34 Weeks Pregnant
At 34 weeks pregnant your baby is about the size of a cantaloupe melon. You are in the third trimester, and this week brings its own small changes — for your baby and for you.
- Size of
- a cantaloupe melon
- Length
- 45 cm
- Weight
- 2.15 kg
- Trimester
- 3
Your baby this week
- The lungs are nearly ready to breathe air.
- The vernix coating thickens to protect the skin.
- Your baby can focus on close objects and follow light.
Your body this week
- Braxton Hicks tightenings may begin — practice contractions, not labour.
- The weight in front puts steady pressure on your lower back.
Common symptoms
- A dull ache in the lower back
- Heavy pressure low in the pelvis
- Deep tiredness, even after a full night of sleep
What to expect
The last stretch asks a lot of your body. Sleep gets harder, movement slows down, and your appointments become more frequent. With 6 weeks to go, focus on rest, on knowing the signs of labour, and on having your bag ready.
Tips for this week
- Fit and test the car seat while there is no hurry.
- Begin thinking about your birth preferences and where you want to give birth.
- Book antenatal classes — good ones fill up early.
Frequently asked questions
How many months is 34 weeks pregnant?
34 weeks is about 8 months. Pregnancy months do not divide evenly into weeks, so counting in weeks is more precise.
How big is my baby at 34 weeks?
At 34 weeks your baby is around a cantaloupe melon — roughly 45 cm long and about 2.15 kg. Healthy babies vary a lot around these averages.
What symptoms are normal at 34 weeks pregnant?
The most common ones this week are listed above. Contact your doctor or midwife about heavy bleeding, severe pain, a fever, or any change in your baby’s movements.
Pregnancy weeks are counted from the first day of your last period, so week 1 begins before conception.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife about your own pregnancy.