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What happens to the baby at 34 weeks
At the 34th week of pregnancy from conception, the baby enters the final period of its uterine life – the period of preparation for the birth. He already has enough subcutaneous fat to keep warm. His face is more rounded, and his cheeks are plump, as is inherent in a baby.
By the end of 34 weeks, the respiratory and cardiovascular systems of the child are already developed so much that in case of premature birth, he will not have problems with breathing and heartbeat.
Most likely your baby by this moment has decided on its position in the uterus. Ideally, it is positioned upside down. If not, do not despair, even at such times the child can still roll over from breech to head presentation, if its size allows it.
Many mothers note that by the last month of pregnancy, the baby becomes quieter, his movements are no longer so sharp. This is logical, because he has grown, and he is cramped in the uterus, he has nowhere to swing especially.
Now around the child the maximum amount of amniotic fluid. Further it will be reduced, and there will be even less room for movement.
Fetal ultrasound
– Ultrasound of the fetus at 34 weeks of pregnancy from conception – 36 obstetric – the attending physician prescribes in cases where he has any doubts about the condition of the pregnant woman or the fetus. An ultrasound study is carried out if the size of the uterus does not correspond to the deadline, the movements of the child do not fit into the norm or they do not exist at all. If there were any deviations at the third screening, then after 2-3 weeks (just at our time), a control ultrasound is prescribed. It is also recommended if there was an entanglement of the umbilical cord, premature aging of the placenta, with polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios, disorders of placental blood flow, explains obstetrician-gynecologist Regina Sadikova.
In addition to ultrasound of the fetus at 34 weeks of gestation, the mother can be sent for CTG – cardiotocography. After 30 weeks, this examination is carried out about once every two weeks, sometimes more often. CTG is a method for assessing the condition of the child by the frequency of his heartbeats, including during contraction of the uterus, the action of external stimuli, or during his own movements. Based on the data obtained, the specialist can notice fetal hypoxia in time.
Photo life
The weight of the child at the 34th week of pregnancy from conception is approximately 2400-2600 grams, and the height is 45 cm. The baby is like a papaya in size.
If a mother records each of the 40 obstetric weeks in the pictures, then at the current time she may notice certain changes. In some women, the photo of the abdomen shows that the uterus has already begun to descend. This usually happens a few weeks or days before the birth, so if your tummy is still there, it’s too early to go to the hospital.
What happens to mom at 34 weeks
By the 34th week of pregnancy from conception, most women feel tired, a desire to speed up the onset of childbirth. Naturally, the third trimester is the most “uncomfortable” for the expectant mother, and every week the discomfort increases.
At this time, women may begin to stand out colostrum – a harbinger of milk. It will be the first food for your baby, which will help him debug the work of the digestive system and saturate him with the necessary substances.
Due to the appearance of colostrum, breast hygiene becomes very important. Try to shower more often – at least twice a day, and also stock up on special breast pads that will absorb the discharge.
By this time, children are usually in a head-down position, but one in 25 children in a hundred prefers a breech presentation. In this case, obstetricians warn that, in addition to natural childbirth, the option of a caesarean section should be considered, unless, of course, the baby decides to roll over after all.
By the way, if you haven’t signed a contract with a maternity hospital yet, now is the time. In addition, you can get a referral to the maternity hospital at the place of residence.
What sensations can you experience in 34 week
The last month of pregnancy, as a rule, flies by in anticipation of childbirth, so do not concentrate too much on unpleasant sensations – they will soon become a thing of the past.
At the 34th week of pregnancy from conception, women may experience discomfort in the pelvis – it stretches so that in the future the baby can easily pass through the birth canal.
Shortness of breath and heaviness in the chest are also not the most pleasant sensations, but they will recede as soon as the stomach drops. For some, this happens already at 34 weeks from conception, for others – two to three weeks before childbirth, and for someone – literally before childbirth. We are all different, so there is no need to worry about the fact that the stomach does not fall.
Monthly
Blood from the vagina is the norm only during menstruation, while during pregnancy, the appearance of such secretions means some kind of deviation. This may be placenta previa, when it is located too low or completely covers the cervix, or placental abruption, which, when progressing, can turn into a threat to the life of mother and baby.
Sometimes spotting occurs when placenta ingrown – a dangerous disease that threatens with massive bleeding during childbirth, can lead to the removal of the uterus, and sometimes the death of a woman. If placenta ingrowth is suspected, it is necessary to refrain from sexual intercourse so as not to provoke premature birth.
You need to go to the hospital immediately, and not only with the appearance of spotting, but also with contractions and periodic pain in the suprapubic region.
Stomach ache
– When there are pains in the abdomen at this time, first of all we must exclude contractions. Contractions are regular, intensifying, cramping pains in the lower abdomen, radiating to the perineum and lower back, explains obstetrician-gynecologist Regina Sadikova.
If, by these signs, you understand that you are having contractions, call an ambulance or go to the hospital yourself. However, abdominal pain can also occur for other reasons.
