How Much Your Baby Weight at 34 Weeks

With 34 weeks down, you're cruising through month 8 of your pregnancy.

Your little bambino is now weighing in at about 5 pounds — the same as a standard bag of flour.

Meanwhile, your uterus keeps on growing (and growing) to accommodate the bigger bun in the oven.

Your Baby at Week 34

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Want to get a real sense of your baby's size right now? Head to your supermarket's baking aisle and pick up a five-pound bag of flour. That's about how much your little muffin weighs. Now, stack three bags of flour on top of each other — that's how tall he is (well, if he could stand) — about 20 inches in length.

Have a boy bun in the oven? Then hooray for his testicles, which started out tucked up in his abdomen and are now migrating to their permanent home — his scrotum. In about three to four percent of boys, the testicles hang out upstairs a while longer, lingering until some lads turn a year old. So don't worry if your son is born with undescended testicles...they'll make an appearance in the near future.

Both boy and girl babies are producing lots of sex hormones now, which will explain why the genitals may appear large and swollen at birth… and in the case of a little man, why the scrotal skin may appear darkly pigmented in the first few weeks after birth.

In other news, with just a few weeks to the big day, vernix — the white waxy coating that protects baby's skin from amniotic fluid and provides lubrication for delivery — is thickening right on prepping schedule. Also right on schedule is the maturation of your little one's intestines, enabling them to fully digest mama's delicious milk when the time comes!

At a Glance

Sleep schedule

Your baby closes those cute eyes when she snoozes and opens them when she's awake, helping your little one settle into a sleep schedule.

Thick skin

The waxy, cheesy coating on your baby's skin — vernix — begins to thicken this week before it starts shedding in the next few weeks.

Poking through

As your baby grows, you may be able to see body parts like little hands and feet through your belly!

34 weeks pregnant is how many months?

If you're 34 weeks pregnant, you're in month 8 of your pregnancy. Only 1 month left to go! Still have questions? Here's some more information on how weeks, months and trimesters are broken down in pregnancy.

How big is my baby at 34 weeks?

This week your baby is clocking in at 5¼ pounds and could be as long as 18 inches. Need a visual? Hold a 5-pound bag of flour in your arms and imagine it's your soon-to-be-born baby — cradle it and you'll only get strange looks in the baking aisle.

Then stack three such bags one on top of the other and get ready for some more strange looks, maybe from the same clerks who saw you grinning and holding that 1-pound bag of sugar a few weeks ago. That's how long your baby is at 34 weeks pregnant.

Baby sex differences

If your baby is a boy, then this week the testicles are making their way down from the abdomen to the scrotum. Some full-term baby boys — roughly 3 to 4 percent — are born with undescended testicles, but they usually make the trip down sometime before the first birthday. About 30 percent of preterm boys are born with undescended testicles, too.

Tiny fingernails and toenails

In other baby-related developments, those tiny fingernails have probably reached the tips of his fingers by now — and are getting ready for that first postpartum manicure.

Your Body at Week 34

Still growing

Your eyes do not deceive you: Your uterus is still growing — and you thought there was no more room! — and, at 34 weeks pregnant, is around a whole 5 inches above your navel now.

Vision changes

But wait...are you seeing things? You likely aren't seeing as well as usual. That's because your eyes are yet another part of your body that can fall prey to those pesky pregnancy hormones — the same ones doing a number on your digestive tract and your ligaments.

Not only can your vision seem blurry these days, but a decrease in tear production can leave your eyes dry and irritated, especially if you wear contact lenses.

What's more, an increase in fluid behind your eyes' lenses can temporarily change their shape, making some women more nearsighted or farsighted than usual. You may find wearing glasses rather than contact lenses to be more comfortable.

