Week 34

What Is Happening To Your Body

Your doctor will likely check your blood pressure at your prenatal visit to check for preeclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure and protein in the urine.

Fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and aches and pains may be hurdles this week, but the finish line is in sight!

You may be feeling anxious about the delivery. Instead, concentrate on your health and try to get enough physical activity in as possible. It will be helpful as the big day comes closer and closer.

Now is a good time to begin mental preparations for the big day ahead. To get started, here is a quick lesson of the labor process. There are 3 stages of labor. The first is to open the cervix, the second is to push the baby out through the cervix, and the third is to expel the placenta.

6 weeks left! You're doing great!

What Is Happening To Your Baby

Your baby is measures approximately 17.7 inches (45 cm) long from head to heel and weighs almost 5 pounds (2.3 kg). This is roughly the weight of a cantaloupe.

His or her immune system continues to develop, getting strong in preparation for life outside your belly.

It is important to get enough calcium this week because the baby is hardening its skeletal structure. Your baby will be fine if you do not get enough calcium, but you will not be because your baby will be taking the calcium from your own bones to supplement the development. So be sure to get that extra calcium (in prenatal vitamin and food form) for both of you.

 What Is Happening This Week?

Ultrasound images courtesy of GE Healthcare

The clinical images and information presented in this application represent normal fetal growth during a typical pregnancy.  The images and information are to be used for educational purposes only  and not for diagnostic purposes.  Please consult a licensed physician regarding any specific questions pertaining to your pregnancy.