Everything you need to know about week 34 of pregnancy

Welcome to the 34th week of pregnancy

You are now in week 34 of pregnancy: Your baby already has everything it needs for the world outside. All your little one’s vital functions are fully developed, tiny air sacs in the lungs are busily unfolding, and its body continues to store fat reserves to cope well with the first few days. If your baby were to be born now, the chances of survival would be an impressive 90–100%.

Nevertheless, we hope that your belly remains a cosy, safe place: every week your little one stays with you strengthens them for the big day of birth.

You may already notice that you need to take breaks more often. This is completely normal at the moment. If you are still working, you can look forward to this: at the end of this week, your maternity leave begins. A little break to gather strength, relax, and consciously prepare yourself for the arrival of your little miracle.

In this article, you will find all the important information about your child’s development, the changes in your body, and valuable tips for the 34th week of pregnancy.

Development of the baby in the 34th week of pregnancy

In the 34th week of pregnancy, your baby reaches an impressive length of about 44 to 45 cm (crown to heel) and weighs a proud 2,100 to 2,300 grams. It is now comparable in size to a pineapple.

If your little one were to come into the world at this stage, their digestive tract would already be developed enough to digest breast milk or formula well. It's a lovely thought that your baby is already capable of so much, isn't it?

The position of your baby in the womb is unlikely to change much before the birth. Many babies are already lying head down at this stage, making themselves as comfortable as possible for the delivery. Due to the increasingly limited space, your baby is moving more slowly – but don't worry: your baby is still active and you can feel the little kicks, turns or stretches.

Especially fascinating: your baby’s hearing is very alert during this stage. It not only perceives your voice, but also that of your partner. Even melodies you listen to repeatedly – such as your favourite song or the theme tune of your favourite series – will remain memorable to your little one. After birth, these familiar sounds can have a calming effect and give your baby a sense of security and closeness.

Your body in the 34th week of pregnancy

In the 34th week of pregnancy, the uterus extends about thirteen to fourteen centimetres above your navel. Your little miracle is still surrounded by a protective cushion of amniotic fluid: around one litre is quite typical, but anything between 300 ml and 2 litres is considered normal. At the same time, the placenta has almost completed its full growth. It continues to reliably provide your baby with everything it needs until it is ready to discover the world.

Your belly is now growing mainly due to the steady growth of your baby. The amount of amniotic fluid will slowly decrease over the next few weeks, while your little one will become stronger and stronger. You may already notice that space in your belly is getting tighter: the pressure on your ribs can make it difficult to eat large meals. Small, light snacks spread throughout the day are especially good for you and your belly right now.

Many pregnant women experience more frequent calf cramps during this phase of the 34th week of pregnancy – especially at night – or stronger practice contractions. Both can be a sign that your body needs more magnesium. Don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor or midwife about it. This way, you can be sure that you and your little one are well looked after.

Amidst all the physical changes, don’t forget to create little oases of calm for yourself from time to time. A warm bath, gentle movement, or light stretching exercises can help relieve your body. And remember: every little kick and every extra centimetre of growing bump shows you how well your baby is being cared for – and just how much anticipation is building for your journey into life together.

The pram you've always wanted.

Tips for the 34th week of pregnancy

💡 1. Optimise your sleeping position: As your baby bump grows, getting a good night's sleep becomes increasingly challenging. Try to sleep on your side, ideally on your left, to improve blood flow to the placenta and baby. A nursing pillow or several pillows can support your bump and legs, alleviating pressure. Rest breaks are especially important now.

💡 2. In this phase, your happiness especially needs plenty of iron to support healthy blood formation. Therefore, make sure you eat a balanced diet and regularly include iron-rich foods on your plate – for example, red meat, legumes, or green leafy vegetables. This can help prevent tiredness and a possible anaemia. If your iron levels are too low, your doctor can also recommend a suitable iron supplement. This way, both you and your baby will be well cared for.