– Pain in the abdomen, twisting, aching may be due to improper bowel function. Still occur (rarely, but there are) – pain localized in the right lower abdomen – appendicitis. Another important point is abdominal pain with a scar on the uterus. If it hurts in the area of the scar, tell the doctor about it, perhaps there is a threat of rupture of the seam, the doctor clarifies.
Brown discharge
At the 34th week of pregnancy, a woman can leave a cork from conception – a mucous clot that closes the cervix of a pregnant woman. Its purpose is to prevent the penetration of infections and microbes to the fetus. Outwardly, it looks like egg white, but immediately before childbirth, the consistency may become thicker.
You can understand that this is a traffic jam by three facts:
- its volume is up to 50 ml;
- in size it is 1,5-2 cm;
- in color from beige to brown, but may be pink and yellow, with streaks of blood.
If this is a traffic jam, then you don’t need to run to the hospital, its discharge is a natural process of preparing the body for childbirth. Sometimes the cork leaves a couple of weeks before the birth, sometimes – a couple of hours, and someone does not leave at all. Watch for contractions – they are the main signal to collect in the hospital.
If you are not sure that brown discharge is related to the cork, go to the doctor’s office. Blood from the genital tract is always an alarming sign.
Popular questions and answers
Constantly tormented by pain in the pelvic area, should I be worried?
What else hurts the pelvis and how to help:
• Due to the growing weight of the uterus and baby. You can help here only with exercises to strengthen the body.
• Because of the displacement of the pelvic joints, then it makes sense to turn to an osteopath. It will also help if there was an injury in the pelvic area.
• Due to weakness of the pelvic floor muscles, back and hips. Find out which exercises are right for you and get started.
• Diastasis, which sometimes remains after the first birth, the doctor will tell you what to do in your particular case.
• Due to incorrect posture, stoop. Here again we are looking for exercises for the back, shoulders, and preferably for the whole body.
Massage, sleeping with a pillow between the legs, a bandage will help reduce pain in the pelvis (before using it, be sure to consult your doctor). ⠀
What are the advantages of vertical birth?
But for the vertical position, it is in the second period – the pushing one, that there are contraindications. So you can not give birth to women who:
• aggravated anamnesis;
• varicose veins of the vagina and perineum;
• premature birth;
• intrauterine fetal growth retardation, chronic fetal hypoxia.
Horizontal pushing labor also has advantages. Some women prefer them as it is easier to control the birth process.
If the baby is in a breech position, can it be rotated?
As it is correct, NAPP is carried out approximately 4-3 weeks before delivery. That is, just at the 34th week of pregnancy from conception, the doctor can already prescribe this procedure. It doesn’t make sense before – the baby can roll over again.
This operation is carried out in a hospital under the following conditions:
• the woman has a singleton pregnancy;
• the child’s buttocks are mobile – not tightly pressed against the mother’s pelvis;
• enough amniotic fluid: with oligohydramnios there is a risk of injuring the baby, and with polyhydramnios it can roll back;
• if the baby’s head is in a bent position.
This procedure carries certain risks, up to placental abruption and the onset of labor, so it is not prescribed for everyone.
Is it possible to have sex?
If the doctor gave the go-ahead, then go ahead. In late pregnancy, a man may worry that he will touch the head of the child and harm the baby. In vain! Study the anatomical atlas with your partner, let him make sure that the distance there is impressive and you can’t just get to the baby.
Seminal fluid, by the way, helps the cervix to ripen, so an active intimate life can bring the term of labor closer, keep this in mind. For the rest, listen to yourself and your body, it knows better if it needs sex or peace.
What to do if the temperature rises?
Temperatures above 38 degrees are advised by doctors to bring down. For this, paracetamol is recommended, it is allowed for both pregnant and lactating women. However, keep in mind that combined preparations with paracetamol in the composition during pregnancy are contraindicated, as they contain preservatives, dyes and various additives. It is best to bring down the high temperature with “pure” paracetamol. In small doses, it will not harm the baby.
But with a runny nose it is more difficult. Vasoconstrictor drugs for pregnant women are prohibited (occasionally it is permissible to take them in short courses). They affect blood vessels throughout the body, which can narrow the vessels of the placenta, which means the baby will receive less oxygen.
What to do if it pulls the lower abdomen?
If the nagging pain does not give you rest and collapses with sharp attacks, is accompanied by bloody discharge, dizziness or other disturbing symptoms, we do not expect miraculous deliverance, but immediately call an ambulance.
How to eat right?
• calcium;
• iron;
• folic acid;
• iodine.
To make up for their deficiency, you need to add fermented milk products to your diet; meat, poultry, fish, whole grains, such as buckwheat. It does not hurt to eat nuts, legumes, seaweed from time to time. Naturally, vegetables and fruits are welcome, but the latter are best consumed without fanaticism, they have a lot of carbohydrates.
Remember that you need to eat when you are hungry and until you are full, do not overeat. The best option is 4-5 small meals a day. Keep your desires in check, pregnancy is not a reason to please yourself with harmful sweets or fast food. Every time you put something in your mouth, remember that you are feeding more than just yourself.