Although different women react differently to pregnancy, when you are 34 weeks pregnant, it is more or less the same. It is during this stage of pregnancy that mothers are advised to increase their visits to the clinic. This is because discomfort and health issues are quite common thus calling for maximum care in preparation for delivery.

You also notice that the doctor is free to run as many tests on your body as they find necessary. This is because they need to ensure your overall health is okay. If you are tested on a group B strep and found positive, there is nothing to worry about as the disease is curable at this point. Strep B is a type of bacterial infection that could lead to still birth if it is not detected and treated early. It affects the womb and is quite fatal if not dealt with in good time. For this reason, it is important that you agree to get tested to be sure you and the unborn baby are okay. Besides, you may want to know the pregnancy symptoms and other useful tips on pregnancy. You can find the answers in this article.

What Are the Pregnancy Symptoms at 34 Weeks?

Reduced pressure on the chest and lungs is the most common sign during 34 weeks of pregnancy. This is mostly caused by the baby’s movement downwards to the pelvis area. At this point, the uterus is supposed to be about 5 1/2 inches close to the belly button. Some women say that the belly becomes quite sensitive and can be seen on the outside rather than on the inside like on normal days.

During 34 weeks of pregnancy, heartburn seems to increase with every baby kick. This is as a result of the acidity levels increasing with the kicks.

Swelling on the wrists, ankles, legs, face and feet is also a symptom at this stage of pregnancy. This swelling is mainly caused by water retention in the body. Cutting down on water intake will not reduce the swelling but instead will accelerate it. Therefore, in order to reduce the retention that results in swelling, you should take more water. If the swelling is accompanied by headaches, fainting and other health issues, you should immediately see a doctor. Either way, you need take heart and be strong. Just a few more weeks to go and you’ll be done with the pregnancy.

How Does Your Baby Grow When You're 34 Weeks Pregnant?

As the baby grows, its weight also increases. At this stage, the baby weighs about 4 ¾ pounds. The baby’s height also changes and they are about 18 inches long during the 34 week stage of pregnancy. It is at this point that the fat layer continues to develop making them smoother and rounder. The nervous system and lungs are also maturing, too.

For the mothers who are afraid of preterm births, giving birth at this point is quite normal and there is nothing to worry about. This is because the babies born between the 34th and 37th week have no health problems and grow healthy. Nonetheless, if the doctors suggest that your baby stays in the nursery, do not worry because in the long run they will turn out as healthy as babies delivered normally.

You can also watch this video to learn more about how your baby grows when you are 34 weeks pregnant:

How Does Your Life Change When You're 34 Weeks Pregnant?

At this point, you might experience lots of fatigue. This is maybe because your trimester is almost coming to an end. A lot of turning and tossing looking for a comfortable position also contributes to the fatigue. Generally by the 34^th week of pregnancy, fatigue has already set in. For this reason, you should not be in a rush to wake up especially if you have been sitting down for long. This is because your blood levels could drop and this might cause dizziness.

You might also notice some bumps on your buttocks, belly and thighs. In this case, you must see your doctor because of the itchy and red welts. This is a condition called PUPPP. Normally, up to 1% of pregnant women get it. Although it is harmless, it is advisable to call your doctor just to be sure there is nothing serious happening.

What About Diet at 34 Weeks Pregnancy?

For the sake of that lovely tummy, you have to ensure you eat healthy. Also, you have to eat just enough and not for two as many tend to say. All in all, it is the type of food that you choose to eat that matters during pregnancy. Try to eat a balanced diet during meal times.

1. What to Eat

Below are categories of healthy foods recommended for pregnant mums.

2. Tips on Eating Healthy Foods

• Always eat foods that have folate. This is a natural source of folic acid. A good example is green leafy vegetables, cereals, brown rice and fortified bread.
• To avoid constipation, it is important that you eat wholegrain foods such as bread and breakfast cereals.
• Oily fish and eggs are a must have in your diet. This is because these are good sources of vitamin D that should be maintained in the body.
• Avoid taking coffee and tea during meal times as they make it hard for your body to absorb iron.
• It is also recommended that you take a supplement containing 10mcg of vitamin D.
• Instead of cooking vegetables, wash them and eat them raw. This is because cooking destroys most of the nutrients.

3. Do Not Go on a Diet

You should never think about dieting. Doing so might deprive you and the baby of important nutrients that you both need for healthy growth and development. Furthermore, staying away from unhealthy foods and snacks are highly recommended.

What about Exercises at 34 Weeks Pregnancy?

A few workouts might help relax some muscles in preparation for what you are about to go through. Below is a list of good exercises that might help:

More Tips on 34 Weeks Pregnancy