Medically reviewed by Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, and Emiliana Hall, the founder of The Mindful Birth Group®.
At thirty-four weeks pregnant, you're getting closer to the big day and there’s plenty of exciting things in store. One exciting thing to look forward to this week is your week 34 antenatal appointment, we'll tell you what to expect later.
The NHS recommends to keep eating healthily, take gentle exercise, and rest often. They also say it's a great time to start doing pelvic floor exercises, if you haven't already. They say It's recommended that you do 150 minutes of exercise a week while pregnant, and taking a brisk 10 minute walk is a great start.
Your baby is nearly ready to be born though, so it's also time to start thinking practically, not only about your hospital bag essentials but about your birth plan.
Find out what else you need to know about your baby and your body at 34 weeks pregnant, including what symptoms to expect, and other things you should be doing at this stage.
How many months pregnant is 34 weeks?
According to Emilana, they say: "At 34 weeks, you are around eight months pregnant. Pregnancy is typically counted in weeks rather than months, as months do not divide neatly into four-week chunks. You are now well into the third trimester, with only about six weeks to go until your due date.
Baby development at 34 weeks pregnant
At 34 weeks, your baby is growing fast and getting ready for life outside the womb. They now weigh around 2.1kg (4.6lbs) and measure about 45cm (17.7 inches) long, roughly the size of a cantaloupe melon.
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Lung development – Your baby’s lungs are maturing, producing more surfactant, which helps them breathe independently after birth.
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Brain growth – Their brain is developing at an incredible rate, forming more neural connections every day.
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Sleep cycles – Your baby is beginning to follow a more defined sleep-wake cycle, which may continue after birth.
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Body fat – They are building up fat stores, helping them regulate their temperature once born.
Some babies may now be head-down in preparation for birth, though others may still move around before settling into position, says Emilana.
34 weeks pregnant symptoms
As your baby grows, you may notice new or more intense pregnancy symptoms. Some common ones at 34 weeks include:
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Braxton Hicks contractions – These are practice contractions that can feel like mild, irregular tightening across your bump. They should not be painful or consistent.
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Shortness of breath – As your baby takes up more space, they can press against your diaphragm, making it harder to take deep breaths.
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Pelvic pressure – If your baby has moved head-down, you may feel more pressure in your pelvis.
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Swollen hands and feet – Fluid retention can cause swelling, particularly towards the end of the day. Resting with your feet up can help.
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Heartburn and indigestion – As your growing bump pushes against your stomach, acid reflux can become more noticeable. Eating smaller meals and avoiding spicy or greasy foods may ease discomfort.
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Tiredness – It is common to feel more fatigued as your body works hard to support your baby’s final growth spurts, says Emilana.
Your body at 34 weeks pregnant
Your body is continuing to adapt to the final stretch of pregnancy. You may notice:
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Weight gain – Most people gain around 1-2lbs per week at this stage. Your midwife will monitor your weight to ensure healthy growth.
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Looser joints – The hormone relaxin is preparing your body for labour by loosening ligaments, which can sometimes cause aches in your pelvis and lower back.
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Increased vaginal discharge – A rise in discharge is normal, but if it is watery, green, or has a strong odour, speak to your midwife.
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Stretch marks – Your skin is stretching quickly, and you may see more stretch marks forming. Keeping your skin moisturised can help with comfort, says Emilana.
Your bump at 34 weeks pregnant
At 34 weeks, your bump will feel full and round, and your uterus now sits high up, just below your ribcage. You may feel:
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Tightness – Your skin and muscles are stretching to accommodate your growing baby.
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Movements – Your baby should still be moving regularly, though their kicks may feel more like rolls and nudges due to reduced space.
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Itching – Mild itching can be caused by skin stretching, but if it becomes severe, speak to your midwife, as it could indicate a liver condition called obstetric cholestasis, says Emilana.
Looking after you at 34 weeks pregnant
As you near the final weeks of pregnancy, prioritising your well-being is essential.
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Rest when you can – Sleep may be harder to come by, so take short naps or rest with your feet up when possible.
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Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water can help reduce swelling and support digestion.
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Gentle movement – Pregnancy yoga, walking, or swimming can ease discomfort and prepare your body for labour.
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Pelvic floor exercises – Strengthening these muscles can help with birth and recovery.
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Nutrition – Eating a balanced diet with iron-rich foods will support your energy levels and your baby’s development, says Emilana.
Other things to consider at 34 weeks pregnant
Emotional well-being – It is natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves at this stage. Talking to your partner, a friend, or a birth professional can help you feel more prepared and supported.
Birth preferences – If you have not already, now is a good time to consider your preferences for birth. Your midwife or birth partner can support you in making a plan that feels right for you.
Packing your hospital bag – Many parents find it reassuring to pack a bag with essentials for labour and the first few days after birth.
Maternity leave – If you are working, maternity leave typically begins around 36 weeks, but you may choose to start earlier if needed.
Baby’s position – Your midwife may check if your baby is head-down. If they are breech, there is still time for them to turn naturally, or your midwife may discuss options with you, says Emilana.
And according to Dr. Deborah Lee , they say: "At 34 weeks your baby is the size of a honeydew melon! They will weigh around 2.4 kg (5.2 pounds) and measure 45.3 cm (17.8 inches) in length. Their skeleton is starting to harden apart from the skull bones which stay soft to mould as the head passes through the birth canal. Also, your baby has now started producing brown fat – a special type of fat which helps regulate their core temperature and keep them warm. In a baby boy, the testes descend from the abdomen into the scrotum at around 34 weeks. The cochlea – the part of the ear responsible for hearing – starts to develop at 34 weeks, meaning your baby can already recognise your voice and you can sing to them, says Dr. Lee.
