34 weeks fetus: how baby develops, how does the mother change?

A 34 week fetus means you are entering the 8th month of pregnancy and your baby is growing healthy as planned.

If you are wondering if the 34 week fetus has reached the developmental milestones and what should you pay attention to at this point, please join aFamilyToday Health through the following article.

34 weeks fetus weighs how many kg?

The baby will now be the size of a cantaloupe, weighing about 2.15kg and nearly 46cm long from head to heel.

Development of 34 weeks fetus

By 34 weeks of pregnancy, most babies are ready to be in the delivery position and your doctor can tell you whether your baby is born in the first or second position. The oily layer that protects the fetal skin during 34 weeks' gestation becomes thicker while the fluff is almost completely gone.

If you are pregnant with a baby boy, this week the testicles will move from your abdomen to your scrotum. In addition, the little angel's nails also began to grow longer and reached the fingertips.

Maternal body changes at 34 weeks of pregnancy

Some of the problems you may experience at 34 weeks of pregnancy include:

1. Braxton-Hicks mound (physiological contractions)

As you get closer to your due date , Braxton Hicks, also known as preterm labor contractions are more likely to become stronger and occur more frequently. You don't need to worry too much if this phenomenon occurs in irregular cycles and decreases as you change positions, but if you suspect that you are having contractions of preterm labor, go sick. as soon as possible.

Although the doctor is the best person to evaluate symptoms. However, pregnant mothers also take the time to learn more about the difference between physiological contractions and labor contractions to help you feel more secure.

2. Breast follicles

Your breasts during 34th week pregnancy may become fuller causing some discomfort as the skin becomes tight and itchy. To overcome this, pregnant mothers should prioritize choosing bras with comfortable materials as well as using moisturizers.

3. Pelvic pain

The 34-week fetus will slowly lower down into the pelvis to prepare for birth. As a result, you may experience pelvic pain , discomfort in your lower back, or feel like something is weighing on the bladder area.

To help relieve pelvic pain, try to sit or lie down and limit standing too long. In addition, a bath in warm water can also help you feel more comfortable.

4. Swelling of ankles and feet

It is not uncommon for women to develop swelling in their ankles and feet during 34 weeks of pregnancy. One way to help reduce swelling is to reduce the amount of time you stand up for as much as possible. Alternatively, when you sit down, you can rest your feet on a pillow.

5. Constipation

Pregnant mothers who are 34 weeks pregnant are very prone to constipation due to many different reasons. As a result, you can drink plenty of water, prune juice or other juices, as well as eat fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole wheat breads and whole grains .

What are the things you need to pay attention to?

More than 85% of women enter the delivery room with their mucous membranes intact. Even if you are in the 15% percentage of people who lost their mucus membranes before giving birth, you won't need to worry about amniotic fluid going down your legs.

Unless the mother is lying down, the amniotic fluid is very unlikely to come out in a stream and only drip slowly because when the mother is standing (standing, walking, or even sitting) the baby's head acts like a cork. and prevents uterine opening and keeps most of the amniotic fluid inside.

What tests do you need to know?

When you reach 34 weeks fetus, you will probably spend most of your time in the doctor's office observing your baby's development at this time. The exams during this time will get more interesting, the doctor will estimate the baby's size and even predict when the baby is born. Depending on the doctor's examination and the mother's requirements, the mother can perform the following tests:

Measure the mother's weight (usually slowing or stopping)

Maternal blood pressure measurement (may be slightly higher in mid-pregnancy)

Measure sugar and protein in the urine

Check hands and feet for signs of varicose veins

The uterus (mother's cervix), by examining the inside, to see if dimming (thinning) and dilation (opening) of the uterus begin

Measure the height of the bottom of the uterus

Measure the heart rate of the fetus

Measure the size of the fetus by manipulating the abdomen from the outside. Through this test, mothers can know relatively accurately the size, orientation and position of the fetus.