Baby Development Milestones at Pregnancy Week 34
Think about how a two-kilo bag of flour feels when you lift it. If you could hold your little one in your arms at pregnancy week 34, he would weigh about half a kilogram more. He’s 45 centimetres long from toe to the crown and now has distinct facial features as he gets ready for his first maternity photo shoot.
Your baby is likely to remain in a curled-up, head-down position until birth. At this point, your uterine and abdominal walls are stretched thin and there is more light getting into the womb. In response, your baby is learning to open and close his eyes. He can also tell between day and night and his play and movements will mirror this pattern. If only he would know to stick to this pattern after birth!
Related: Baby’s Development and Changes on Your Body at Pregnancy Week 33
Pregnancy Symptoms and Body Changes at Week 34
Your weight gain will begin slowing down or hit a plateau altogether but this does not mean that your baby has stopped growing. Even better news is that the baby has started moving down to the pelvis area to get in position for birth which means you will feel a reduction on the amount of pressure on your chest and your lungs.
At 34 weeks pregnant, you most likely will look very pregnant and might notice feeling a little light-headed when you jump to your feet after lying down for long periods. You can also expect to feel a tingling or numb sensation around your pelvic area. This is a sign that the pelvic joints are loosening in readiness for D-day. Expect your popped belly button to feel a bit sensitive.
Pregnancy Week 34 Tip
This is the time to confirm your birth plan with your doula, midwife or birth partner and to start thinking about the actual birth process. Ask about the pain relief options, how your baby will be monitored during labour, and discuss the things that you would like during labour.
You can also look at maternity hospitals in Kenya and choose the one that meets your needs and preferences. However, remember that normal delivery is usually spontaneous and a baby will not necessarily follow your carefully laid out plan.
Also Read: Natural vs Epidural: Making the Right Choice for You
Looking for a Maternity Hospital in Nairobi?
When shopping for a maternity hospital to have your baby at, consider major factors such as how skilled their care team is, how equipped the hospital is, whether they honor mums’ birth preferences, your budget, whether they accept your insurance plan, and how prepared they’re for emergencies, pregnancy complications, and preterm labor.
Malaica Maternity Hospital ensures you have a safe and confident birth experience through our well-equipped centre, an expert-led delivery team, educating you on what to expect, and answering your questions and concerns.
Book a consultation with us to learn more about how we can empower and support you and your partner through this special moment.
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