Pregnancy Calendar - Week 34

Week 34

Your baby's fingernails are now at the end of the fingers already and you may find that they will have to be clipped in the first few days after birth. He/She is even able to fight a mild infection at the moment her immune system is functioning so well, but still far from what will be required to fight off a major infection. Maternal calcium intake is extremely important during pregnancy because during the pregnancy, the baby will draw calcium from the mother to make and harden bone. If a pregnant woman doesn't get enough calcium during pregnancy, it can greatly weaken her own bones and teeth because the developing fetus will take minerals from the mother's skeletal structure as needed. Meanwhile, your baby's adrenal glands have grown and are producing hormones that stimulate lactation. The vernix coating on the baby's skin is becoming thicker, whereas lanugo hair is almost completely gone. Babies born at 34 weeks usually have fairly well-developed lungs, and their average size of 5 pounds (2250 grams) and 12.6 inches (32 centimeters) allows them to survive outside the womb without extensive medical intervention, although oxygen might be needed for a few days.

Braxton Hicks contractions may start to increase now as you near delivery. Fatigue is a common complaint of late pregnancy. Difficulty sleeping, aches and pains, weight gain, and anxiety about labor, delivery, and taking care of a newborn may contribute to your exhaustion. Rest as much as you can and take naps if possible. Don't rely on caffeine to perk you up, though, because too much caffeine can negatively affect your baby.

Your baby's fingernails have grown so much, they are now at the end of the fingers - they may need to be clipped in the first few days after birth!

Are You Getting Enough Calcium?

Even though you are 34 weeks pregnant, it is still extemely important to make sure you are getting enough calcium. Maternal calcium intake is crtitical as the baby draws calcium from the mother to make and harden his bones. So if a pregnant woman doesn't get enough calcium during her pregnancy, the developing fetus will take minerals from the mother's skeletal structure as needed. This, in turn, can greatly weaken mom's own bones and teeth.

So, rest as much as you can and try to take naps, if possible. Do not rely on caffeine to perk you up since too much caffeine can adversely affect your baby. Also, read up on the signs of labor and think about your birth plan. The more prepared you are, the less anxiety you will feel.

If Born Now, Baby Can Survive

Babies born at 34 weeks usually have fairly well-developed lungs and their average size of 5 pounds (2250 grams) and 12.6 inches (32 centimeters) allows them to survive outside the womb without extensive medical intervention. However, oxygen might be needed for a few days.