34. WOP

In the 34th week of gestation, your baby’s lungs have developed to the point where it can breathe on its own. This is how your baby prepares for birth. You should also do this now. We will tell you tips and tricks for preparing for birth in

this article.

Important facts about the 34th week: What you should know

In the 34th week, your baby is about the size of a melon. Incredible, isn’t it?

Strictly speaking, there are still 6 weeks until birth

. However, it is quite possible that your baby already wants to be born now.

Now is the perfect time to start thinking about the upcoming birth. Talk to your midwife about birth positions and birth locations. She can also inform you about the advantages and disadvantages of each.

What happens with you

In the 34th week of pregnancy, your baby bump has reached its maximum – you would think. However, growth is not yet complete. In fact, your baby will continue to grow until the 40th week.

For some moms-to-be, the shape of their belly changes as their baby turns. In most cases, the so-called linea negra only appears now

This is a dark, elongated pigmentation that runs vertically from the belly button to the pubic bone. Don’t worry, this is completely harmless.

In the 34th week of pregnancy, your belly button also changes: first it becomes flatter, later it bulges outwards. This area may hurt a little during the 34th week. This is because the skin is under so much tension.

Also interesting:

As it starts to get very crowded in your belly, your baby may put pressure on your gastrointestinal tract. Nausea and digestive problems can be the result. Our tip: Eat several small meals.

Tip for fathers-to-be

If you have any uncertainties or questions about the upcoming birth or would like to know what the procedure is like in the delivery room – don’t hesitate to ask your wife, midwife or gynecologist for help.

Pregnancy symptoms in the 34th week and what you can do about them

Wet bra

A wet bra is not uncommon in the final stages of pregnancy. The fluid is the so-called colostrum, a kind of pre-milk for breastfeeding after birth. Some pregnant women have problems with a wet bra as early as the second or even first trimester – but often the colostrum does not come out until the third trimester.

Unlike breast milk, colostrum tends to be thick and feel sticky. Nursing pads in the bra ensure that the colostrum is absorbed to avoid wet spots in the bra.

Descending contractions

You have probably already had your first contractions in the form of practice contra ctions. With the lowering contractions, the baby is pushed towards the pelvis and thus moves into the birth position and into an area where it has more space.

The number of contractions is often very irregular and they are felt as a slight twinge or tightening in the back and abdominal area.

The advantage is that other pregnancy complaints, such as heartburn, decrease. However, complaints in expectant mothers are always different and cannot be determined across the board.

Protection against dismissal during pregnancy

You are heavily pregnant and your thoughts are currently only about your child, the time as a mother and the birth. For this reason, it is even prescribed by law that you are no longer allowed to work from now on.

The increased stress caused by pregnancy alone makes normal work impossible – which you should also take to heart and give your body as much rest as possible.

Maternity Protection Act

The Maternity Protection Act prohibits employers from dismissing pregnant employees from the first day of pregnancy. This ensures that the expectant mother does not have to worry about her job and employment after pregnancy.

Special rules apply to temporary employment contracts and termination agreements: These are not covered by the Maternity Protection Act and should be checked for their entitlements before or during pregnancy.

Premature birth in the 34th week: If your baby does not want to wait any longer

How far is your baby actually developed in the 34th week? And what would it mean if your baby wanted to be born now? You can find out this and much more in this section.

What is a premature birth?

If your baby is born before the 37th week of gestation, this is called premature birth. If your baby is born in the 34th week of gestation, it is called a late preterm baby.

About 9% of babies are born before 37 weeks gestation. The majority of these are late preterm babies. This is the name given to babies born between the 34th week and the 37th week.

Symptoms of premature birth in the 34th week of gestation

In fact, more than half of all babies are born after the 34th SS W. During this time, the most important developmental steps are completed and the babies’ chances of survival are very high.

But how can you actually recognize a premature birth? We have summarized everything for you at a glance:

These symptoms can indicate an impending premature birth – but they don’t necessarily have to. However, you should be attentive and strictly observe changes in your body.