Happily, these changes are all temporary. Things should clear up as your eyes return to normal after delivery, so there's no need to change your prescription just yet. But do keep in mind that certain more serious vision problems can be a sign of preeclampsia, so be sure to mention any vision changes to your practitioner.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 34

Bloating and gas

As your third trimester progresses, you may be getting gassier. Anxiety just makes those gassy feelings worse — you tend to swallow more air when you're stressed — so try this tension-tamer: Breathe deeply through your nose and out through your mouth for a minute or two each day. Read More

Constipation

Need to rev up those slow-moving bowels? Rough up your diet with some dried fruits, fresh fruits and veggies and whole grains. One thing you don't want to do is take laxatives, even herbal ones. Get your practitioner on board before taking any medicine for constipation. Read More

Increased vaginal discharge

As your pregnancy progresses, you could see an increase in vaginal discharge. Blame pregnancy hormones, especially estrogen, for this symptom — they increase blood flow to the pelvic area and stimulate the mucous membranes. Wearing undies with breathable cotton liners can keep you drier and curb odors. Read More

Hemorrhoids

Constipation's almost constant sidekick? Hemorrhoids. They can be kept to a minimum by doing Kegels, which can improve circulation to the area. Read More

Backaches

Your shifting center of gravity from back to belly puts more pressure and pain on your lower back. There are many solutions to cure your aching back, so if one doesn't work, another most certainly will. One to try: Take a break and stretch, stand or walk. Sitting too long can make your back hurt even more. Read More

Leg cramps

Leg cramps are most common around now, when the three main culprits — pregnancy weight, swelling and fatigue — are at their peak. If you feel a spasm, try standing on a cold surface, which can sometimes stop one in its tracks. Read More

Stretch marks

Stretch marks may show up as pink, red, purple, reddish-brown or dark brown streaks, depending on your skin tone. If your mom had stretch marks, then you have a genetic predisposition toward them, but you can try to keep these marks of maternity to a minimum by keeping your weight gain slow and steady. Read More

Edema (swelling in feet and ankles)

As you get bigger and your body tissues accumulate and retain fluids, you may experience swelling in your ankles, feet and fingers. Slipping into comfy slippers at the end of the day can help soothe your swollen tootsies. Read More

Fast-growing hair

You knew your hair would grow faster and more lustrous while you were pregnant, but you probably didn't know it would grow in places you weren't expecting — like your cheeks, chin and back. Waxing is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but since skin is extra sensitive now, ask for a formula for sensitive skin. Read More

Shortness of breath

As your pregnant belly gets bigger, your lungs won't be able to expand as fully, so you may feel winded, even after a trip to the bathroom. Sleeping propped on your left side can help at night. Read More

Insomnia

If you're not worrying about delivery day, then leg cramps and trips to the bathroom are banishing any chance of shut-eye. Try lulling yourself to sleep with a warm bath and a cup of warm milk and read a book or listen to music instead of watching TV or going online, both of which activities can keep you awake. Read More

Leaking colostrum

As your due date approaches and the third trimester wears on, your breasts may leak colostrum — yellowish pre-milk that will be your baby's first drink. You won't be leaking more than a few drops, but if you feel uncomfortable, try nursing pads. Read More

Tips for You This Week

Install the car seat

You bought the car seat, but have you installed it yet? A better question: Have you installed it correctly? Between 85 and 95 percent of new parents do it wrong.

No matter the model of vehicle or car seat you have, you should always follow three important rules for installing an infant car seat:

1. The safest spot for your baby is always in the backseat — preferably in the middle spot, away from passenger-side air bags.

2. Face it backwards. Experts including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urge parents to keep kids in the rear-facing position until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car seat.

3. Be sure the base is secured tightly. A car seat shouldn't wobble, pivot, slide or tip. If you're not sure if you installed it correctly, get yours checked by a professional technician. Your local police or fire station may also be able to check your handiwork for free.

Protect your eyes

Your eyes may be feeling more dry and sensitive than usual, so keep your sunglasses and lubricating eye drops, known as "artificial tears," handy.

Many are safe to use during pregnancy, but ask your doctor for a recommendation first. Your peepers will be filled with tears of joy soon enough.

Get help for prenatal blues

Feeling blue? Between 10 and 15 percent of pregnant women suffer from depression during pregnancy. And it's no wonder they're even more susceptible to depression when they're expecting: Surging hormones coupled with stress, anxiety and societal pressure to feel a certain way can do a number on their emotional state.

Some factors can put you at greater risk for depression, but it can strike anyone at any time — and there's no shame in asking for help. Talk to your provider; some antidepressants are safe to use when pregnant.

Salt, but don't oversalt, your food

Wondering if cutting back on salt will help ease the puff? That depends on how much salt you're eating in the first place. Doctors used to recommend a low-sodium diet during pregnancy — which made it hard to satisfy those pickles-and-ice-cream cravings — but thankfully they no longer do.

