My 34 Week Pregnant Belly Picture
Starting Weight: 123lbs
Current Weight: 139lbs
Total Weight Gain: 16lbs
Now let’s go over how my week went and what to expect…
Energy Level: My energy level was normal this week. Thankfully, I don’t have trouble sleeping which I am grateful for. I am getting so excited to meet my baby, and it feels like there is light at the end of the tunnel!
Pregnancy Symptoms:
Below is a list of all the pregnancy symptoms I experience every day:
- A lot of fetal movements, especially in the evening.
- Occasional leg cramps at night time which can be very uncomfortable.
- Shortness of breath when walking fast or going up a flight of stairs
Other Physical Changes: In the later part of the week, I did notice I have mild bilateral pre-tibial pitting edema (aka swelling), which can be attributed to the increase in blood volume that occurs during the third trimester.
**It is important to note** if you have swelling, pain, or redness in one leg only, be sure to speak with your provider as this could represent a deep venous thrombosis or a blood clot.
I haven’t noticed any stretch marks or the linea nigra.
Diet: I was able to enjoy my typical diet this week. I did have pizza 2 times and think I found my favorite NYC pizza!
Here is my typical diet.
Diet Modifications: I continue to eat smaller meals throughout the day since my stomach tends to get full quickly. It is also easy to eat this way as a resident as you really don’t have much time to sit and have a full meal.
Food Aversions: No food aversions this week.
Food Cravings: No food cravings this week.
Workouts: This was the last week of my pregnancy strength program. It was a deload week, which means that all of my exercises were done using lighter weights and fewer reps.
You can see examples of my entire pregnancy workout in my Prenatal Fitness Prescription.
I was also able to attend two Peloton rides which are always fun.
Here is a quick video of me riding my Peloton at 34 weeks pregnant.
Modifications to my workout: The only modifications I have made to my workouts are using lighter weights and avoiding being on my back for prolonged periods of time.
*Be sure to speak with your health care provider before doing any physical activity or heavy lifting in pregnancy.*
Other Related Questions
How big should my bump be at 34 weeks? (What should my belly measure?)
At 34 weeks of pregnancy, the top of your uterus should be ~14 centimeters above your belly button or ~34 centimeters from the top of your pubic bone.
This measurement is known as the fundal height and helps your doctor determine how well your baby is growing without the use of an ultrasound.
Ideally, the fundal height should be within 2 centimeters of your gestational age.
Therefore, your fundal height should range from 32 to 36 centimeters at 34 weeks.
If your fundal height is measuring less than 31 centimeters, your baby may have intrauterine growth restriction and you will likely be sent for a sonogram.
Here is what my belly bump looks like at 34 weeks pregnant:
What position is the baby in at 34 weeks?
The majority of babies are in the cephalic or head down position at 34 weeks.
This is the position needed to have a normal vaginal delivery.
Fewer than 7% of babies will be in the breech position.
Is the baby fully developed at 34 weeks? (What does the baby look like in the womb?)
The baby is fully developed at 34 weeks, however, his organs will continue to develop until 39 weeks gestation.
Your baby looks like a full-term baby, just a little smaller.
How big is the baby at this time?
A 34-week baby is about 17.5 inches long and about 4.5 lbs on average.
This is about the size of butternut squash.
Your baby will continue to grow at about half a pound per week in the coming weeks.
What can you see at a 34 week pregnant ultrasound?
On a 34 week ultrasound, you will notice your baby is much bigger and has less room inside the uterus. His arms and legs will be bent and cramped up.
You will also see a lot of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby which allows your baby to perform all those movements you feel.
Lastly, you may be able to see your baby smiling, swallowing, and breathing.
What does a very active baby at 34 weeks mean?
A very active baby at 34 weeks is a happy baby!
Your baby should move at least 10 times in 2 hours.
If you are feeling your baby move more often than that, there is usually nothing to worry about.
What should I expect at 34 weeks pregnant?
At 34 weeks pregnant you can expect:
- Increased pelvic pressure and discomfort
- Shortness of breath with activity
- Bilateral leg swelling (in your ankles and calves)
- Bilateral leg cramps
- Occasional sharp shooting pain in your lower abdomen / vagina
- Increased urinary frequency
- Occasional Braxton Hicks contractions
- Increased fatigue
- Painless, non-odorous vaginal discharge
You may also experience lower back pain, often due to a change in your center of gravity and postural changes.
What should I avoid at 34 weeks pregnant?
At 34 weeks pregnant, you should avoid:
- Being flat on your back for long periods
- Traveling for long periods
- Engaging in any physical activity with a risk of falling or abdominal trauma
- Intercourse if you have a placenta previa or shortened cervix
- Being in bed all day long
- Sick contacts
What are 34 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore?
Some 34-week pregnancy symptoms you should not ignore include:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Regular uterine contractions
- Severe headache
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Severe abdominal pain
- Rapid weight gain
- Severe shortness of breath
- Blurry vision
- Itchy palms and soles
Bleeding and regular contractions can be signs of preterm labor.
Headache, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, blurry vision, severe shortness of breath, and rapid weight gain can all be a sign of preeclampsia or high blood pressure.
Itchy palms and soles can be a sign of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.
All of these conditions require medical intervention. If you have any of them, speak with your healthcare provider urgently.
Why is my stomach hard at 34 weeks pregnant?
Your stomach may be hard at 34 weeks due to Braxton-Hicks contractions.
These are known as practice contractions or false labor.
They do not cause your cervix to dilate, nor are they regular.
If the contractions are painful and regular, you may be in true labor and need to be evaluated immediately.
Why do I have pelvic pain at 34 weeks?
Pelvic pain is very common at 34 weeks due to the pressure and growth of your gravid uterus.
Your pelvis is not used to supporting the extra weight of a 34-week fetus.
Also, the release of certain pregnancy hormones like relaxin makes your joints looser, which can contribute to pelvic area discomfort.
What is 34 weeks pregnant in months?
34 weeks pregnant is 8 months and 2 weeks pregnant!
Your due date is approaching!
Anything else I should know?
Make sure to schedule and go to your 35-36 week prenatal visit to be checked for Group B Streptococcus (aka GBS).
This is a normal bacteria for pregnant women to have, but it can cause issues for your baby during labor.
Your doctor will also go over any signs of labor you should look out for.
Final Words on The 34th Week of Pregnancy
We are 3 weeks away from being full term, can you believe it?
Do you have your hospital bag ready for the big day?
Are you continuing to do regular exercise and take care of yourself?
Comment below and let me know what you are doing for your final preparations.
Also, check back next week for my 35-week update as I enter the last weeks of my pregnancy!
My Other Weekly Updates
- My pregnancy bump at 31 weeks of gestation
- My pregnancy bump at 32 weeks of gestation
- My pregnancy bump at 33 weeks of gestation
Get Four Free Workouts To Help Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor & Heal Your Mommy Tummy!
Brittany Robles, MD, MPH, CPT
Brittany Robles is a full-time OBGYN physician, a NASM certified trainer, and a prenatal and postnatal fitness specialist. She holds a Master of Public Health degree in maternal health with a special interest in exercise and nutrition. She is also the co-author of The White Coat Trainer. Learn more about her here.
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