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Pregnant woman in third trimester

Week 34 of Pregnancy

What to Expect When You're 6 Weeks From Baby

Welcome to week 34, mama. You're officially in the home stretch—but it might not feel like the cozy wind-down people describe. Your belly is bigger, your sleep is weirder, and your bladder? Well, let's just say you've probably memorized every restroom within a 5-mile radius. The good news? You've made it through most of the tough terrain. Baby is now viable, strong, and preparing for the world outside. The not-so-good news? You're balancing exhaustion, last-minute prep, and all the "what-ifs" of delivery in your head like a pro-level juggler.

At this point, everything feels real. The hospital bag isn't just an idea—it's sitting half-packed in your closet. Your OB appointments are weekly now. You've either nailed down your birth plan—or are debating if a plan even makes sense (hint: flexibility wins). Whether you're a first-time mom or a seasoned pro, week 34 is a mental and physical shift. You're not just pregnant anymore—you're prepping for birth, postpartum, and parenthood. And that's exactly why this week matters so much.

Your Baby at 34 Weeks: The Final Growth Sprint

Let's start with your LO (little one): At week 34, your baby is about 17.5 inches long and weighs around 5.25 pounds—roughly the size of a honeydew melon. And the growth isn't slowing down. From this point until birth, baby is expected to gain about ½ pound per week, most of it in fat and muscle.

But here's what's especially cool about this stage:

  • Baby's brain is rapidly developing, creating those first critical neural pathways.
  • Lungs are nearly mature—especially important in case of early delivery.
  • Bones are hardening, except for the skull (which stays soft for birth).
  • Fat layers are forming, making baby look less like an alien and more like a squishy, kissable newborn.

By now, your baby's movements are big, bold, and unignorable. Punches, jabs, and full-blown somersaults might surprise you—and yes, they may even be visible from the outside. Feel like your baby is doing karate on your ribs at 2 AM? Totally normal. That strength is a sign of neurological health and muscle tone.

Birth preparation essentials including hospital bag checklist, nursing bras, and baby items

Your Body: When the Bump Drops and the Pressure Rises

This week, you might start noticing signs that your body is shifting toward labor readiness. The most obvious? That telltale "drop." Also known as lightening, it's when baby settles deeper into your pelvis in preparation for birth. If this is your first pregnancy, it often happens around 34–36 weeks. If it's not your first, the drop may not come until the day labor starts.

How do you know it's happening?

  • You can breathe a little easier—baby's off your lungs.
  • You need to pee. A lot.—baby's on your bladder.
  • Your bump looks lower and may feel heavier in your hips.

Also happening behind the scenes:

  • Braxton Hicks contractions might intensify. These are irregular, "practice" contractions that can be uncomfortable but aren't labor.
  • Pelvic pressure may increase, especially when walking.
  • Nesting urges are common—hello, cleaning the baseboards at midnight?
Chloe's tip: Get a belly band with lumbar support. It can seriously reduce round ligament pain and help with pelvic instability. Your registry will thank you.

Your Health: Preparing Your Body and Mind for Feeding and Labor

🍼 Breastfeeding: Learn Now, Not Later

If breastfeeding is on your radar, now's the time to educate yourself—before you're sore, leaking, and learning in real-time with a newborn attached to your chest. Breast milk is nutrient-packed and loaded with antibodies, but breastfeeding is a skill. One that takes time, patience, and, often, a bit of help.

Here's how to prep:

  • Book a virtual or in-person breastfeeding class.
  • Line up a lactation consultant—your hospital likely has one.
  • Watch videos on proper latch technique.
  • Pick up nipple balm now (your nipples will thank you later).

And let's be real: not every mom breastfeeds, and that's okay. Formula is a valid choice. What matters most is a fed, healthy baby and a mom who feels confident—not crushed under guilt or expectations.

🩺 Labor Curveballs: Embrace the Plot Twists

By now, you've probably imagined labor at least 42 different ways. Natural birth. Epidural. Doula-led water birth. Unmedicated. Scheduled c-section. Surprise NICU stay. You name it.

Here's the truth: birth is unpredictable. And letting go of how it "should" look is key to staying grounded. Maybe your labor stalls. Maybe you need a c-section. Maybe your perfectly laminated birth plan becomes a footnote in a whirlwind delivery.

Common feelings around labor that aren't talked about enough:

  • Guilt over needing medical intervention
  • Sadness over a birth experience that felt chaotic
  • Relief that it's over, without the magical "moment" you expected

It's okay to mourn expectations. It's also okay to feel nothing but joy. Every reaction is valid.

Pregnant woman journaling on couch, writing letters to baby

To-Do List for Week 34: Real Prep for Real Life

✅ Practical Things to Knock Out

  • Tour your hospital (virtually or in-person) and ask about:
    • COVID/postpartum visitor policies
    • Skin-to-skin practices
    • Breastfeeding support
  • Finalize your baby's pediatrician (many want the info at delivery).
  • Create your "call list" for labor—partner, doula, sitter, etc.
  • Install the car seat and get it inspected (many fire stations offer free checks).
  • Prep some freezer meals or grocery delivery plans.

🧘‍♀️ Sanity-Saving Self Care

  • Stretch your hips and lower back daily.
  • Drink tons of water—especially if you're having contractions.
  • Write a few letters to your baby. Journal about your fears, hopes, or just today's mood.

Emotional Check-In: You're Allowed to Feel All of It

Week 34 is weirdly emotional. You're close, but not quite done. Excited, but nervous. Empowered, but exhausted.

Let this be your permission slip:

  • It's okay to feel overwhelmed. You don't need to be "ready" to be prepared.
  • Talk to someone. Watch funny TikToks. Let your partner rub your feet. Cry if you need to. Laugh when you can. This stage is a lot—but you're doing more than enough.

Chloe's No-Fluff Recap

  • Baby is gaining fat, strength, and making moves—literally.
  • Your body is adjusting, possibly "dropping," and maybe giving you Braxton Hicks.
  • Breastfeeding and labor are worth planning for—but be flexible.
  • Start checking those hospital-prep boxes (but take breaks too).
  • Guilt and unpredictability are part of the game. You're still crushing it.