34 weeks pregnant

Allay some of the fears of labor

To allay some of the fears for first-time mothers, make sure you read up on what to expect during labor. Labor is basically composed of three stages. The first stage is when contractions open the cervix. The second stage is when you finally push the baby out. The final stage is when you birth the placenta. Around 10% of mothers report that they experienced extreme pain during labor; while another 10% report that they did not feel pain at all. 80% of mothers are somewhere in the middle of the two extremities.

What’s Going on with the Baby

Fingernails and toenails

Your baby will now weigh 2 kilograms, and will be about 42.5 centimeters in height. The fingernails and toenails are growing continuously, and you’ll probably need to clip them a few days after birth to prevent your baby from hurting him or herself with scratches. The liver, although not yet fully formed, is already capable of processing your child’s waste. In all respects, your baby is ready for the outside world already, although a bit more weight gain is ideal. This week, your baby will already be opening his or her eyes upon waking up and closing them when they go to sleep.

Pelvic pain - pelvic joints loosing

You may start to feel some pelvic pain at this time. This is caused by the pelvic joints loosing, ready for labor.

What’s Going on with Mommy

Breasts may begun to leak

You’ll probably notice that your breasts have now begun to leak a few drops of milk here and there. This is nothing to worry about since this is just one more way for your body to announce that it’s ready for the real thing. You’ll also notice that the weight has shifted, which is called engagement or lightening, with your baby’s head resting deep into your pelvis (unless he or she chooses to remain in the breech position). This should ease up your breathing somehow, though the position will make you urinate even more frequently than before since the bladder is more hard pressed than ever.

Now for Daddy

Find a creative way to commemorate the pregnancy. You may consider having a professional photographer take a picture of your lovely pregnant partner .

33 weeks pregnant < 35 weeks pregnant >