Week 34 Pregnancy Update: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Pregnancy

Welcome to the MamasteFit week-by-week pregnancy update! As you enter week 34 of your pregnancy, you’re likely feeling a mix of excitement, anticipation, and perhaps a bit of anxiety as your due date approaches. Whether this is your first pregnancy or your fourth, this stage brings its own unique challenges and milestones. In this post, we’ll dive into what you can expect during this pivotal week, how to manage common symptoms, and ways to prepare for the arrival of your little one.

What's Happening with Your Baby

At 34 weeks, your baby is about the size of a Tickle Me Elmo or a cantaloupe—depending on which comparison resonates with you! But more importantly, significant developments are happening:

Brain Development: Your baby’s central nervous system is fully developed, and the brain is continuing to grow and wrinkle. These wrinkles and folds are crucial as they increase the surface area of the brain, aiding in cognitive functions and intelligence as your baby continues to “cook.”
Vernix Caseosa: The vernix, a creamy, cheese-like substance that protects your baby’s skin in the womb, is thickening. This substance acts like a natural moisturizer and barrier, protecting your baby’s delicate skin from the amniotic fluid. By the time your baby is born, the vernix may have mostly absorbed into the skin, especially if they arrive close to or after their due date.
Nail Growth: Your baby’s nails are fully grown on both their hands and feet. These tiny but sharp nails can easily scratch their delicate skin, so be prepared with infant mittens or nail clippers.
Sleep Cycles: Your baby’s sleep cycles are now regulated and mirror what they will be like after birth. They are experiencing deep sleep, REM cycles, and short periods of wakefulness. Pay attention to your baby’s activity now, as it might give you insight into their sleep patterns after birth.

Common Symptoms at 34 Weeks

As your baby grows, you might start feeling more pressure and discomfort, particularly in your pelvis. Here are some common symptoms you might experience and tips on how to manage them:

Pelvic Pressure: As your baby starts to engage into your pelvis, you might feel increased pressure, especially when you squat or bend over. This engagement doesn’t necessarily mean labor is imminent, so try not to stress if your baby is low and ready but labor hasn’t started yet. Instead, focus on maintaining pelvic mobility and balance to support your baby’s optimal position for birth.
Fatigue: The energy boost you enjoyed during your second trimester might be waning. It’s common to feel more tired as you enter the final stretch of your pregnancy. Listen to your body and rest when needed, but also try to incorporate gentle movement, like prenatal yoga or walking, to keep your energy levels up.
Swelling: Swollen feet, hands, and even your face can be a side effect of decreased movement and increased pressure in your pelvis. Combat this by staying active—wearing compression socks, doing calf raises, and taking short walks can all help improve circulation and reduce swelling.
Insomnia: Pregnancy insomnia can be a real struggle, as you may find it difficult to get comfortable or quiet your mind at night. Consider implementing a calming bedtime routine, like a warm bath, prenatal yoga, or reading, to help you wind down and prepare for sleep.

Preparing for Birth and Postpartum

As you inch closer to your due date, it’s time to start thinking more seriously about birth preparation and postpartum recovery. Here’s how you can get ready:

Birth Preparation: At MamasteFit, we offer online prenatal fitness programs specifically tailored for the third trimester. These programs focus on strength training, pelvic stability, and birth preparation exercises that help open the pelvis and release tension in the pelvic floor. Remember, it’s not too late to start preparing your body for birth!
Nesting and Self-Care: Now is a great time to get your home and body ready for your baby’s arrival. Set up your postpartum baskets, stock up on essentials, and organize your home to reduce stress once your baby arrives. Incorporating self-care practices, like prenatal massages or chiropractic care, can also help you feel more comfortable and relaxed in these final weeks.
Childbirth Education: If you haven’t already, consider taking a childbirth education course. We offer comprehensive courses that cover everything from labor positions and comfort measures to what to expect during hospital births and how to care for your newborn. These courses are invaluable for both first-time and experienced parents.
Postpartum Planning: Don’t forget to prepare for the postpartum period, which can be more challenging than the birth itself. Our postpartum education courses cover everything you need to know about recovery, infant care, and how to recognize when to seek help. You can bundle these courses with our postpartum fitness programs for a complete recovery plan.

Instructors

ROXANNE

Postpartum And Newborn Care

This course breaks down what to expect postpartum from the moment your baby is born to the first few weeks postpartum! Learn what options you have available to you in your care!

