34th week of pregnancy: baby side
Our baby is about 44 centimeters tall, and averages 2 grams.
His development
The baby’s face is now smooth and full, like that of a newborn baby. As for the bones of his skull, they are not welded and can overlap slightly to allow him to pass easily into the genital tract during the birth. It is also very soon, this week or next week, that the baby will “engage”.
Week 34 of pregnancy: on our side
Our body actively prepares for birth, although this is seldom seen. Thus, the breasts, whose volume has stabilized in recent months, are still heavier. The nipples become darker. Our cervix also changes more markedly. Perhaps it has already opened, but without real consequence. It is in the process of “maturing”, that is, becoming softer, in anticipation of the day of delivery. This will allow it to gradually shorten, then to disappear, in other words to open, under the combined effect of the contractions and the pressure of the baby’s head – a second stage specific to childbirth.
If we have a consultation this week, the doctor or midwife will examine our pelvis to check that there will be no obstacles to childbirth on D-day. Finally, know that one in five women is carrier of a streptococcus B. A sample at the entrance of the vagina allows to know if one is a carrier of this streptococcus. If the result is positive, antibiotics will be given to us on the day of delivery (and not before).
Our advice
We must at this stage start to think about how we envision the birth of our child. Epidural or not? How else to deal with pain? Do we want our baby or not? All these questions must be addressed even before the birth, possibly with a maternity midwife (in consultation or during preparation courses).
Our memo
Have we made an appointment for the pre-anesthetic consultation before delivery? This consultation is essential, even if you do not want an epidural.