As you progress through your third trimester, you are only six weeks away from your due date. Exciting times are ahead of you, but the present situation with the pregnancy can be quite taxing on your – both physically and mentally.
Since babies are rarely born on their due dates, start preparing for rushing to the hospital any time in the coming weeks. Get your hospital bags ready and discuss everything at length with your doctor for the smooth delivery of your baby.
If you are concerned about a timeline, you are currently eight months and two weeks pregnant and have six more weeks.
Also Read: https://pregajunction.com/blog/week-33-of-pregnancy/
In this Article
What Changes will my Body Undergo?
Your baby is growing uniformly and at its designated rate inside you. So, weight gain is a prominent marker for you. You might notice chubs around your belly and the hips. Your doctor will advise you to gain a healthy weight throughout each week to support the pregnancy.
Although frequent urination might not be a significant hassle anymore, you will likely feel bloated due to excess fluid retention in your body. Studies counteractively suggest drinking more fluids to eliminate the toxins of the body.
The amniotic fluid volume is at its peak now, so your baby is likely floating comfortably in it. The kicks and flutters might be amplified too. Your belly button might pop and become convex. Don’t worry about this sudden change.
What changes will my baby undergo?
At Week 34, your baby measures 17.5 inches in length from its crown to the heel. Also, they weigh around 5 pounds now, which corresponds to 2.3 kg.
The thick, creamy coating on the baby’s body, called the vernix, gradually dissolves into the amniotic fluid. The uptake of that by the baby contributes to the steady development of their GI tract, especially with the stomach and intestines.
Your baby is floating in the maximum volume of amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid contributes to versatile developmental prospects for the baby, including supporting their muscle and bone development.
The baby’s fingernails are fully formed and very prominent by this week. Also, all the bones in the baby, except the skull, are strengthened and mature. As your baby grows, the limited space around them forces them to curve in on themselves and bend their body near the trunk. As a result, kicks and activity are more pronounced.
What kind of symptoms will I experience?
With the consistent growth of the baby, physical strain is very prominent in the mother. You are likely exhausted and feel drained to carry on with the day’s work. Some other symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Physical exhaustion
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Swelling in the feet and ankles
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Backache
- Trouble sleeping
These recurring symptoms accompany you until the last few weeks until your delivery.
Also Read: https://pregajunction.com/blog/types-of-baby-delivery-during-pregnancy/
What should I prepare for this week?
Frequent urination and leaking urine are very prominent as you near your due date. So, your focus in Week 34 and the weeks leading up to the delivery is to focus on handling the symptoms and prioritizing rest and a break whenever you need it.
- Avoid limiting your water or fluid intake. Lack of hydration can enhance the toxins in the body.
- Try to avoid caffeinated drinks for a few weeks.
- If you are suffering from urine leaking frequently, wear a panty liner for hygiene.
- A perineal massage can offer a lot of relief from pain and discomfort.
- Try to eat light and smaller meals throughout the day to reduce heartburn and indigestion.
- Go out for a casual walk during the evenings to freshen your mood.
