At 34 weeks pregnant, the baby measures an average of 43 cm. Its weight is 2,2 kg. Her hair and nails are growing. The fine down covering his skin begins to fall. It is replaced by a coating, the vernix caseosa, which protects its skin and will facilitate its birth. As the layers of fat settle under his skin, the skin tightens and the baby’s figure becomes rounded. By the time he is born, he will gain 1 kg on average. 

The baby alternates phases of activity and phases of sleep. Throughout the day, he swallows large amounts of amniotic fluid. He treats it with his kidneys, then rejects it as urine in the amniotic bag. Meconium continues to build up in his intestines. If he hasn’t already, the baby can still turn upside down for birth.

At this stage of pregnancy, all her organs are mature, with the exception of the lungs, which still require a few weeks to be fully functional. The so-called alveolar stage begins: the pulmonary alveoli multiply, the capillary network becomes homogenized. Surfactant, that fatty substance that coats each socket to prevent them from contracting, continues to be secreted. It is very important for the lung maturity of the baby.

If the delivery takes place at 36 WA, we speak of average prematurity (birth between the 32nd and the 36th WA completed). The baby would require care and supervision, but he is quite fit to live outside his mother’s womb.

7 months pregnant, the belly begins to really weigh. And for good reason: the uterus, the baby, the amniotic fluid and the placenta weigh on average 5 kg. Daily gestures, walking, posture are affected, and fatigue begins to be felt for the mother-to-be. 

Occasionally, she may feel stiffness or tension at the top of the uterus. These are the Braxton Hicks contractions, which allow the uterus to train for childbirth. These physiological contractions are painless, irregular and have no effect on the cervix. If they multiply and become painful, it is recommended to consult.

It is common during pregnancy to have an itchy stomach. Most often due to a lack of hydration and hormonal changes during pregnancy, this itching is usually mild. However, if they are very frequent, intense and also affect the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet or even the entire body, it is important to consult without delay. It can be a symptom of cholestasis of pregnancy, a complication of late pregnancy requiring prompt treatment. 

The mother-to-be benefits from 8 birth preparation sessions covered 100% by the Health Insurance. Whether it’s a first baby, a second, a third or more, these childbirth preparation sessions are highly recommended. These are privileged moments of exchanges with maternity professionals, during a period when loneliness can sometimes weigh on the mother-to-be. 

The classic preparation for childbirth generally begins with the departure on maternity leave. The sessions take place at the place of delivery or in the office of a liberal midwife. 

Many other types of preparation for childbirth exist: haptonomy, relaxation therapy, swimming pool preparation, prenatal singing, prenatal yoga, prenatal hypnosis, etc. Some can be taken alongside the classic preparation.  

For a first or second child, maternity leave begins 6 weeks before the expected date of delivery (DPA). The time to rest and build up strength for childbirth and after childbirth has therefore come for the mother-to-be. The work stoppage certificate must be sent to the Health Insurance as soon as possible. 

It is however possible to defer part of the prenatal leave (the first 3 weeks maximum) to the postnatal leave, on prescription from the doctor or midwife.

The 8th month consultation (6th prenatal consultation) normally took place. If pelvimetry has been prescribed to check the size of the pelvis for childbirth, it is advisable to do it as soon as possible.

Another important appointment at the end of pregnancy: the consultation with the anesthesiologist. It is highly recommended, even for expectant mothers wishing to give birth without an epidural. A blood test will be prescribed at the end of this consultation. 

Likewise, it is essential to perform the vaginal swab as soon as possible for streptococcus B. 

Finally, it’s time to prepare the maternity kit and the bag for the delivery room, if you haven’t already. In addition to the business for the baby and his mother, do not forget the various papers: Carte Vitale, certificate of mutual insurance, results of examinations, etc. The best is to put them all together in a pocket.

At this stage of pregnancy, the baby consumes a lot of calcium and iron, and it is in the mother’s reserves that he will draw them. Also, it is important that she gets enough of it. Dairy products (yogurts, cottage cheese, cheeses) are good sources of calcium, but it is also found in canned sardines (with bones), tofu, white beans, certain mineral waters (Hépar, Contrex, Courmayer , Quézac). Vitamin D, mainly synthesized during sun exposure, is essential for the proper absorption and fixation of calcium. Because deficiencies are frequent, especially in winter or in areas with little sunshine, supplementation is generally prescribed during pregnancy, in the form of a single ampoule.

As for iron, it is taken in its animal form (or heme, the best assimilated form) from meat and fish, and in vegetable form (non-heme) from legumes (lentils, chickpeas, red beans), seeds pumpkin, especially tofu. If necessary, iron supplementation will be prescribed.

It is also essential for the mother to be well hydrated throughout the day in order to facilitate the work of the kidneys which, in addition to its own waste, must eliminate that of the baby. It is also a preventive action against urinary tract infections, the risk of which is increased during pregnancy. 

Unless there are contraindications (contractions, modified cervix, threat of premature delivery), it is advisable to continue a physical activity adapted to pregnancy: walking, gentle gymnastics, prenatal yoga, swimming. This helps to limit some inconvenience at the end of pregnancy (venous disorders, constipation), to stay in shape for childbirth, but also to relieve the tensions and worries that may increase as the D-day approaches. 

The perineum is a set of muscles, ligaments and tissues that support, like a hammock, the genitals, bladder and anus. It will play a key role during childbirth, especially during the push. To become aware of this area, it may be interesting to perform some exercises, training to contract your anal sphincter, then your urinary sphincter. Be careful, however, not to perform this exercise during urination, as previously recommended (we used to speak of “stop pee”).