💡 3. Gentle exercise is especially good for you and your wellbeing right now. Whether it’s a relaxing walk in the fresh air, gentle pregnancy yoga, or a short swim: all of these can noticeably relieve common pregnancy complaints such as back pain or water retention. Listen carefully to your body: allow yourself regular breaks and take a moment to breathe deeply now and then. Your body is doing amazing things at the moment to prepare your baby perfectly for birth. That’s why alternating between activity and rest is so important for your strength and relaxation before the delivery.

💡 4. Continue your birth preparation: If you haven’t booked a course yet, now is the perfect time. In an antenatal class, you’ll learn everything important about childbirth, discover breathing techniques, and start getting attuned to those first moments together with your little one. It’s also lovely if your partner can join you.

💡 5. Prepare your hospital bag: Now is a good time to have your hospital bag fully packed and ready to go. This way, you can stay relaxed when the time comes. It’s best to use a small checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything and have everything important for you and your baby close at hand. That way, you can look forward to the big moment without any worries. The checklist in our my junior® guide can be very helpful here.

💡 6. Parental allowance application: Find out about the exact deadlines and prepare all the necessary documents for applying for parental allowance. You can find helpful information on this in our my junior® guide.

The most frequently asked questions about the 34th week of pregnancy

What is happening with my baby in the 34th week of pregnancy?

From the 34th week of pregnancy, your little one continues to make great progress. It is growing rapidly and gaining both size and weight. Now, many of its organs are being fine-tuned. The lungs are already well developed, which is essential for breathing and taking in air later on. Your baby’s brain is now busily developing more and more functions, while the skin is becoming smoother and more delicate. Your baby often turns head-down into the birth position, or cephalic presentation, which is the ideal position for the start of life in the birth canal.

How big and heavy is the baby in the 34th week of pregnancy?

At 34 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 44 to 45 cm long and weighs an impressive 2100 to 2300 grams, comparable to a pineapple. In the final weeks before birth, your bundle of joy will gain considerably more weight before the estimated due date, as it is now building up plenty of baby fat and reserves which are important for its final birth weight. Its bones are also becoming increasingly stronger now.

Which symptoms are typical for women in this month of pregnancy?

Typical symptoms for women include increased Braxton-Hicks contractions (practice contractions), back pain, water retention, and shortness of breath. Itching on the baby bump, lower abdominal pain in the pelvis, and the sensation of pain under the ribs caused by the baby pressing against the abdominal wall are also common pregnancy complaints. Increased need to urinate is now almost the norm, as the bladder has less and less space. Many women also now feel a pulling sensation in the pelvis and in the pubic symphysis due to the baby dropping and the loosening of the ligaments. These complaints are often part of the process, but you don’t have to go through it alone – there are many little aids that can do you good.

How much weight gain is typical in week 34 of pregnancy?

In the 34th week of pregnancy, many women have usually gained between 11 and 15 kilograms. However, this varies greatly from woman to woman. Your doctor will keep a close eye on your values during check-ups and offer you advice if you have any questions. Make sure to eat a balanced diet and have small, regular, nutrient-rich meals. This way, you are taking the best possible care of yourself and your little one.

Which examinations are important in the 34th week of pregnancy?

In this phase, antenatal check-ups take place every two weeks with your gynaecologist, during which, among other things, your urine and blood pressure are examined and a CTG is performed. Sometimes a blood test for hepatitis B or other values is also part of the preparation for the birth.

What does it mean if the baby’s movements decrease in the 34th week of pregnancy?

You should continue to feel your little one’s movements regularly, even though space in your womb is getting tighter now. Your baby is still active and sometimes even has hiccups, which is a good sign. If you notice that the movements become significantly less frequent or stop altogether, it’s important to contact your midwife or doctor immediately. This way, you can make sure that both of you are well and put your mind at ease. Don’t worry unnecessarily on your own: it’s better to seek help one time too many and play it safe.

What is colostrum, and is it normal that my breasts are producing it now?

Colostrum is the first, nutrient-rich pre-milk that your breasts can start producing during pregnancy. It is perfectly normal if you notice some colostrum leaking in the 34th week of pregnancy or in the final weeks before birth. This shows you that your breasts and tissue are lovingly preparing for later breast milk production and the arrival of your little one. For many expectant mothers, this is a wonderful moment—a small taste of how well your body will care for your baby.

