends lower into the birth canal. It readies the baby for delivery and also relieves pressure on your diaphragm, easing heartburn and breathing difficulties.

34 Weeks Pregnant: Baby’s Development

Your baby weighs 5½ pounds. The Baby’s body is becoming plumper, and the vernix, or waxy, white coating covering the baby’s skin, is thickening.

34 Weeks Pregnant: Self-Care Tips

Consult your doctor about perianal massage, and if interested, start doing it this week. It helps increase the plasticity of the perineum, which is the area between the vagina and anus, reducing the chances of tearing during delivery. It may prevent the need for an episiotomy, an incision made on the perineum during delivery.

At week 34 of pregnancy, engage your partner for the massage. You or your partner will place two fingers inside your vagina and apply pressure straight downward for 2 minutes. Then apply the same pressure on each side for an additional 4 minutes.

35 Weeks Pregnant – Pregnancy Week 35

35 Weeks Pregnant: Common Signs and Symptoms

• When you are 35 weeks pregnant, you have probably gained around 24 to 29 pounds.
• Your ever-growing uterus is now about 1000 times larger than it was before you became pregnant.
• The top of your uterus sits about 6 inches higher than your belly button.
• Your pregnancy symptoms are holding strong at this stage. You might get a headache now.

35 Weeks Pregnant – Baby’s Development

• At this stage, your baby’s lungs, brain, and liver are still developing; they are usually the last organs to fully mature.
• Your baby is gaining weight at the rate of 8 to 12 ounces weekly. Fat is developing beneath baby’s skin with every ounce added.
• By the end of this week, your baby will measure between 17 and 18 inches long and weigh 5 to 6 pounds.

35 Weeks Pregnant – Self-Care Tips

If your third-trimester headaches are disturbing you more and more, there are some things you can do to feel better:

• Schedule a prenatal massage to help you relieve pain in your neck and shoulders.
• Eat small meals frequently throughout the day to help keep your blood sugar level stable.
• Try to always tilt your pelvis forward to prevent your lower back from shifting further. Also, contract your abdominal muscles and buttocks frequently.
• At week 35 of pregnancy, sleep on your side regularly.
• Place a warm compress near your eyes and nose frequently or place an ice pack wrapped in a towel at the base of your neck to help relieve tension.

36 Weeks Pregnant – Pregnancy Week 36

36 Weeks Pregnant: Common Signs and Symptoms

• When you are 36 weeks pregnant, your uterus is occupying nearly all the room inside your abdomen. This will make it difficult to move around with ease.
• This is a period of rapid growth for your baby. The extra weight gain makes the end of the third trimester uncomfortable.
• Your hips become more unstable. You may lose your balance as the ligaments and joints in your pelvis loosen to prepare for your baby’s exit.
• Your cervix has become elongated at this time and contains a thick mucus plug.
• Consult your doctor if the pain and pressure from the ligaments and joints in your pelvis become unbearable.

36 Weeks Pregnant – Baby’s Development

Your baby is gaining an ounce a day, bringing her total weight to 5 to 6 pounds. The baby is 17 to 19 inches long by the end of this week.

At week 36 of pregnancy, your baby is busy practicing her breathing and swallowing skills and is taking in more lanugo and vernix, as both are being shed from your baby’s skin.

36 Weeks Pregnant – Self-Care Tips

• Pelvic pain is common at this stage of pregnancy. Wearing a pelvic support belt or binder can ease the pain.
• Take a warm bath or use a hot water bottle and get a prenatal massage to soothe your muscles.

37 Weeks Pregnant – Pregnancy Week 37

About 54 percent of women go into labor between weeks 37 and 39.

37 Weeks Pregnant – Common Signs & Symptoms

• When you are 37 weeks pregnant, your body is preparing for birth in a number of ways. You might be experiencing an increase in Braxton Hicks contractions.
• Your estrogen levels are beginning to rise. This softens and dilates your cervix and thins out your mucus plug, which has been shielding your cervix from bacteria. You might experience spotting. This doesn’t necessarily mean you are ready for labor, however. Rest assured that your baby is not affected by any of these developments.
• Your uterus has stopped migrating by week 37.
• Your weight is likely holding steady, and your amniotic fluid levels are beginning to decline.

37 Weeks Pregnant – Baby’s Development

• Your baby’s brain and lungs are still developing.
• Your baby is brushing up on coordination, practicing finger gripping and thumb sucking. These movements help it to prepare for breastfeeding.
• By the end of this week, your baby measures 18 inches long and weighs 6 to 7 pounds.

37 Weeks Pregnant – Self-Care Tips

• Take some time off if you are working. Start taking your maternity leave at this time.
• Relax.
• At week 37 of pregnancy, yoga exercises can be helpful now.

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