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You’re 34 weeks pregnant, and your body is starting to prepare for labor! Here’s a look at what’s going on this week for you and your little one.
How Big is Baby?
At just under 18 inches from head-to-toe that baby keeps getting bigger and bigger!
What’s New with Baby?
“At 34 weeks, babies have formed completely, but many of their organ systems, specifically their lungs, are still immature,” says Dr. Ashley Birmingham, an Ob/Gyn at UT Southwestern Medical Center. This week, their brain and neurological system are continuing to rapidly develop, along with a layer of fat under their skin.
Ashley Birmingham, M.D., is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She is a hospitalist who specializes in the care of laboring and hospitalized patients.
What’s New with Mom?
Feeling significant pressure in your belly? Finding simple tasks and walking more difficult than they once were? Both are normal, Mom. At 34 weeks pregnant, most of the things you’re experiencing are related to the continued growth of the baby and your uterus. If you haven’t yet, you may also begin to experience Braxton Hicks contractions. “These can be thought of as ‘warm up’ contractions as they prepare your body for the onset of true labor,” Birmingham says.
Fun Fact
Amniotic fluid levels peak around 34-36 weeks of pregnancy (right now!) and then slowly decrease until delivery. A low fluid level, called oligohydramnios, may be an indication for delivery. Your physician will discuss this with you if a low fluid level is detected.
What to Know About Packing a Hospital Bag
If you haven’t packed your hospital bag just yet, don’t worry, Mom! Birmingham recommends packing your hospital bag by 36 weeks, so you still have a little time. In fact, “most women will go into labor sometime after 36 weeks, so this is a good time to prepare your things and be ready to go,” she says.
She recommends moms plan to be in the hospital for 1-2 days if there are no complications after a vaginal delivery and 2–3 days after a c-section. So make sure you’re only packing enough for that timeframe.
What, exactly, should be on your hospital bag checklist? Birmingham recommends the following:
For Mom:
• Phone and charger
• ID and insurance card
• Delivery gown
• Soft, postpartum pajamas
• Postpartum underwear
• Socks
• An outfit for going home (do not bring pre-pregnancy clothes!)
• Slippers or flip flops for walking in your hospital room
• Pillow
• Nursing bra
• Pumping bra
• Breast pads
• Breast-feeding pillow
• Toiletries and hair ties
• Snacks—some hospitals might not allow Mom to eat or drink during labor, but it’s a good idea to have some of your favorites on hand for after you’ve given birth
• Entertainment, like an iPad for a movie or speaker for your own music during labor
For Baby:
• Car seat
• 1 cute outfit with hat for photo ops!
• 1–2 simple onesies or T-shirts
• Socks
• Mittens
• Swaddle/Blanket
• Memory book for footprints, physician signatures, delivery details, etc.
And what should you leave at home? Birmingham has seen parents bring the following, but they just aren’t necessary:
• Baby care items, such as diapers and wipes; these are provided by the hospital!
• Excessive amounts of baby outfits
• Valuables, such as expensive jewelry
• Dressy clothes
• Stroller
• Video game consoles
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This blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute the provision of medical advice or professional services. This blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
The above article was written by DFWChild contributor Katelin Walling with information provided by UT Southwestern Medical Center as part of their sponsored content.
