Week 34

Your Baby’s Development

Maternal calcium intake is very important during pregnancy. A developing baby draws calcium from the mother to make and harden bone. Because your growing baby’s calcium demands are high, be sure you’re getting enough of this mineral to prevent a loss of calcium from your own bones. Your prenatal vitamin has some extra calcium, but be sure to also eat calcium-rich foods like milk and other dairy products, tofu, broccoli, and calcium-fortified juices and foods.

By now most babies will be in position for delivery. Your health care provider can tell you if your baby is positioned head- or bottom-first. Babies born at 34 weeks usually have fairly well-developed lungs, and their average size of 5 pounds (2,250 grams) and 12.6 inches (32 cm) from crown to rump allows them to survive outside the womb without extensive medical intervention.

Your Body

Being tired 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.