In the week 34 of pregnancy, the baby measures about 46 cm and weighs about 2 kilograms and half. The uterine wall is stretched, which allows the light to pass through it and the vision gets better for the baby, who closing and opening his eyes often. If you expose your belly to a bright light – for example, sunlight or during ultrasound, the baby will keep their eyes away, putting his hands above the eyes!
The layer of fat that ensures the proper body temperature still accumulates. Lungs are the only organs still developing, the baby practicing breathing by inhaling amniotic fluid. If it is not positioned properly for birth, with the head down, your doctor may recommend a caesarean delivery, because it presents fewer risks. Natural birth, if the baby goes down is very difficult for both you and for the little one. The important thing is that the baby will be born easily and is healthy!
… and the future mom:
In the week 34 of pregnancy, you start to get mild contractions and whether or not you feel them – the uterus muscles get prepared. The pressure caused by the weight makes you have indigestion, heartburn, the need to urinate and some tingling in the pelvic area. The uterus presses on the diaphragm, affecting your breathing.
Water retention can cause more noticeable swelling of the hands, feet and even face. Around this time, depending on how tired you are and how intense the symptoms of pregnancy are, you can begin your maternity leave.
What to do in the week 34 of pregnancy:
- Control. Respect each visit to the doctor and tell the doctor about any new symptoms or the intensification of others. You can make a contraction stress test that will check your baby’s heartbeat and the presence of contractions. An ultrasound will show you the baby’s movements, the baby’s growth and position. As said, if not positioned properly for birth, the caesarean birth may be a solution. Inform yourself thoroughly about the risks of a natural childbirth birth and of the caesarean as well and have a discussion with your doctor and your husband. You have to consider one thing: the procedure that presents the lowest risk!
- Asthma? Problems with breathing are normal for any pregnant woman and you can reduce the hassle by doing less effort in the third trimester of pregnancy, supporting your upper body with pillows to sleep and using an inhaler. If, however, you suffer from asthma, ask your doctor how you can reduce risks without hassle.
- Acidity and heartburn. Unfortunately, not much can be done to avoid this inconvenience. Respect the best program of 5-7 small meals a day instead of 3-4 more consistent. Avoid fatty foods, spicy, or that cause gas (beans, cauliflower, cabbage). Even if well-intentioned people – mother, grandmother, will they want to fill you with plates full of food, explain politely that you have a program given by the doctor and it’s not good to eat only half a serving. Use only with the doctor’s approval soothing stomach tea!
- Water retention and swelling of the extremities. Is it normal that the feet swell, the hands and even the face. If, however, the swell is very big, you have headaches and dizziness, rest and call your doctor. The swelling of the face combined with dizziness may be indicative of preeclampsia and it is required to consult with your doctor.
Will you breastfeed? By now you should think carefully which version you prefer: breastfeeding, breastfeeding and pumping breast milk by bottle or formula milk? Forget bias and think about what you want and what suits you! But remember: if certain physiological conditions do not prevent you from doing it, the breast milk is healthy, especially during the first months of life (and brings benefits for you if you are nursing). So, the main possibilities are breastfeeding or pumping breast milk. To name a few of the benefits of breast-feeding: it’s natural, safe, sterile and … for free! It helps to form a bond with baby and lose weight after birth just as well.
It reduces also the risk that your child will deal with certain infections, also reducing the risk of breast cancer. Breast milk contains almost all the nutrients necessary for the proper development of the baby. Therefore, if possible, at least in the first months, make sure you give to the baby a healthy food. If you have fears and doubts about breastfeeding, choose the pumping method – it does not mean you’re not a good mother!
You can choose breastfeeding in the first two months and then choose the bottle. However, if you cannot breastfeed because of certain diseases, you should know that despite what you hear, the baby formula ensures a good development. Everything is to carefully choose the formula that suits him and respect the quantities ( you will have to consult the paediatrician about it).
Vitamin D. Doctors point out the need for baby’s vitamin D, which the breastfeeding does not fully satisfy. So, ask your doctor if and when to take certain supplements of vitamin D, which will be present in breast milk.