34 weeks pregnant symptoms
At 34 weeks the pregnant uterus sinks down into the pelvis which is called engagement.
When it does this, it creates a bit more space in the abdomen, meaning it may be a little easier to breathe and there may be less acid reflux/indigestion. However, the weight of the pregnancy on the bladder often means you need to pee more often, says Dr. Lee.
Your body at 34 weeks pregnant
You might notice pelvic girdle pain (PGP) at this time, due to pressure on the pelvic region. A warm bath, pelvic floor exercises and sometimes a pelvic support belt can help. It is not harmful to the baby. Speak to your midwife or GP if you are worried.
Other symptoms can be a nuisance at this stage of pregnancy from swollen hands and feet to backache, constipation and piles. Keep active, rest when you can, and eat plenty of fibre. Don’t let constipation become a big issue – drink plenty of water and take laxatives such as lactulose if needed, says Dr. Lee.
Your bump at 34 weeks pregnant
Normally, you can measure the fundal height from the top of the symphysis pubis to the top of the fundus (top of your bump) in centimetres and it will match the number of weeks of gestation. This should be within 3 cm. Remember, if the head has engaged and is now in the pelvis, the fundal height will be reduced.
Your bump will feel rounded and tight. You will be having painless contractions called Braxton Hicks contractions. These are irregular, unpredictable and can last up to 60 seconds. We don’t know why they occur, but the body is getting ready for labour. They are perfectly natural and nothing to worry about.
Your baby will be active, rolling, kicking and wriggling around. The RCOG states that babies sleep in utero for 20 to 40 minutes at a time and rarely for more than 90 minutes. This means you should feel movements more or less ever hour. Rather than counting movements, you should be aware if the pattern of movements changes. If this is the case, you should contact your local maternity unit straight away, says Dr. Lee.
Looking after you at 34 weeks pregnant
You will have a 34 week antenatal appointment. At the appointment, the medical team will check your blood pressure, urine and the results of any screening tests. They will measure your fundal height and ask about fetal movements, to check on the growth and wellbeing of your baby. Your midwife will want to discuss your birth plan. If there is a need for a Caesarean Section, this will be discussed. If you are Rhesus negative, this is the time for your second anti-D injection. This is very important to stop your baby developing Rhesus Disease. The first anti-D injection is given at 28 weeks.
Make sure you get enough sleep. At this stage of pregnancy, you should have 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Always sleep on your side as this better for the placenta, says Dr. Lee.
Make sure you are eating a healthy nutritious diet. You only need an extra 200 calories a day at this stage of pregnancy, which is not a lot, so take care not to overdo it, and concentrate on getting good nutrition rather than too many carbs!
Pregnant women should take a 10 mcg vitamin D supplement from October to March. This is very important for the health of both mother and baby. It is even more important for anyone with dark skin, or those who cover their skin or don’t go outside very often, says Dr. Lee.
You are entitled to free dental care when pregnant so make sure this is up to date.
Other things to consider at 34 weeks pregnant
You may have already decided when to start your maternity leave, and some women prefer to work up until their due date. However, if you haven’t done so, your employer needs 28 days notice for your maternity leave.
If you have back pain and/or joint pain, swimming is a very good in pregnancy. The water supports the weight of the pregnancy and takes weight off the joints, giving you a chance to take some gentle exercise. Swimming is a great exercise for improving cardiovascular and muscle health and can reduce joint swelling, says Dr. Lee.
You might want to go to some antenatal classes such as those run by the National Childbirth trust (NCT). These are a great way to learn more about your pregnancy journey, what to expect from childbirth and to get support from professionals and other pregnant mums.
The RSV vaccination is offered at 28 weeks, but if you haven’t had it, you have another chance at 34 weeks. This is safe vaccine which stimulates production of anti-RSV antibodies and reduces the chance of your baby having severe bronchiolitis in the first 6 months of life.
If you haven’t had the whooping cough vaccination, usually offered at 28 weeks, you can have this at this stage. The vaccination is highly protective in stopping babies getting whooping cough in the first 8 weeks of life, until they have their own whooping cough vaccination.
It’s a good idea to also have the influenza vaccination if this is offered. Pregnant women are more susceptible to flu and are more likely to be admitted to hospital if they get it.
All these vaccines can be given if needed, at the same time.
The best advice is not to smoke, drink alcohol or have no more than 200 mg per day of caffeine (that’s about 2 cups of instant coffee). If you need help to do this, talk to your midwife. There are many support mechanism to help you. It’s never too late to give up, says Dr. Lee.
Meet the experts
Emiliana Hall is the founder of The Mindful Birth Group® and continues to teach Mindful Natal® courses and support families as a birth and postnatal doula and hypnobirthing expert. An experienced antenatal educator and hypnobirthing practitioner with a robust professional background in supporting expectant parents through their pregnancy and postnatal journeys. With almost a decade of experience, Emiliana has dedicated her career to providing compassionate and evidence-based guidance to families, ensuring they feel empowered and prepared for childbirth and beyond. She is a sought-after speaker and mentor in the field of prenatal education, known for her reassuring, respectful and knowledgeable approach.
Dr Deborah Lee, Having worked for many years in the NHS, mostly as Lead Clinician within an integrated Community Sexual Health Service. Dr Deborah Lee now works as a health and medical writer, with an emphasis on women's health, including medical content for Dr Fox pharmacy. She has published several books and remains passionate about all aspects of medicine and sexual health. After completing her Medical Degree at University of Southampton Medical School in 1986, Dr Lee trained as a GP and after a number of years specialised in Sexual & Reproductive Health (S&RH).
Mummy to a little girl, Adejumoke Ilori is Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. With a BA hon in Creative Writing, she has worked for digital platforms, where she has empowered women from the inside and out, by sharing real life stories based on relationships and loving yourself.