34 weeks pregnant
At 34 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a cantaloupe: around 45.0 cm head to heel and 2.15 kg. The nervous system and lungs are maturing quickly.
Your baby at 34 weeks
The nervous system and lungs are maturing quickly.
| Size | About the size of a cantaloupe |
|---|---|
| Length | 45.0 cm head to heel |
| Weight | 2.15 kg |
Your baby's central nervous system and lungs are maturing well. Babies born at 34 weeks usually do well, though some need extra help with breathing, feeding or keeping warm. The protective vernix coating is getting thicker, and fingernails have reached the fingertips. Your baby weighs about 2.1 kg.
How far along are you at 34 weeks?
At 34 weeks pregnant you are in the eighth month of your pregnancy and the third trimester. You have about 6 weeks to go until your due date. Doctors count pregnancy from the first day of your last period, not from conception, so at 34 weeks your baby has been growing for about 32 weeks. Not sure of your dates? Use our due date calculator.
Your body at 34 weeks
Sleep gets harder. Pack your hospital bag by 36 weeks and plan your route.
Common symptoms at 34 weeks
Every pregnancy is different, and you may have some, all or none of these.
- Blurred vision. Fluid changes can affect your eyes slightly, but sudden changes need checking.
- Tiredness. Your body is carrying a lot of extra weight.
- Pelvic pressure. As your baby moves lower.
- Piles. Keep up fibre and fluids.
- Braxton Hicks. Regular practice for your womb.
- Frequent weeing. Your bladder has very little room.
Your checklist for week 34
- Consider perineal massage from 34 weeks, especially if this is your first vaginal birth.
- Review your birth preferences with your doctor.
- Make sure the car seat is fitted.
- Check your hospital bag is nearly ready.
- Plan who will support you at home for the first weeks.
Tip of the week: Perineal massage
The perineum is the skin between the vagina and back passage. Massaging it daily or a few times a week from about 34 weeks can reduce the chance of a tear needing stitches during a first vaginal birth. With clean hands and an unscented oil, insert one or two thumbs a few centimetres and press gently downwards and outwards for a few minutes. Stop if it hurts.
For your partner
Sleep is harder and the bag needs packing.
- Pack the hospital bag together
- Save the hospital number in your phone
- Do a practice drive to the hospital
When to call your doctor at 34 weeks
Contact your doctor, midwife or maternity unit the same day if you have:
- Sudden blurred vision, flashing lights or a severe headache.
- Your baby is moving less, bleeding or fluid leaking.
Call your doctor or hospital straight away for bleeding, severe pain, fluid leaking, severe headache or vision changes, or fewer baby movements.
Questions about 34 weeks pregnant
Can a baby born at 34 weeks survive?
Yes. Babies born at 34 weeks have a very high survival rate, though they may need a short stay in a special care unit for help with breathing, feeding or temperature. Every extra week in the womb helps them mature.
Does perineal massage really work?
Research shows it can reduce the chance of a tear that needs stitches and of an episiotomy in women having their first vaginal birth. It isn't essential, and it's fine not to do it if you don't want to.
Is blurred vision normal at 34 weeks?
Mild changes can happen because of fluid retention. But sudden blurred vision, flashing lights or spots, especially with a headache or swelling, can be a sign of pre-eclampsia. Call your maternity unit straight away.