34 Weeks Pregnant - Trimester 3

BABY DEVELOPMENT

While your baby may have already started to move down into your pelvis, they won’t get completely in place until a few days or even hours before the beginning contractions of childbirth.  At this stage, your baby’s brain and nervous system are fully developed and their liver is storing iron which their body will use for around the first 6 months. Their suck and swallow skills are improving daily, all in preparation for drinking precious breast milk when they are born.

At 34 weeks, your baby is around the size of a wombok cabbage and can now use their brain control their own body temperature, breathing and digestive functions. Amazing!
 

YOUR BODY

Does the baby feel particularly heavy? You may be feeling tension or some pain in your lower abdomen. Totally normal: your pelvic joints are loosening up, pulling on your ligaments. As your baby takes up room in your uterus, you may need to urinate more often. You may also be feeling breathless as your baby takes up more space, compressing your diaphragm and lungs. This may not last too much longer though and you may notice some relief as your baby moves lower into your pelvic area.

NUTRITION

Although it may be inconvenient, do not restrict your fluid intake to try to not have to use the bathroom so often. Water, about 8-10 glasses each day, is necessary to keep you hydrated, and for your baby’s bath of amniotic fluid and the extra blood that you are making. Keep your energy levels steady with regular snacks throughout the day, your baby is consuming a lot of what you’re eating as their fat stores increase, getting ready for birth.

TIPS

In the last weeks before the birth you should stay near your hospital. No interstate or overseas travel just now. You never know when your little darling will suddenly lose patience!