How can I best prepare for childbirth?

Good birth preparation helps you approach labour more calmly. A birth preparation course with breathing exercises gives you valuable knowledge and strengthens your confidence in yourself and your body. Pack your hospital bag in good time so that you have everything to hand when the big moment arrives. Also discuss your wishes for the birth with your midwife or your doctor. This way, everyone knows what is important to you. Organisational matters are also part of the process: take care of the paperwork early and regularly schedule short breaks to recharge your energy. Your pregnancy calendar can also provide helpful information about what is good for you during this phase. And don’t forget how valuable the presence of your partner is on the big day: it gives you reassurance and calm. This way, you can look forward to your little bundle of joy feeling well prepared.

What does the baby's skin look like now?

Your baby’s skin becomes smoother and rosier from the 34th week of pregnancy onwards, as a protective layer of fat forms underneath. The fine hair, or lanugo, has now almost completely disappeared, and the hair on the head may already be quite thick. Your little one is increasingly taking on the appearance of a small adult. The Linea Nigra, a dark line on the mother’s abdomen, is now also usually clearly visible.

Is a premature birth at 34 weeks gestation viable?

Yes, a premature birth in the 34th week of pregnancy already has very good chances of survival thanks to modern medicine and good hospital care. A premature baby born about six weeks before the calculated due date already has a well-developed digestive tract and most organs. Nevertheless, it often still needs a little support to get used to the new world outside your womb. Breathing in particular is sometimes still monitored and assisted. The chances in this week of pregnancy are really very good, and the risk of complications is significantly lower than just a few weeks earlier. So you can approach this time with a great deal of confidence. Your little one is in the very best hands.

What role does the umbilical cord play now?

The umbilical cord continues to reliably supply your child with all the necessary nutrients and oxygen, while also removing waste products. It is your baby’s lifeline in the womb and is still working at full capacity to support your baby’s development.

Can the baby already perceive light and smells in the 34th week of pregnancy?

Yes, from the 34th week of pregnancy onwards, your baby is increasingly able to react to light stimuli that penetrate your abdominal wall. Its eyes are now often open and it can perceive differences between light and dark: another step forward. The ability to detect smells is also developing further, as the amniotic fluid can contain various aromas.

How is the baby’s immune system developing at 34 weeks of pregnancy?

Your baby’s immune system is now making important progress. It receives maternal antibodies via the umbilical cord and placenta, which protect it from illnesses after birth. These antibodies provide an important start for your little one’s own immune system.

What if the baby is in breech position?

Around 10 percent of babies are still in the breech position at the 34th week of pregnancy. In principle, your little one can still turn spontaneously up until birth, but especially for first-time mothers, the likelihood noticeably decreases from the 34th week onwards. Don’t worry: your doctor or midwife will keep a close eye on your baby’s position at the next check-ups. If your baby remains in this position, you will receive detailed advice about your options. This way, you can be well informed and prepare for the birth together with your birth team. This will help you stay positive and reassured that you and your little one are in the best possible hands.

What is the difference between practice contractions and real labour contractions?

Practice contractions, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions, are completely normal during pregnancy. They occur irregularly, are usually painless, and gently prepare your uterus for birth. True labour contractions, on the other hand, can be recognised by the fact that they occur at regular intervals, become increasingly stronger, and last longer. Only these true contractions cause your cervix to open. This is when the birth of your little one begins. If you are unsure whether you are experiencing practice contractions or actual labour contractions, don’t hesitate: call your midwife or the hospital directly. That way, you’ll be on the safe side and can put your mind at rest.

What influence do the hormones have now?

Hormones play a major role during this phase. They are responsible for loosening the ligaments in the pelvis and the pubic symphysis, which later makes it easier for the baby to pass through the birth canal. Your digestive tract can also be affected by the influence of hormones. These hormones also influence your mood and prepare your breasts for milk production.

The dream buggy you always wanted.

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