My Personal Experience in Week 34

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A post shared by Gina, MS, & Roxanne, RN, BSN (@mamastefit)

During week 34 of my pregnancy, I found myself grappling with a mix of excitement, anxiety, and the ever-present discomforts that come with being in the final stretch. This is my fourth pregnancy, so you’d think I’d be used to it by now, but each pregnancy brings its own set of challenges and surprises.

One of the most noticeable things for me this week was the pelvic pressure. With baby number four settling deeper into my pelvis, every squat or attempt to pick something up off the floor was met with a significant amount of pressure. It’s like having a small bowling ball nestled down there, making even the simplest movements a bit of a struggle. This pressure doesn’t necessarily mean labor is imminent, but it definitely serves as a constant reminder that the big day is getting closer. My experience has taught me that baby engagement doesn’t equal labor starting soon. In fact, my last baby was engaged and ready at 37 weeks, but she made us wait until 41 weeks and 3 days!

The fatigue has also been real this week. In previous pregnancies, I managed to stay pretty active and energetic right up until the end, but this time around, I’m feeling the effects of pregnancy insomnia. Every night seems to be a battle between wanting to sleep and my body refusing to cooperate. Some nights, I feel so restless that I find myself getting up to do things instead of tossing and turning in bed. Ironically, it’s during these sleepless nights that I feel the most pressure to get things done. There’s this constant nagging thought in the back of my mind that time is running out, and I need to prepare for the baby’s arrival.

Adding to the challenge, my youngest child is going through a phase of insomnia too, which means that she stays up late with me. We end up having these late-night “parties,” but the next morning, I’m the one paying the price. With three other kids to take care of, I don’t have the luxury of sleeping in, so the days start early whether I’ve slept or not.

One thing that has helped me cope with the physical discomforts and fatigue is incorporating more self-care into my routine. I’ve been getting regular prenatal massages and seeing my chiropractor every other week. These little bits of self-care have been lifesavers in helping me manage the aches and pains that come with being heavily pregnant, especially during the hot North Carolina summer. It’s been scorching outside, so I’ve had to get creative with staying active. Walking outdoors is out of the question during the day, so I’ve started using a walking treadmill at my desk. It’s been a great way to keep moving without having to brave the heat.

The nesting instinct has kicked in full force. I’ve been meticulously preparing for the baby’s arrival by organizing postpartum baskets, gathering home birth supplies, and making sure everything is in its place. I like to have everything ready by 37 weeks, just in case. Even though I know I might have a few more weeks to go, having everything prepped gives me peace of mind. It’s one less thing to worry about, and I can focus on taking care of myself and my family as we count down the days until our new little one arrives.

One of the most challenging aspects of this week has been managing the mental load. I’m constantly thinking about all the things that need to get done before the baby comes—finalizing work projects, scheduling photo shoots, and making sure my older kids are prepared for the changes ahead. It’s a lot to juggle, and it’s probably why I’m struggling with insomnia. My mind just won’t shut off! I even signed up for a stress-free pregnancy webinar, hoping it might help me relax, but with the baby potentially coming in a few weeks, I’m not sure if I’ll have time to actually attend.

Despite the fatigue and the physical discomforts, I’m trying to savor these last few weeks of pregnancy. I know that this is likely my last pregnancy, and as challenging as it can be, there’s something incredibly special about this time. Feeling the baby move and knowing that soon I’ll be holding her in my arms makes all of it worth it. Plus, my kids are so excited to meet their new sibling, which adds to the anticipation and joy.

So, here I am, 34 weeks pregnant, feeling a mix of exhaustion, excitement, and a touch of anxiety. It’s a rollercoaster, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Each week brings me closer to meeting my new baby, and that thought is what keeps me going, even on the toughest days.

Conclusion

Week 34 of pregnancy is an exciting yet challenging time. Your baby is making incredible strides in development, and your body is working hard to support these changes. By focusing on gentle exercise, self-care, and thorough preparation, you can navigate this stage with confidence and ease.

Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and it’s essential to listen to your body and adjust your routine as needed. If you’re looking for additional support, whether it’s fitness programs, childbirth education, or postpartum recovery tips, we’ve got you covered at MamasteFit. Check out our offerings and take advantage of our special discounts to get everything you need for a strong finish to your pregnancy journey.

Stay strong, stay informed, and get ready to meet your little one soon!

If you’re looking for more support during your pregnancy, consider exploring our online prenatal fitness programs and childbirth education courses. You can bundle these for additional savings!

Gina Conley, MS