If you notice even one of these symptoms, you should immediately go to the nearest hospital.

What are the reasons for a premature birth in the 34th week?

The causes of prem ature birth are usually different and not always clearly identifiable. Doctors speak of a multifactorial event. This means that several factors together can lead to a miscarriage.

Maternal causes and risk factors for miscarriage:

Infant causes of preterm birth:

The consequences of premature birth for your baby

If your baby is born between the 34th week and the 36th week, he or she is no different in health from a baby who was born before the expected date of birth.

As a rule, you do not have to worry about health problems with late preterm babies. However, this can be different for babies who are born much earlier.

Often they are not yet able to breathe on their own and need support. The chances of survival for late preterm babies born between 34 weeks and 36 weeks are 98% or higher.

Can premature birth be prevented?

Unfortunately, this question cannot be answered in a generalized way, as the triggers are always individual. In the case of preterm labor, it is recommended to lie down as much as possible.

A temporary hospital stay with an intravenous, labor-inhibiting drug can also delay the birth. A possible additional help is the increased intake of magnesium and progesterone tablets.

You cannot always prevent a fungal or vaginal infection, but you can at least recognize it in time. In this way, you can prevent the infection from moving into the uterus and, in the worst case, triggering a birth.

You can buy over-the-counter tests in pharmacies, which you should use to test your vaginal pH level about twice a week.

If you notice a negative change, countermeasures can be taken immediately to avoid a major infection with possible consequences.

Of course, you should avoid toxins such as alcohol and nicotine during your entire pregnancy. Stress should also be avoided as much as possible.

Inprinciple, it is better to visit the gynecologist once too often. In this way, for example, infections can be detected and treated at an early stage.

What happens with the baby

In the 34th week of pregnancy, your baby is about 45 cm tall and weighs 2250 g.

How your baby develops in the 34th week of gestation

In the 34th week, the development of your baby’s brain, nervous system and other organs is complete. Due to its skeletal structure, your baby now has a very high calcium requirement.

Normally, this is covered by your blood circulation. If your baby is born prematurely in the 34th week of gestation, you must therefore ensure that you take in sufficient calcium.

Studies show that premature babies who receive breast milk grow faster in their first year of life than “bottle-fed” babies. The nutrient-rich breast milk protects against infections and allergies and stimulates digestion.

In addition, it promotes the production of enzymes and hormones. In fact, it can compensate for slight developmental delays in premature babies. A true miracle cure.

Midwives recommend breastfeeding premature babies for as long as possible, even beyond the first six months of life.

Even though it is getting tighter in your belly from day to day, your baby still likes to move around. The movements are now very strong.

Lung maturity is now complete. If your baby is born now, it has an excellent chance of growing up healthily.

In the following weeks, for example, hearing will continue to develop significantly. Your baby will be able to distinguish more and more sounds and listen to your voice.

To build a connection with your baby, you should regularly talk to the little offspring in your belly or sing to it.

This is important now

How to prepare for the birth in the 34th week of pregnancy

As you already know, it can happen in the 34th week of pregnancy that your baby already wants to come into the world. So that you are not completely overwhelmed, we have some tips for you on how you can prepare for the birth now.

Pay attention to your body

Your body will tell you soon enough when it really starts. It is even better if you can interpret the signals. So that you know which signs can point to a birth, we have summarized them for you:

This is why perineal massages are so important

You have probably heard that during childbirth the perineum can tear. Depending on the degree of injury, this can cause some complications.

Doctors and midwives therefore recommend starting perineal massage early. This makes the perineum – the area between the vagina and anus – more supple and stretchy.

Natural oils, such as almond oil

, are best for this.

Where and how do I want to deliver my baby?

Birth center, clinic or would I prefer to givebirth at home? And what birth positions are there? In the 34th week of pregnancy, it is time for you to ask yourself these questions.

