Your Pregnancy at Week 34

At week 34, your baby's head may be in a head-down position, entering the birth canal to prepare for birth. When this happens, it is often referred to as "dropping," you will likely visibly see and physically feel it when you look in the mirror.

When your baby drops, it will be noticeable. For first-time parents, this may happen about three weeks before delivery. If this isn’t your first pregnancy and delivery, your baby might not drop until the day before you deliver!

How do you know if your little one has dropped? There will be a change in your abdomen due to your little one resting in a lower position. This is excellent news for your lungs but bad news for your bladder. You will likely have less heartburn and indigestion, and you will find it easier to breathe, which hopefully means you can get to the bathroom quicker; now that your little one is sitting on your bladder, the urgency and need are much more intense!

If you are having multiples, 50 percent of parents in your shoes deliver between 34 and 37 weeks. Parents carrying twins often go into labor before the 37th week of pregnancy.

Below is a list of pregnancy symptoms commonly experienced during week 34.

Constipation and/or hemorrhoids: pregnancy isn’t always glowing radiance. As your digestive system slows in response to increased progesterone causing your muscles to relax, you may experience bloating and gas (from both ends!).

Increased vaginal discharge: as your due date draws nearer, your body will continue to prepare the way for your baby’s delivery. Increased vaginal discharge is normal, and may even contain trace amounts of old blood, especially after sex or a pelvic exam. Talk to your doctor about any concerns so they can rule out any issues.

Stretch marks: there are many skin changes throughout pregnancy, and itchy stretch marks is just one of them! As your baby continues to grow and your body grows to accommodate, your skin may experience stretching, leaving marks and causing discomfort. You can utilize lotions and creams to soothe irritated skin; but stretch marks are largely genetic and not something you should feel guilty for not “preventing”. 

Sweating: increased perspiration can be a result of hormonal changes, or the additional weight and pressure on your body as you carry your growing baby. Stay hydrated to replace any fluids lost. 

Heartburn: as your baby continues to grow and press on internal organs, your digestive system is likely to feel the impact of cramped quarters. This, paired with continuing hormone fluctuations can result in heartburn or indigestion. Talk to your medical care provider about options for relief if you’re feeling too uncomfortable.

Braxton Hicks: also referred to as “practice contractions” Braxton Hicks are your body’s way of preparing for giving birth. They are generally painless, or uncomfortable at most– like subtle period cramps. If you are experiencing severe pain, or the cramping does not stop– seek medical attention.

Interrupted sleep: trouble sleeping? It’s no surprise as midnight bathroom breaks, heartburn, leg cramps, and the stress of your soon-to-come newborn can all make it difficult to get a full night’s rest.

Backaches and/or leg cramps: increased blood volume and stress from increasing weight can put pressure on your muscles, causing cramps. Dehydration or low calcium may also be to blame, so check your prenatal vitamin to be sure you are getting enough!

Swelling or bloating: some swelling is normal and expected during pregnancy, especially if you are on your feet all day, but it’s best to keep an eye on any sudden changes. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing swelling, as this could be a warning sign of a dangerous complication called preeclampsia. 

Crazy dreams: the stress of anticipating your baby’s arrival and the poor sleep of the third trimester can result in interrupted sleep. While the cause of the more vivid dreams in pregnancy is unknown it may have something to do with that interrupted sleep. Not sleeping as deeply may allow you to remember your dreams more easily. 

Fitting Your Car Seat

Install the car seat this week! Since about 90 percent of new parents install their car seat incorrectly, be sure to review the car seat instruction manual and your car’s owner's manual and correctly follow both.

 If you still have questions, consult with your nearest fire department, they can help you out! The safest place in your vehicle - usually the middle, back seat - is where you should put your little one's car seat. It needs to face backwards, and the base needs to be tightly secured.

Once you have the car seat installed in your vehicle, get it inspected at a station listed in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s directory.

Are you thinking of nursing? Though human milk is naturally good for your baby, nursing your baby may not come so naturally. The U.S. Surgeon General recommends human milk for the first six months of life. It is easier for babies to digest breast milk than it is to digest formula. Your milk contains the perfect amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein needed in order for your little one to grow and develop.

Your milk even protects your baby from bacteria and viruses, as it is rich in antibodies. If nursing becomes a struggle in any way, it's a good idea to ask for some professional help. Many hospitals employ lactation consultants and have a knowledgeable nursing staff to help you. Doulas and midwives are also a valuable resource to help you navigate these unfamiliar waters.

Your Labor

Over the course of your pregnancy, you've probably imagined your delivery going many different ways. Or maybe you've avoided thinking about the fact that this baby, who keeps getting bigger, will have to get out of your body somehow or another. Either way, you're getting close to the time where things start to happen.

Most individuals will progress through each stage of labor and experience a vaginal delivery successfully. But for some, progress through the stages of labor doesn’t naturally occur. This, and other factors, determine a necessity for a cesarean. Be prepared because labor can change in an instant. The medication-free, doula-assisted, natural labor you envisioned might become an emergency c-section, with you under general anesthetic. No matter what turns may come, your doctor is there to assist you in reaching the desired outcome, which is a healthy baby and mother.

Some parents feel guilty if they don't see childbirth as the magical experience they imagined. Instead, they are just glad to have it over with and want to go to sleep. Other parents may feel guilty because their labor didn't progress, and they had a c-section.

They feel as if their body has failed them, and they mourn the delivery they thought they would have. Parents who deliver pre-term babies often wonder if there was something that they could have done differently to avoid an early birth, and the accompanying NICU time. It can be difficult to let go of this guilt.

As you prepare for delivery, try to keep an open mind about the experience. It is wonderful to envision what will take place, to stay involved and make a birth plan. But you should try to give yourself an allowance for what might happen. You might find that laboring without an epidural is much more painful than you ever imagined and opt for the pain medication. You may find that after 24 hours of labor, with no progress, you are ready to discuss a c-section.

Be ready to let things happen. A don't forget to write in your pregnancy journal.