34 Weeks Pregnant: Final Countdown Begins

At 34 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 17.7 inches and weighs approximately 4.7 pounds (2.1 kg). Your baby’s lungs are nearly mature, with sufficient surfactant production for breathing. You’re just 6 weeks from your due date!¹

What’s Happening at 34 Weeks

You’re in the final countdown! Week 34 marks an important milestone—babies born now have excellent survival rates (over 98%) with minimal complications.² Your prenatal visits will increase to every two weeks now, then weekly starting at 36 weeks through delivery.

How Big is My Baby?

Your baby measures approximately 17.7 inches (45 cm) and weighs around 4.7 pounds (2.1 kg). Weight gain continues at about half a pound weekly.³

Baby Development

Lungs nearly mature: Surfactant production has increased significantly. Most babies born at 34 weeks can breathe on their own or need minimal support.⁴

Brain development: Rapid growth continues, with billions of neurons forming connections.

Vernix coating: Thick protective waxy coating covers your baby’s skin.

Fat accumulation: Your baby is building fat stores for temperature regulation.

Central nervous system maturity: Your baby can regulate breathing and body temperature better.

Immune system: Developing but still immature; babies rely on maternal antibodies.

Movement: Space is tight—you’ll feel pushes and stretches more than rolls.

Common Symptoms

Shortness of breath: Your uterus pushes against your diaphragm.⁵

Frequent urination: Constant bladder pressure.

Heartburn: Often severe as your stomach is compressed.⁶

Swelling: Mild edema in feet, ankles, hands.

Back pain: Weight and loosened ligaments cause discomfort.

Braxton Hicks: Practice contractions may be frequent.

Fatigue: The demands of late pregnancy are exhausting.

Trouble sleeping: Physical discomfort disrupts rest.

Tips for Week 34

Prepare for Group B strep test: You’ll be tested around weeks 35-37.

Pack hospital bag: Have it ready by week 36.

Know labor signs: Regular contractions, water breaking, bloody show.⁷

Rest: Conserve energy for labor.

Stay active: Gentle walking helps with stamina.

Monitor movement: Track kicks daily.⁸

Finalize birth plan: Discuss preferences with your provider.

References

Footnotes

1. ACOG. (2025). “How Your Fetus Grows.” https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-your-fetus-grows-during-pregnancy ↩

2. Merck Manual. (2025). “Respiratory Distress Syndrome.” https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/children-s-health-issues/lung-and-breathing-problems-in-newborns/respiratory-distress-syndrome-in-newborns ↩

3. BabyCenter. (2025). “34 Weeks Pregnant.” https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/34-weeks-pregnant ↩

4. Merck Manual. (2025). “Respiratory Distress Syndrome.” ↩

5. ACOG. (2025). “Exercise During Pregnancy.” https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/exercise-during-pregnancy ↩

6. ACOG. (2025). “Problems of the Digestive System.” https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/problems-of-the-digestive-system ↩

7. ACOG. (2025). “How to Tell When Labor Begins.” https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-to-tell-when-labor-begins ↩

8. Tommy’s. (2025). “Your baby’s movements.” https://www.tommys.org/ ↩