Basically, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable. Talk to your midwife and find out about the respective advantages and disadvantages.

Everything you need in your clinic bag

If it suddenly starts, your clinic bag should be within reach. These things should be in your hospital bag:

Important documents

  • Admission bill for the hospital
  • Maternity passport
  • Health insurance card
  • Identity card or passport
  • Married persons: family record book or marriage certificate
  • Single persons: birth certificate and, if applicable, acknowledgement of paternity
  • Allergy passport if required
  • Optional: Birth plan

For you

  • Bathrobe
  • Comfortable clothing
  • Slippers
  • Warm socks
  • Old nightgown or T-shirt for the birth
  • 7 loose underpants or disposable briefs
  • 1-2 nursing bras (2 sizes larger than normal)
  • Nursing pads
  • Absorbent pads
  • Enough snacks & drinks for refreshment
  • Hair band if necessary
  • Washing utensils

For the baby

  • 2-3 size 50/56 panties/ rompers
  • 2-3 shirts size 50/56
  • 1 light cotton cap
  • 1 package of diapers size 1

Midwife tip

You may be wondering if you are allowed to have sex while heavily pregnant. The answer is yes! It may be a bit complicated with a big belly, but sex is allowed throughout the entire pregnancy. You don’t have to be afraid that the birth can be induced. This only happens when your baby is ready and there are enough prostaglandins in the sperm. These are hormones that influence the uterus and cervix. In the 34th week of pregnancy, however, this is not yet the case.

FAQ

Descending contractions in the 34th week: When does the birth begin?

As soon as you feel contractions, you should go to the nearest hospital immediately. The birth can theoretically start soon.

What happens in the 34th WOP?

In the 34th WOP, the development of your baby’s brain, nervous system and other organs is complete. Your baby can even breathe on its own.

How does the baby lie in the 34th WOP?

Your gynaecologist can tell you by ultrasound which position your baby has taken in the 34th week.

How long should the cervix be in the 34th week of pregnancy?

In the 34th week, your cervix should be about 25 mm long.

How heavy is the baby in the 34th WOP?

In the 34th week your baby will weigh about 2250 g.

How big is the baby in the 34th WOP?

In the 34th WOP your baby is about 45 cm tall.

How do contractions feel in the 34th week?

Sinking pains are expressed by a feeling of tension in the abdomen and back.

Premature baby in the 34th week: When can I go home again?

When you can go home with your baby always varies. The individual development of the baby is always decisive.

34th WOP videos

Join Jessica and Nekole through their 34th week of pregnancy.

The best products for you and your baby.

Baby monitor

With a baby monitor, you can use your time flexibly, sleep peacefully at night and still know at all times that your baby is doing well.

Nursing pillow

A good breastfeeding pillow has several advantages, because it helps you not only to breastfeed, but also to fall asleep and is also suitable as a nest.

Diaper bags

A diaper bag offers you a lot of storage space, so that you have everything you need for your baby on the go - from the changing pad to the bottle.

Pucksack

A pucksack gives your baby the feeling of security, like in the womb, and thus supports a peaceful and restful sleep.

Bicycle trailer

Bicycle trailers can be used in combination with a baby seat shortly after birth. They are not only safer than child seats but also more comfortable.

Playpen

A playpen can be very practical in everyday life! Which model is suitable for your needs, you can read in my guide.

Baby bed

The first bed accompanies your child for years. Fortunately, there are beds that grow with your child. I have made for you on the search for the best baby beds.

Stroller

A stroller is a worthwhile purchase. But there are the most diverse models on the market. Find out which is the right one.

Radiant heater

Radiant heaters provide your child with the necessary warmth when changing diapers or after bathing.

Extra bed

Side beds are very practical and offer both mother and baby a lot of advantages, because for babies, especially in the first months of life, it is reassuring to be able to sleep next to their parents.

Our latest articles

Read all articlesRead all articles