WeMoms
9 Apr 2024

Your body at 34 weeks of pregnancy

Pregnancy
Pregnancy week by week
Your Body at 34 Weeks
As you near the end of your pregnancy journey, you may find yourself facing a new wave of physical discomforts and unexpected challenges. 
Let's explore what to expect at 34 weeks and practical strategies to manage these symptoms with resilience and grace.
Juliette
Midwife for 8+ years
Symptoms of the week
Pregnancy Brain

Back Pain

Headache

Pregnancy Brain: Experiencing forgetfulness and moments of absent-mindedness, known colloquially as "pregnancy brain," is entirely normal and can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations, fatigue, and the anticipation of impending motherhood.

Headaches: Wrestling with headaches akin to a persistent drummer in your head can be attributed to various factors such as hormonal changes, increased blood volume, stress, and lack of sleep.

Others

Varicose Veins: Witnessing the emergence of varicose veins, akin to a map tracing your body's journey, can be disconcerting but is a common occurrence due to increased blood volume and hormonal shifts.

PUPPP Rash: Confronting PUPPP, a harmless yet irksome skin condition causing itchy, red rashes on various body parts, underscores the remarkable changes your body undergoes to accommodate your growing baby.
Your baby's position is stabilizing. Stay hydrated and well-rested.
International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Is it normal?
Varicose Vein Assurance: Recognizing varicose veins as a temporary byproduct of pregnancy's physical demands offers solace, knowing they typically recede postpartum.

Embracing Pregnancy Brain: Embracing the quirks of "pregnancy brain" with humor and understanding alleviates concerns, recognizing it as a transient phenomenon influenced by hormonal shifts and fatigue.

Navigating Headaches: Prioritizing hydration, rest, stress management, and cold compresses assists in alleviating headaches, acknowledging their multifaceted triggers and seeking medical advice for persistent or severe cases.

Addressing PUPPP: Acknowledging PUPPP as a common occurrence rooted in hormonal fluctuations and skin stretching reinforces the transient nature of this discomfort, with treatment options available for relief.
Top Asked Questions
Top 5 questions answered
What is a postpartum hemorrhage, and how is it treated?

A postpartum hemorrhage is heavy bleeding after childbirth. It's treated with medication, surgery, or blood transfusions.

What is skin-to-skin contact, and why is it important?

Skin-to-skin contact involves placing the baby directly on the mother's bare chest immediately after birth. It's important because it helps regulate the baby's temperature, heart rate, and breathing, and promotes bonding between mother and baby.

What is breastfeeding, and how do I prepare for it?

Breastfeeding is feeding the baby breast milk directly from the breast. To prepare, you can take a breastfeeding class, talk to a lactation consultant, and have a support system in place.

What is bottle-feeding, and how do I prepare for it?

Bottle-feeding is feeding the baby formula or expressed breast milk from a bottle. To prepare, you can take a bottle-feeding class and have the necessary equipment on hand.

What is the difference between a pediatrician and a family doctor, and which one should I choose for my baby?

A pediatrician specializes in the care of infants, children, and adolescents, while a family doctor treats patients of all ages. It's up to personal preference, but many parents choose a pediatrician for their baby.

Taking care of yourself
Hydration Priority: Prioritize hydration to combat headaches and promote overall well-being, keeping a water bottle handy for convenient access.

Stress Management Techniques: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and gentle stretching to mitigate stressors contributing to headaches.

Rest and Sleep: Embrace opportunities for restorative rest, even amidst the challenges of pregnancy, recognizing the vital role of sleep in overall health and symptom management.

Cold Compress Relief: Utilize cold compresses to alleviate headache discomfort, targeting the forehead and neck areas to reduce inflammation and promote relief.

Trigger Avoidance: Identify and avoid headache triggers such as bright lights, loud noises, and certain foods to minimize symptom exacerbation and enhance well-being.
Stay up-to-date with regular prenatal appointments and recommended tests
Consider taking a breastfeeding class or researching nursing resources
Invest in a comfortable and supportive nursing bra for after the baby arrives
Prepare for potential childcare challenges or difficulties
Research potential postpartum support resources, such as a postpartum doula
Teaser for next week
Prepare for potential physical adjustments such as waddling and increased vaginal moisture in the coming weeks, recognizing these changes as natural manifestations of your body's preparation for childbirth.
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K
Kaneesha
4 Dec 2023

Yall I'm officially 34w today... only 5-6 weeks to go I'm starting to get a lil nervous cause how the hell am I gunna take care of a 1y/o and a newborn baby by myself while my husband is at work... idek how but it's gunna get done.. wish me luck mommas..

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
6 comments
A
Amanda
Girl I have a 4 year old &' a 2 year old &' a 1 year old &' currently pregnant. You'll know what to-do when it happens it's not so hard with 2 but I have 3 &' one on the way. Honestly with my son it was easy as a pie but you'll get the hang of it momma congratulations don't stress you got this. ❤️❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Kaneesha
thank you so much girl cause I just be stressing out on the lil things..
27 Mar 2024

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Alexis
19 Aug 2023

how early did you mommas have your baby? did they have to spend time in the NICU? i’m terrified, i’m 34w 3d and my mom never went past 34 with any of me and my siblings.

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
5 comments
E
Elizabeth
37 weeks 2 days due to a medical induction. Perfectly healthy, no NICU time
27 Mar 2024

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Shyderria
I usually Carry until 40 weeks
27 Mar 2024

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Kyllee
3 Aug 2023

So I went to my 34w appt & I got a cervix check due to lightning crotch . The dr said the baby’s Head is extremely low but no dilation yet… should I be worried about labor in the near future ???

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
6 comments
B
Bec
Nope. Had that around the same time. 36 weeks and I'm just now slowly getting ready.
27 Mar 2024

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Mariya
No ma’am. My baby has been head down since i was 32 weeks. Im 37 now im still not dilated
27 Mar 2024

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Samantha
13 Jul 2023

Anyone else measuring WAY ahead? Had my 26w appointment today & im measuring 33-34w. My Dr moved my appointments up to every 2 weeks to “make sure baby is ok”, she said. She also moved my glucose test up 2 weeks!

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
7 comments
F
Felecia
That happened to my brothers ex, but only by a couple days.
27 Mar 2024

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Samantha
Right! I’ve heard of a couple days, maybe even a week…but 7-8 WEEKS ahead! I’m nervous
27 Mar 2024

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Yamila
12 Jun 2023

Just went to my ob appointment... I'm not 36 weeks, I'm 34w+2d. How?!?! Where did that other week go??

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
3 comments
C
Caliann
Did it change because of baby size?? For some odd reasons doctors are starting to go off baby size instead of sticking with ur period
27 Mar 2024

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Yamila
they changed it back to 36 weeks. Was told to call them to schedule an ultrasound STAT. Gonna call to see if I can get in today, would love to see my baby again 🥰🥰
27 Mar 2024

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Adrian
27 Jul 2022

Baby was weighing 5lb 14oz at 34w&1d & now I've gained 8lb in 2 weeks. Yall I eat meals 2-3 times a day and only snacks I really eat is apples or oatmeal. And that's if I get hungry. Sometimes I only want the 2-3 meals. Lol whyyy

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
8 comments
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Emily
Same it just packs on like crazy. I didn't even change my eating habits either or eat that much crazyyyy
27 Mar 2024

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A
Adrian
my thighs are harder than ever now too. Like how does that happen ? 🤣 maybe it's cause I nested constantly everyday since I was 5 1/2 months and I ran up and down the stairs 24/7 looking for stuff to clean, but lately I'm a couch potato lol
27 Mar 2024

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