A moderate amount of salt — for example, adding iodized table salt to your meals and eating lightly salted foods— actually helps your body regulate fluids. Plus, dramatically cutting back on sodium isn't good for the baby.

But before you polish off that pickle jar, keep in mind that too much salt isn't healthy for anyone, pregnant or not, and can even pump up the puffing.

The bottom line? Salt, but don't oversalt, your food. Give yourself a one- or two-pickle-per-sitting limit, skip the heavily salted snacks and get into the habit of tasting before sprinkling.

Give yourself a boost

Looking for an energy lift now that you've cut down on those lattes? Believe it or not, you'll find it in regular exercise. A brisk walk, jog or yoga session will increase blood flow and boost feel-good endorphins.

The result? A revitalizing burst of energy, one that actually lasts longer than the coffee-induced kind. Need more convincing? Unlike those lattes, physical activity helps you sleep better too, which will also stave off daytime fatigue.

Go for a (safe) soak

Love a good soak in the tub? Then dive right in, darling. There's no truth to the myth that dirty bath water can enter the cervix and cause an infection. Do check that the temperature is right though: It should be warm, not hot.

And just be careful when you climb inside — at 34 weeks pregnant, your bigger belly may affect your sense of balance, and not being able to see your feet can make you even more prone to spills. Make sure your tub has a non-skid surface, and take your time getting in and out.

Talk through your labor game plan

Make sure you talk to your doctor about what to do when you think you're in labor. It will help to get clear instructions on when to call your practitioner about contractions, what to do if your water breaks, and if or when to go to the hospital directly. That way, you'll know what to expect and won't be confused in the heat of the moment.

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

• What to Expect When You're Expecting, 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff.
• What to Expect the First Year, 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff.
• WhatToExpect.com, Iodine in Pregnancy: Are You Getting Enough?, March 2021.
• WhatToExpect.com, What to Do If Your Water Breaks During Pregnancy, April 2021.
• WhatToExpect.com, How Much Salt Should You Eat During Pregnancy?, June 2020.
• WhatToExpect.com, Leg Cramps During Pregnancy, February 2021.
• WhatToExpect.com, Depression During Pregnancy, April 2021.
• WhatToExpect.com, Taking Baths While Pregnant, June 2021.
• WhatToExpect.com, Do You Have Blurry Vision During Pregnancy?, February 2021.
• WhatToExpect.com, Stretch Marks During and After Pregnancy, April 2021.
• WhatToExpect.com, The Best Exercises for Pregnant Women, October 2019.
• WhatToExpect.com, Infant Car Seat Safety 101, August 2018.
• American Academy of Dermatology, Hair Removal: How to Wax, 2021.
• American Academy of Dermatology, Stretch Marks: Why They Appear and How to Get Rid of Them, 2021.
• American Academy of Pediatrics, Rear-Facing Car Seats for Infants and Toddlers, February 2021.
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Depression, December 2018.
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy, August 2020.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Get the Facts: Sodium and the Dietary Guidelines, October 2017.
• Cochrane, Interventions for Treating Constipation in Pregnancy, September 2015.
• DONA International, How to Hire a Doula, 2021.
• JAMA Network, Prevalence of Prenatal Depression Symptoms Among 2 Generations of Pregnant Mothers, July 2018.
• Mayo Clinic, Antidepressants: Safe During Pregnancy?, January 2020.
• National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information, Ocular Changes During Pregnancy, August 2014.
• National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Canadian Family Physician, Treating Constipation During Pregnancy, August 2012.
• National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Cryptorchidism, April 2021.
• National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Unraveling the Mystery of Vernix Caseosa, 2008.
• National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Epidemiology, Classification and Management of Undescended Testes: Does Medication Have Value in Its Treatment?, June 2013.
• National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Striae Gravidarum: Risk Factors, Prevention, and Management, June 2017.
• National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Risk Factors Associated with Striae Gravidarum, December 2004.
• National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Stretch Marks (Striae), February 2021.
• The Journal of Pediatrics, Unsafe from the Start: Serious Misuse of Car Safety Seats at Newborn Discharge, April 2016.
• U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Car Seats and Booster Seats, 2021.
• UpToDate.com, Striae Distensae (Stretch Marks), May 2021.

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How Much Your Baby Weight at 34 Weeks

Source: https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/week-34.aspx

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