Pregnancy Calendar at Week 34
Hello there, little mama!
I’ve already seen quite a bit — sort of like a little squirrel, cozying up in your lively space. I probably wouldn’t stay for long, but I can wave my tiny hands and wag my little tail to show you where I am and how I grow.
My skin feels smooth and even, like a flat, sturdy layer of paint. Meanwhile, the colorful tint gradually fades away — I start looking more and more like a tiny human you’ll recognize very soon.
Inside me, important things are happening: my little bones are getting sturdier, my tiny organs are working more actively, and my brain is already controlling all my movements. Sometimes you might even notice that my big thumb is bigger than the other fingers — that’s a little game we play to get to know each other and practice.
Although I move a lot, my little legs sometimes wiggle — that’s my little warm-up. I’m ready to meet you and I can’t wait!
Thank you for caring for me and loving me — I feel it every single day. We’ll see each other very soon!
Your little squirrel 💚🤗
What happens to you during pregnancy?
By the 34th week of pregnancy, the mother is already preparing for childbirth. Life begins to slow down, and a child's movements become more noticeable. Because of the shift in the center of gravity, walking gets tougher, balance can be harder to maintain, and legs often swell. The skin gradually stretches, adapting as the mother’s belly grows larger.
Aches in life
Pregnancy can cause muscle soreness due to relaxation of joints and the effects of pregnancy hormones. This is normal, as the female body prepares for labor. However, if the pain becomes too intense, it’s best to see a doctor.
Precise pains
At 34 weeks, you might notice some spotting. If it’s a light pink or has a slight smell, or if there’s no odor, it’s usually not a concern. It’s a natural sign that doesn’t differ from spotting a few months earlier. However, if there’s a lot of bright blood or if it’s dark, it can indicate a problem and you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Varicose veins and hemorrhoids
In the third trimester, blood volume increases and starts to thickify under the influence of hormones, reducing blood flow to the placenta and the baby. Blood pooling in the lower extremities can cause varicose veins. Additionally, pressure from the growing belly can lead to hemorrhoids. To prevent this, regular use of compression stockings and in some cases, varicose vein bandaging is recommended.
Strain from pelvic pathways
At 34 weeks, pregnancy hormones often cause discharge. These are usually clear, with a slight vinegar smell or none at all, and shouldn’t be worrying. This is a natural process, and it doesn’t differ from previous months. However, if discharge is yellow, red, or green, it could be a sign of infection that needs medical attention. Discharges of a different color—brown, bloody, or cloudy—may also indicate issues.
Stretch marks
Due to the stretched skin of the abdomen, the baby bump may sometimes be pushed. This can trigger stretch marks, often on the outer thighs, hips, breasts, or stomach, especially during coughing or sneezing. It’s a natural occurrence and doesn’t require special treatment.
Skin itching
At 34 weeks, skin itching and burning may be related to hormonal changes. If the skin is pale, it might be due to iron deficiency anemia. If another color appears—yellow, red, or green—it can indicate a problem. Changes like this should be checked with your doctor.
Swelling
Swelling can be difficult to distinguish from normal. Excessive swelling might be due to blood pooling, or from more serious causes like preeclampsia. Always pay attention to the symptoms: swelling of the face, ankles, or hands, and persistent or sudden swelling of the lower limbs. Swelling in the lower limbs could be due to heart issues, weakness, or mild varicose veins. If varicose veins appear in the legs with throbbing, weakness, and a burning sensation, it might suggest developing varicose veins. Swelling of the lower limbs can also result from increased fluid retention, which might be caused by heart or kidney problems.
Hiccups
At 34 weeks, hiccups and swallowing of amniotic fluid can be related to hormonal factors. These phenomena are harmless, but if they cause discomfort or are accompanied by the new or unusual sensations of the baby, consult your doctor.
Medical examination
Labor is approaching, and a woman’s mood can fluctuate. She may be anxious or stressed, and her body reacts with increased heartbeat, blood pressure spikes, and possibly early contractions. A hormonal imbalance may also cause mood swings. A prenatal blood test is recommended around this time to detect any issues. If the results are not favorable, treatment will be needed.
What a future mom can expect:
- Practicing gentle exercises for pregnancy, including breathing exercises and pelvic muscle strengthening.
- Regular moderate swimming to reduce weight load on the muscles.
- Taking mineral complexes prescribed by the doctor.
- Wearing maternity belts and compression stockings if needed.
- Consulting with a hematologist if blood tests show deficiencies.
Skin
- Enjoying massage: evaluating blood flow in vessels.
- Using skin creams to soothe and prevent deep stretch marks.
- Wearing maternity lingerie and comfortable shoes.
- Staying outdoors as much as possible, especially in bright sunlight or saltwater.
- Lifting weights carefully.
- Engaging in light physical activity, including stretches and walking.
- Avoiding visiting the doctor unnecessarily or consulting with an excessively aggressive doctor.
- Visiting thermal baths and saunas.
- Spending time under the sun or in a salt room.
- Lifting weights.
- Doing gentle exercises involving breathing, squats, and walking.
- Riding a bicycle or doing similar transport activities.
- Contacting an infectious disease specialist if needed.
Helpful Tips
To strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and support your uterus, straightening your lower back, toning your abdominal muscles, and including pelvic floor exercises in your routine can make a real difference. Try out the pelvic floor technique developed by Arnold Kegel, which involves 5 simple exercises focused on alternating tension and relaxation of specific muscles. Keeping a healthy pelvic area is a key sign of good reproductive health and a quick way to recover after childbirth.
